Knowepark Caravans, West Lothian
This year your response to Dealer of the Year surpassed even last year's phenomenal effort, piling praise on our overall winner. After sifting through the comments and mulling over our mystery shoppers' thoughts, we emerged with a clear favourite: Knowepark Caravans in West Lothian.
There were comments from many satisfied customers, that included: "The personal attention that we received from the minute we walked through the door was wonderful." Another told us: "It was the informative advice from friendly staff that really made this dealership shine."
Unlike some dealerships that favour an overbearing and pushy sales technique, Knowepark stood out because of staff's relaxed attitude. In the words of one reader: "When we needed a little thinking time, they left us alone without applying pressure."
The laidback yet helpful customer service shown by the Knowpark crew is firmly rooted in its history. The dealership is a real family affair. Current co-owner Doreen Finley's father started the business in the 1950s and ran it from home. He expanded over
the decades, eventually opening
a second depot in the 1980s.
Thanks to the personal touch of this knowledgeable owner – who passed his passion down through generations of the family – the Finleys opened their current complex in 1991: a purpose-built, two-storey dealership, that has now been recognised as the best in the UK. From a staff of one, Knowepark now employs 45 people.
These days, Doreen Finley runs the business in conjunction with her two brothers, and the family connection doesn't stop there. Elsewhere at Knowepark customers will find Doreen's son on hand in sales and her nephew looking after vans in the workshop.
Across its two storeys, our mystery shoppers explored the accident-and-repair, servicing and PDI workshops. All three of these have a healthy mix of young staff learning their trade, as well as experienced guiding hands to show them the way. In fact, the site also serves as a test centre for the local population. The NCC City and Guilds course is held on these premises. There is also a vast accessories store and a welcoming coffee shop on site.
On the forecourt you'll find
a wide range of caravans, about which the sales team know everything there is to know. One reader wrote: "Before I left the staff, they explained how everything works, so I felt confident about caravanning, even as a first-timer."
Big name brands, from Abbey to Swift, fill the forecourt. Knowepark is a major authorised dealer for the Explorer Group and the longest-serving Elddis dealer in the UK, one reason why the dealer knows the products it sells so well.
When asked how she saw Knowepark's mission, it was customer service that was at the forefront of Doreen Finley's mind. "Although we pride ourselves on the service that we offer, we know there's always room for improvement. We're constantly looking to expand our customer service because, as a family business, we understand the value of the personal touch."
This is another reason why Knowepark fared so well in this year's awards. Many of the staff have held their positions for years, so returning customers are able to speak with the same people who initially sold them their vans.
The team at Knowepark has been in the business of caravan sales, repair and maintenance for more than 40 years. Add to this
the extensive accessories shop and diverse forecourt, and you have a dealership bursting with potential buys, sound advice and superb after-sales support. It is
a worthy winner, indeed.
Knowepark Caravans
Address Hardie Road, Deans, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 8BA
Tel 01506 411 827
Web http://kpcm.co.uk |
