A Blackburn car dealership’s aftersales department has been recognised as the Lancashire team of the year at a regional business awards ceremony.

Bowker Blackburn’s aftersales team beat off competition from three other shortlisted local and regional businesses to win the ‘Team of the Year’ title at the Lancashire Telegraph Business Awards.

The award recognised the department’s team spirit and staff development borne out in a 100 per cent staff retention rate. As part of its continuous improvement, Bowker Blackburn, which employs 96 people, has implemented a first visit repair promise.

And, in response to customer focus groups, the department is now open for longer at weekends on a Saturday until 4pm.

The department has five per cent growth budgeted for 2013, however half-year results show it is achieving 13 per cent above that.  And last year Bowker Blackburn was named a 20-star dealership, making it one of only five in the country to have excelled in customer service within sales and aftersales within the BMW group.

Bowker Blackburn managing director Chris Eccles said: “The hard work of our aftersales team means we are now renowned for customer service across the country.

“I’m grateful to everyone who plays their part in Bowker Blackburn’s success. This award is thoroughly deserved and confirms the effort and commitment they put in. They always put customers first. And it just shows that with team effort and a positive caring approach anything is possible.”

The latest award is one in a long line of regional, national and trade awards won by Bowker Blackburn.  In August, Eccles was confirmed as one of three national Managers of the Year in the annual BMW Excellence in Sales competition.

In February this year Bowker Blackburn was one of only two BMW dealerships in the country to be shortlisted for this year’s automotive industry AM Awards.

In March last year, Bowker was recognised as the National Customer Dealer of the Year 2011 by BMW UK.