Luscombe Suzuki Leeds has been hailed as the first dealership in the UK to be awarded a ‘working to become dementia friendly’ status.

Peter Smith is founder of the Tea Cosy Memory Café for dementia sufferers in Rothwell and has helped establish 42 similar dementia friendly cafés in the area.

Now, the Luscombe Motors centre has become his first dealership to receive the classification after guidance from Smith on factors to consider when dementia sufferers and their partners visit.

Dealer group managing director and AM Award winner Robin Luscombe said: “We want to be more aware of how to identify sufferers and there are many little things we can do to ease the stress involved for both the sufferer and the partner.

“Being aware also fits in well with our business culture, as we want to be seen as a caring business, where cars can be bought without high pressure sales, and where customer service is paramount.

“We have at least three regular customers whose partners suffer from dementia.

“I am sure there will be many more in Leeds. As someone who had a parent with the illness I hope a business demonstrating awareness of the issues it causes will prove a reassurance.”

To get a basic understanding of dementia Smith discussed the issues with customer facing staff.

Smith said: “This is not about selling cars, but creating more dementia awareness with the public.”

> In the picture from left to right is Peter Smith, founder of the Tea Cosy Memory Café, John Mann, Luscombe Suzuki Leeds’ sales manager, Robin Luscombe, sales executive Shaun Holmes, Jane Whyman, customer relations manager and Phil Wright, sales admin manager.