Rainworth Škoda has been named as the Volkswagen Group-owned Czech brand’s UK Retailer of the Year 2019 as it claimed first and second place at its annual awards event.

In a week that sees the cream of the automotive retail sector gathering at the ICC in Birmingham for the AM Awards 2020, franchisees from Škoda UK’s 128-strong retail network claimed a variety of awards for their performance over a series of KPIs during the last 12 months.

And it was Rainworth, which celebrated its 50th anniversary with the rebranding of the former Bickerton Škoda dealership in Sheffield, that won the top plaudits.

Rainworth Škoda Sheffield finished top of the rankings, claiming the Retailer of the Year Award, while its dealership in its hometown of Mansfield claimed second place overall.

Henrys Glasgow North operation took home third place as a further 10 awards for specific business areas were issued to outstanding Skoda dealers.

The full list of Škoda Dealer Awards winners:

  • Marketing - Henrys (Glasgow North)
  • Customer Experience - Des Winks Škoda
  • People Excellence - Wings of Peterborough Ltd
  • Used Vehicle Sales - RRG Škoda (Rochdale)
  • Skoda Finance - Heritage Škoda (Yeovil)
  • Fleet Sales - Johnsons Škoda (Birmingham)
  • Most Improved Retailer - Winchester Motor Company
  • Digital Experience - Wings of Peterborough Ltd
  • Service & Parts - RRG Škoda (Bolton)
  • Sales - Rainworth Škoda (Sheffield)

John French, Škoda UK’s head of sales operations, said: “The retailers form the backbone of our business and during a challenging 12 months for the industry as a whole they were able to grow our sales volume and market share, while continuing to deliver fantastic service.

“I extend my congratulations to the whole network for their on-going dedication and applaud Rainworth Škoda on their success.”

Škoda UK’s sales success was only surpassed by Seat among the Volkswagen Group brand’s in 2019.

Data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) last month showed that its UK registrations rose 0.44% to 75,053 (2018: 74,724) in 2019.