Hepworth Honda has praised the process of being involved in AM Best UK Dealership to Work For 2018, stating that the initiative helped improve the business’ understanding of its employees.

Group managing director, Stephen Brighton, said: “Being involved really improved our understanding of what our employees need from our business and expect and gave us confidence that we are treating them correctly too.”

Registration for this year’s Best UK Dealerships to Work For survey are now open for those businesses wishing to enter for 2019, with participants reminded that they can enter – and be in with a chance of official recognition at AM Live 2019 in November – entirely for free.

The deadline to enter is June 7.

Brighton said added benefits of being recognised as part of the Best UK Dealerships to Work For included finding it easier to attract new recruits and raising the business’ profile with its manufacturer partners and wider automotive sector.

He said: “The process for employees to contribute to the survey was easy, which made getting feedback easier than we anticipated without disrupting the business too much.

“Staff our happy working here which isn’t a given. That personal feedback was given voluntarily and not prompted. That has been beneficial for planning employee benefits moving forward.”

Hepworth Honda was recognised for initiatives like finishing early on Fridays, rewarding staff with nights out, biannual employee performance reviews, opt in benefits like income protection cover, critical illness cover, cycle loans, season tickets and car scheme.

All employees receive medical insurance, including dental and eye cover and are insured for death in service.

Brighton has monthly meetings with all employees and conducts employee performance reviews at least every six months. The business encourages staff to develop their skills, through training workshops and seminars.

Eleven dealerships made the grade last year, out of the 45 who registered this year, four fewer than 2017.

The goal of the programme is to raise the bar among industry employers, creating excellence and employee engagement in the workplace that will attract talented people for years to come.

AM editor Tim Rose said: “We want to build on the success of this programme, so I urge any franchised dealership to register and take part.

“Make the grade and you’ll feature in these awards next year. And if you don’t, you’ll at least understand how your employees view their place of work, and identify areas you can improve.”