SMA Vehicle Remarketing Celebrates National Award Win

SMA Vehicle Remarketing's Newcastle centre is celebrating winning an award for its work with Motability Operations, the business behind the Motability car, powered wheelchair and scooter schemes for disabled people. The accolade, awarded at the sixth annual Motability Supplier Awards, recognises excellence, efficiency and innovation.

SMA Newcastle centre accepted the winning award for Auction Centre of the Year.  SMA Newcastle was highlighted by Motability Operations as one of the top performing businesses supporting the service provided to over half a million Motability customers in the UK. With award wins and commendations ranging from those for individual car dealers and car manufacturers, to specialist businesses that convert cars to make them wheelchair accessible, the awards celebrate the diversity of the Motability car, powered wheelchair and scooter schemes.

Mike Betts, chief executive, Motability Operations, commented:

"The Motability Scheme delivers a service that enhances the lives and opportunities for disabled people and their families. The Supplier Awards recognises the performance and consistent excellence across the different types of businesses and people who deliver that service to our customers. Ranging from those involved in face-to-face customer service, to those who deliver the behind the scenes logistics of the scheme, all winners and commended businesses and individuals are united by their high standards."

In winning the Auction Centre of the Year Award, SMA Vehicle Remarketing's Newcastle centre was the business who took the top spot this year by delivering the strongest conversion rate of all auction centres working with Motability Operations.

Praised by judges as a business always looking to improve sales performance and increase efficiencies, SMA Newcastle is also recognised today for its buyer loyalty, motivated team, and high quality service.  The judges also noted how in 2010 Motability Operations had enjoyed working with SMA Newcastle to trial new initiatives, and welcomed their flexible approach to this activity.

As well as the award for Auction Centre Category, there were a further 13 awards presented at a business session hosted by broadcaster Huw Edwards on 8 July 2011. In addition to one winner in each category, there were also commended businesses and individuals.

Celebrating their Motability Supplier Awards win, Bob Anderson, Group Managing Director from SMA Vehicle Remarketing, said:

"To win a Motability Supplier Award in the Auction Centre of the Year category is simply fantastic, particularly against the stiff competition that the awards are renowned for.  We are thrilled to have this professional recognition and an award-winning partnership with Motability Operations."

Motability Operations manages the worry-free Motability Scheme for disabled people and their families. Anyone who receives the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement can exchange this monthly payment for a brand new car, powered wheelchair or scooter through Motability.