Countrywide wins prestigious industry award
A recent animal health industry award has seen Countrywide walk away with the top prize, that of ‘Store of the Year’.
Industry award success for Countrywide Farmers
In addition to this top award, Countrywide, the UK’s leading supplier of products and advice to the rural community, also received a highly commended in the ‘Agricultural Store Manager of the Year’ category.
Invited guests from across the animal health industry gathered to celebrate those individuals and companies who are delivering best practice, advice and exceptional customer service to the rural community, with particular emphasis on the sale and distribution of animal health products.
Manager of the winning store, Murray Phillips comments, “I am delighted that the Melton Mowbray store has been awarded ‘Store of the Year.’ The industry recognition for the hard work that has been put in to further improve the store for our local customer base is greatly appreciated.”
To receive the accolade ‘Store of the Year’ the winning store must provide the right products, a specialist team of qualified staff and an innovative store design and layout, leading to an outstanding shopping experience for customers.
Awards judge Ian Scott, Secretary General for AHDA, comments “Countrywide’s Melton Mowbray store has greatly improved in the last three years to meet their customers’ requirements and expectations. They constantly seek to implement new ideas and actively promote the store, conducting promotions and holding events catered specifically for farmers and the wider rural community.”
Countrywide has launched a major new initiative across all of its stores aimed at supporting its rural customers. The new strategy, that customers will see in store as ‘Stamping Down Prices’, has seen Countrywide invest £2million on reducing the cost of hundreds of products in store to offer local customers a good deal better.
“For the Agricultural Store Manager of the Year category, the Judging panel were looking for individuals who had made, and are continuing to make, an impact on their store, their team and their customers.” continues Mr Scott “Tracey Lockyer from the Taunton Countrywide store listens to her customers needs and builds strong relationships with them. Tracey includes her staff in decision making and is results orientated, achieving year on year sales growth, an incredible feat given the current economic climate.”
Commenting on the awards Countrywide’s Retail Operations Manager, Steve Collard says, “On behalf of Countrywide I would like to congratulate both stores for achieving these accolades, they are duly deserved. We strive to meet the requirements of the rural community both through the products and services on offer, backed up by staff advice and expertise. Murray, Tracey and their teams are a good example of Countrywide at its best.”