Hard work has paid off for an Ashford garage that has been crowned the best in the country.
After finishing in the top ten of the Top Garage competition for those with more than ten employees in 2023, this year’s ceremony saw D&D Autos (Ashford) come away with the ultimate prize.
It was a triple celebration for the family concern which, in addition to winning the ultimate accolade, reached the shortlist in the workplace health and wellbeing category and in the service advisor category, where Kevin Shilling reached the top ten.
The family-run garage competed against more than 100 others nationwide in the competition, winning through two qualifying rounds before being quizzed by an expert panel on the final day.
“The finals were held in Warwick and involved lots of questions about our values, objectives, quality control procedures and much more,” explained operations manager Lorraine Fuller.
“This is a prestigious competition, and we were delighted to reach the top ten last year. To finish in top spot this year was a proud moment, both for the whole team and for Kevin, whose individual skills were justly rewarded by his own top ten finish.”
The competition, sponsored by Aftermarket magazine, started in 2002 when it began as an award for the top technician in the country. The ‘top garage’ category was established in 2022.
“We were up against stiff competition, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved as a local family business,” Lorraine continued. “My dad Derek, who founded D&D Autos more than 40 years ago, and mum Margaret were there, along with my brothers, Matthew and Richard Pestridge. As the second generation, we are working hard to take the business forward and I am immensely proud of what the team at D&D Autos has achieved.”
D&D Autos, which operates out of modern, purpose-built premises in Moat Way on Ashford’s Orbital Park, now employs 25 members of staff and won the award for the ‘over 10 employees’ category.
