It's official - customer service is tops in Oldham

The results are in…and superb customer service has been recognised at the third Oldham Town Centre Business Awards.

Organised by Oldham Council and the Town Centre Business Partnership, the awards promote and recognise how businesses are looking after shoppers, visitors and residents – being judged on everything from customer service to staff image.

Entrants into the awards are objectively assessed by a ‘Mystery Shopper’.

For those who don’t know, mystery shoppers are people employed to visit a shop ‘undercover’ to assess the quality of the service and premises.

The customer service expert visited more than 60 businesses in Oldham town centre, assessing them on venue appearance, products and pricing, initial contact, service, sales and staff image.

22 businesses were awarded a score of 90-per-cent or more – four of which gained a perfect 100-per-cent.

The businesses which received either the highest score or full marks in three categories won.

Parliament Square café, in the heart of the town centre, was the winner of the Independent Business of the Year Award.

Debenhams, located in Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, scooped the National Business of the Year Award.

Traders in Tommyfield Market Hall showed they truly care about their customers as four businesses scored a flush 100-per-cent.

Best Wishes, Cards and Balloons, Marwoods Baby and Children’s Wear, Potato Hut and Spoilt for Choice all won a Trader of the Year Award.

Councillor Sean Fielding, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “The Oldham Town Centre Business Awards are a celebration of the excellent customer service being delivered in the town centre.

“I’m pleased that so many businesses entered the awards and are working with us to create a friendly and welcoming town centre for residents and visitors.

“Congratulations to this year’s winners - they should all be very proud of their achievements.”

Diane Lyon, co-owner of Marwoods Baby and Children’s Wear, said: “It’s fantastic that our family-run business has been acknowledged in this way.

“We pride ourselves on delivering top quality baby and christening wear as well as service that exceeds customers’ expectations, so we’re delighted that this has been recognised.”

All the businesses which entered are being given their individual results.

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