Arnold Clark Chief Executive and Group Managing Director Eddie Hawthorne was recognised for his leadership of the Group this month when he won Motor Trader’s Outstanding Achievement award.
A panel of Motor Trader Awards judges recognised Eddie for an ‘outstanding contribution to the UK car retailing sector’, while he also received plaudits for other indicators including professionalism, innovation and community spirit, particular areas where Arnold Clark has made great strides in recent years.
Speaking after receiving his award from the popular automotive industry magazine, presented in a socially distanced format at Arnold Clark’s head office in Hillington, Eddie said:
‘I am humbled to receive this award and to be recognised by my peers in this way. However, this award is testament to the hard work and dedication of every employee in the Arnold Clark Group.
‘The entire motor industry has experienced enormous challenges throughout 2020, but I believe that through an emphasis on a digital-physical-digital customer experience, and the wide use of our Click & Collect service, the Group has responded well to an ever-changing situation for car retail this year, which staff and customers have both had to adapt to, at every turn. So I would like to thank our employees across the UK for the composure they have demonstrated in the face of these challenges – this has helped the business continue to operate as smoothly as possible.’
Eddie is particularly proud of the positive buying experience that branches cultivated for customers, and believed it contributed to winning the award.
Eddie added:
‘As an organisation we have always remained conscious of the fact that for a customer buying a car, it might be the second-most expensive purchase they ever make, and to ensure they feel more at ease about such a transaction we must deliver first-rate customer service. To be recognised by an industry panel shows that we are doing that.’