Suzuki GB has announced the three winners of its Annual Aftersales Guild Awards, hailing the winning manager, advisor and technician as "an inspirational and valuable asset" to its dealership network.

The annual event is the culmination of a contest which is part of its distance learning programme completed by over 350 entrants and the winners were announced at a gala dinner held at the De Vere Horwood Estate in Buckinghamshire following a series of “gruelling” tests on the day of the ceremony.

The top prizes of Aftersales Manager of the Year, Aftersales Advisor of the Year and Technician of the Year, were awarded to Paul Coghlan of West End Suzuki in Dundee, Mark Sims of Stephen A Sims Cars in Darlington and Barry Russell of Eastbourne Suzuki in East Sussex.

Suzuki GB’s director of aftersales, Denis Houston, said: “We would like to congratulate all of the winners and finalists on their achievements, and each of the candidates have demonstrated an exemplary level of professionalism and commitment throughout the contest.

“They are an inspirational and valuable asset to Suzuki’s nationwide retail network, and we look forward to supporting each of these individuals as they continue to progress their careers with us.”

As well as attracting praise from their employers' manufacturer partner, the awards winners also received a Fitbit Smartwatch plus an all-expenses paid four-day trip to Malta along with the Guild finalists.

The certificates were presented by Nobuo Suyama, Suzuki GB’s managing director, Dale Wyatt, director of automobile, and Denis Houston, director of aftersales.

The dinner also hosted the Apprentice of the Year awards which recognise the accomplishments of Automobile, Motorcycle and ATV service technician and parts/customer service advisor apprentices in their first, second and third years, following nominations by the trainers.

The Tim Crewdson Award, which rewards the apprentice that has demonstrated an outstanding improvement during the last 12 months, was given out during the evening to Daniel Parkes of Southampton’s Newmans Suzuki.