Motor Ombudsman seeking industry champions in fifth annual Star Awards

The Motor Ombudsman is seeking nominations for the fifth edition of its prestigious Star Awards.

Launched in 2020, these awards recognise excellence in customer service within the UK's Motor Ombudsman-accredited businesses.

Comprising the Garage Star Awards for independent garages, franchise dealers, and body repair centres, along with the Customer Service Star Awards for vehicle manufacturers and warranty providers, the competition encourages consumers to submit their nominations online via The Motor Ombudsman’s dedicated Awards portal before October 18.

Nominations should identify instances where employees or businesses adhering to The Motor Ombudsman’s four Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved Motor Industry Codes of Practice have exceeded expectations and demonstrated exceptional customer service.

Thus far, over 6,500 nominations have been received, underscoring acts of kindness and generosity exhibited by Motor Ombudsman-accredited businesses active in vehicle repairs, car purchases, and warranty claims.

Following the nomination phase, a panel of consumer and industry experts will review submissions and shortlist three contenders from each of the eight Garage Star Award regions, as well as two finalists for the Customer Service Star Awards.

Adjudicators will select ten winners and two highly commended entries across all categories based on predefined criteria.

From the regional winners, judges will convene to select the recipient of the coveted National Garage Star Award, which, following its successful presentation in 2023, will once again be awarded in a prestigious ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in London’s Westminster.

The recipient will also receive £2,000 worth of shopping vouchers and extensive marketing exposure, including a bespoke promotional video.

Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “We are excited to be launching the fifth edition of our Star Awards, and to shine the spotlight once again on Motor Ombudsman-accredited businesses and individuals across the country, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help their customers when it mattered most.

“During the past four years, it has been positive to see the competition growing in profile – accolades that today provide a unique platform to showcase outstanding achievements, and inspire others to strive for excellence in the work that they do. We look forward to seeing this year’s entries and naming the winners for 2024 in a few months’ time.”