Who cares, wins at Which? Awards

19 May 2010

Small businesses and global brands shared the stage at this year’s Which? Awards, where top notch customer service and quality products proved a powerful combination.

At the annual event, hosted by newsreader Kirsty Young, consumer champion Which? celebrated those companies that consistently get it right for their customers, from audio-visual brands and airlines to online retailers and restaurants.

Skoda owners had the last laugh as the car maker trounced more expensive brands to scoop the Best Car Manufacturer Award. Affordable, solidly built cars and great customer care have consigned Skoda gags to the history books once and for all.

Staying with transport, Air New Zealand was named Best Airline with a massive 98 per cent of its passengers recommending it to a friend.

In the retail sector, exceptional customer service, quality products and knowledgeable staff made high street favourite Richer Sounds a deserving winner of the coveted Best Retailer Award, while Johnlewis.com was crowned Best Online Retailer.

Small business SMD Electrical Services Ltd in Surrey won Which? Local Business of the Year Award, while The Swan at Southrop received The Good Food Guide Readers’ Restaurant of the Year Award from top chef Jason Atherton.

Peter Vicary-Smith, Chief Executive, Which?, says:

“Great businesses know that quality products are only part of the story – all our award winners provide top notch customer service too.

“As you would expect from Which?, our awards are entirely independent. Businesses can’t put themselves forward for an award – they are chosen on the basis of our rigorous research and feedback from Which? members.”

The Which? Consumer Champion award went to Stewart Mackenzie in recognition of the dedication and determination he has shown in his battle to improve legal services in Scotland over the last ten years.

Other award winners include First Direct, O2, and Miele and Panasonic which both scooped their third Which? Awards.

Notes to Editor

For further information, an interview or images of award winners from the event, please contact the press office. Images will be available from 16.30 on Wednesday 19 May.

Which? Awards winners:

  • Best Airline: Air New Zealand
  • Best Audio-Visual Brand: Panasonic
  • Best Car Manufacturer: Skoda
  • Best Domestic Appliance Brand: Miele
  • Best Financial Services Provider: First Direct
  • Best Online Retailer: johnlewis.com
  • Best Retailer: Richer Sounds
  • Best Technology Services Provider: O2
  • The Good Food Guide Readers’ Restaurant of the Year Award: The Swan at Southrop (South West)
  • Which? Local Business of the Year: SMD Electrical Services Ltd, Surrey (South East)
  • Which? Consumer Champion: Stewart Mackenzie

For more information on the awards, go to www.which.co.uk/awards.

Which? is the leading independent consumer champion in the UK. We provide impartial, expert information on products and services in our magazines, books and online to help consumers make more informed choices, and we campaign on issues that matter to all consumers, from food to finances, health to estate agents. For more information on how we can help you, visit http://www.which.co.uk or http://www.which.co.uk/campaigns

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