"Previous awards winners have benefited from increased exposure and credibility."

Key facts

• The occassion: AM Awards 2009
• Date: 25th February 2009
• Location: ICC Birmingham
• Deadline for entries: 15th November 2008

The AM Awards is about finding the best companies and highlighting their achievements.

It is about pitting your company against your peers; giving your staff a boost by proving they are the best in the business; and raising the reputation of your company with your customers.

Previous awards winners have greatly benefited from the increased exposure and credibility that comes with being acknowledged by the automotive industry’s leading business publication. 

In addition, coverage in local newspapers, promotional pieces on the internet or in the showroom, even advertising on TV in the case of 2007 carmaker of the year Suzuki and three-time used car retailer Available Car, will all raise your profile with your customers.

The awards forms can now be printed off the AM website or requested (see Entry process panel). 

AM Awards auditor MSX International will call each business that has entered one of the company categories to obtain further information on performance and planning before carrying out a full audit of shortlisted companies.

Its independent audit will focus on key areas of the business, including business planning, financial performance, people management and customer relationship management. AM is accepting entries now – good luck!

To enter go to www.am-awards.co.uk. For more details of the entry process click here. To see pictures from last years AM Awards 2008 click here.

The 2009 categories

Innovation

Best Marketing Programme 
Sponsored by: Experian 
2008 winner: Sandicliffe Motor Group
Without a cohesive marketing programme, any company will struggle to attract new business. This award will recognise a cohesive marketing programme that covers all aspects of the marketing mix – Product, Price, Place and Promotion.

Best Training Programme
Sponsored by: RTS 
2008 winner: Volkswagen Group Learning Services
Training is crucial to develop staff. The judges are looking for a cohesive programme that incorporates coaching, leadership, skills and competencies via on-the-job
coaching and structured courses.

Best Dealer Website
Sponsored by: Motors.co.uk
2008 winner: Chelmsford Carriage Company
Having a strong profile online is vital in the modern sales environment. The judges are looking for an innovative website that is easy to use, fast, functional, attractive and encourages people to spend a lot of time. It needs to be kept up to date, make good use of pictures and be informative.

Best Environmental Policy
2008 winner: Sandicliffe Motor Group
The environment is increasingly at the forefront of customers’ minds. The judges are looking for a well thought out, innovative and workable policy including examples of how you are reducing your business impact on the environment and how you are helping/advising customers to improve their ‘green’ credentials.

Excellence in Business: Employer of the Year
2008 winner: Sytner Group
Customer loyalty, satisfaction and, ultimately, your business profits all stem from how you, as the employer, treat your staff. Motivated, happy staff will go the extra mile when dealing with
customers. This award will recognise and honour outstanding employers in the motor industry.

Excellence in Customer Service
2008 winner: Sandicliffe Motor Group
Customer service is crucial to the long-term success of any business. The entry must show a genuine understanding of the needs of customers, with a team-based desire
to make a difference. Initiatives don’t have to transform a business, but they will have to make a difference.

NEW Best Community Initiative
A new category recognising dealers, repairers or bodyshops which are at the centre of their local community. These companies support local initiatives; they are pillars of society.
They are working hard to improve the image of the motor industry which is having a positive impact on their sales and on their ability to attract new staff.

NEW Best Start-up Business
A start-up business – dealer, bodyshop, repairer - that has been going for less than two years, as at December 31, 2008. The judges are looking for a cohesive strategy for growth, plus an innovative approach to retailing that makes the business stand out.

NEW Most Improved Company of the Year
Had a bad few years but managed to turn it around? Then this category is for you. It recognises those companies that have put in place a recovery strategy that has borne the right results and is open to dealers, repairers and bodyshops.

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