WE ALL like good service and it can be the difference between success and failure in business.

The companies shortlisted for the Winchester Motor Company Skoda Customer Service Award 2016 have certainly put their customers first.

Mark Mills Goodlett, of Winchester Motor Company who are joint sponsors of the category along with Skoda, said he was pleasantly surprised to see so many entries in the customer service category.

“The standard was very high and it’s interesting that the shortlisted companies have been included in awards elsewhere.

“It’s also very interesting to see that the finalists are four completely different types of business.”

Mark added that he had been impressed with the amount of staff training that the entrants gave.

The shortlisted companies are:

  • Creatiques Bridal Boutique

Creatiques Bridal Boutique is an award winning company based in Southsea.

Co-owned by passionate industry professionals Andrew and Robert Pearce, the Hampshire based team has just celebrated their 25th trading year within the bridal industry.

Home to over 130 sample gowns from top designers in the UK, Andrew, Rob and their small team pride themselves on their ethos, offering a completely unique, and personalised service to each and every one of their brides, establishing a trusted and consistent relationship from “Your First Step Through The Creatiques Door, to Your First Step Down The Aisle…”

  • Solent Mobility (Shepherds Hospital Equipment)

Solent Mobility was launched in 2008 and is considered to have the largest showroom on the south coast offering a comprehensive range of mobility equipment and aids to improve the quality and independence of their customers’ lives.

With a background in customer service, Debbie Watts, director is the driving force behind the retail High Street shop in Lee On Solent, while husband Mike Watts, director takes the lead on Shepherd Hospital Equipment Limited providing service and maintenance facilities to NHS trusts and private hospitals nationwide.

Shepherds and Solent Mobility have unified under the same umbrella sharing company ethics and working practices concentrating strongly on customer service.

  • The Walcote Practice

The Walcote Practice is an affordable private GP practice in the heart of Winchester offering timely, convenient, tailored, high quality medical care, delivered by a known doctor, alongside comfortable bespoke premises and outstanding customer service.

Same-day appointments are available within and outside of standing working hours and, uniquely, you can choose your own appointment length.

The practice also offer minor surgery, private vaccinations and much more. Our services can be dovetailed with NHS provision, enhancing your healthcare choices.

Visit thewalcotepractice.co.uk to learn more or phone 01962 828715 to book an appointment with an experienced private GP.

  • English Rose Collection

English Rose Collection Ltd is a professional and reliable private hire transfer service, specialising in journeys to and from major and local airports, cruise terminals and other long distance travel, including tours of the south coast.

As a family run business, their values are very firmly on providing excellent customer service for every journey and their vision has always been to change the image of a “taxi” through the service it provides.

You choose the service required and let them do the rest so you arrive relaxed and refreshed.