A USED car dealership in the Swindon area has won an award at its industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.

Staff from Carite on Moormead Road in Wroughton took home the Best Used Car Customer Care trophy at this year’s Car Dealer Used Car Awards, which celebrated the best businesses working in the market around the UK.

Thousands of automotive retailers and many MOT testing stations and workshops enter the awards each year – and each one undergoes a rigorous judging process.

A mystery shopping assessment is carried out on those that make it to the nominations list before the gongs are handed out to deserving winners at a ceremony in London.

In the category Carite won, assessors look for consistently high scores in online reviews and wanted to see a great website, have friendly conversations with members of the team, and receive a prompt and efficient response to their inquiries.

The judges noted that the Wroughton team’s excellent feedback online was backed up by a well-designed, easy-to-navigate website, while interaction with colleagues was pressure-free and informative.

Managing director Tim Maddocks said: “I’m super-excited. I’m a bit emotional but very excited at the same time. It wasn’t expected but it was so nice to be recognised.

“We have all got a passion for the job and the same goal at the end to get out what we want.

“From the start to where we are now six years later is absolutely amazing.

“It’s a good business. We get smarter and more dedicated every single day and this award gives us even more confidence. It means so much.”

Car Dealer Magazine editor-in-chief James Baggott said: ‘‘The Best Used Car Customer Care category is one of the most keenly contested every year at the Car Dealer Used Car Awards.

“That’s hardly surprising really – every customer-facing organisation wants to deliver wonderful customer care.

‘‘Carite absolutely aced the mystery shopping round, which is no mean feat, and online feedback showed that countless customers had received similarly impressive levels of service and communication. This is a well-deserved win for the team.’’

Wheeler Dealers TV host Mike Brewer was the awards night compere.

He said: ‘‘It looks like Carite are getting it right when it comes to used car customer care! Well done to everyone concerned – a banging result and welcome peace of mind for car buyers in the Swindon area and beyond.’’