OUTSTANDING service from Westbury businesses has been recognised in the recent Service Excellence Awards, run by the local Chambers of Commerce. The competition invited members of the public to rate local businesses, with around 300 responses being received in Westbury and Trowbridge, before a judging panel considered a shortlist. At a recent celebration evening, the Westbury winner was announced as Rose’s Gardening Services, with Mad Hatters Tea Rooms of Edward Street named as the runner-up. Ellen Scudamore, of Rose’s Gardening Services, said they were delighted to win. She said, “I got very emotional when we heard we’d won! We’ve worked so hard and didn’t really know how well we were doing, we just do our best.”The business prides itself on not only offering a high quality, competitively priced service, but also for the extra attention it devotes to ensuring that vulnerable people can be assured of a safe, caring, and honest service. From a one-man business in January 2011, it now employs seven people. Ellen said, “I think we won because we’ve done everything to make people feel as safe as possible and everyone is important to us. We know people are struggling for money, and we know how frustrating it can be for those who are elderly or disabled and know what they want doing, but struggle to relay that. We’ve got to have really good listening ears so we know we’re doing the job how they want it done.“In a tough climate, we’re doing really, really well. We’re not trying to rip people off, but do good honest work for an honest budget.”The celebration evening attracted over 200 guests at the new Civic Centre in Trowbridge, including Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council, town mayors, other dignitaries, finalists and their friends and colleagues, and sponsors, who attended the glitzy evening to find out those who had gone that extra mile to become a runner-up or winner. The winners each received a £1,000 cheque, a trophy, and £500 free editorial in the Wiltshire Times. The runners-up received a cheque each for £500, plus a trophy.David Jenkins, president of the Westbury Chamber of Commerce, said, “Congratulations to all those that took part especially the winner, Rose’s Gardening Services, and the runner-up Mad Hatters Cafe.“This is the first time that Westbury has participated in this event. I thought it would be a good idea to enter as it might contribute positively towards the town’s image. It’s something different, progressive and who knows it may even attract interest, more business and most of all customers.“It was surprising the range of nominations there were, from ironmongers to restaurants, tyre supplies and opticians. “The response was amazing, far exceeding expectation and what surprised me was that there were more nominations from Westbury than Trowbridge. I could not get over the enthusiasm that people had for their local businesses.“It could clearly be seen that all the nominations had the motivation, drive and determination to make their business successful. I take my hat off to them and that despite the difficulties that exist in the economy with the period of austerity we are all experiencing they are out there serving the community and making a living – well done and congratulations.”
