Rising stars in customer service rewarded at Bradford garden centre

The efforts by seven staff members to deliver exceptional customer service at Tong Garden Centre are being rewarded with an invitation to a prestigious awards ceremony.

Macauley Jackson, Matt Porritt, Debbie Longsdale, Monika Litwiekjo, Dave Clayton, James Tolson and Asif Khan will accompany Tong co-owner Mark Farnsworth and other members of the management teamto theWelcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards on November 21, where Tong Garden Centre is shortlisted in the Customer Service category.

All were nominated by their fellow employees as part of Tong's Reward and Recognition Programme that was introduced by owners Tom Megginson and Mark Farnsworth to recognise and honour dedication to high levels of customer care shown by staff.

Mr Farnsworth said: "We launched the Reward and Recognition programme to engage our rapidly growing team, instil a ‘can do' attitude in our staff to help rebuild Tong's brand, and reaffirm our commitment to putting the customer first. Every member of our team works hard to surprise and delight our customers, but these staff members have gone the extra mile to deliver an exceptional level of service and we're looking forward to attending the awards with them."

Tong Garden Centre is one of Yorkshire's biggest garden centres with 110,000 square feet of retail space and parking for up to 1,000 cars.

Ends

Photo:L - R Mark Farnsworth, Debbie Longsdale , Monika Litwiejko, Matt Porritt, Macauley Jackson.
 
 

For more information or to arrange an interview with Mark Farnsworth, please contact Tracey Baty at three60 marketing on;

Direct line: 01430 871360

Mobile: 07971 961574

E mail:traceybaty@three60marketing.co.uk

Web:www.three60marketing.co.uk

Notes to editors

1. For more information about Tong Garden Centre, please visitwww.tonggardencentre.co.ukand see theTwitterandFacebookpages.

2. Tong Garden Centre is the largest independent garden centre in Yorkshire, located near Bradford, West Yorkshire. On site, visitors will find anoutdoor plant department, shopping departments filled with garden furniture, gifts, home accessories and leading brands such as Mountain Warehouse, Pavers and Bonmarché, the Coffee Shop, Orchard Restaurant, and the children's outdoor adventure playground, Grass Hoppers.

3. Mark Farnsworth and Tom Megginson acquired Tong Garden Centre in May 2015 fromprevious owner Ron Harker, whose family had run the business since 1984.

4. This year has marked a number of award successes for Tong Garden Centre, including the Greatest Garden Centre Chef Team of the Year,and it has recently joined theGarden Centre Association.

5. Mr Farnsworth, also owner ofWilliam's Farm Kitchen, opened an outlet at Tong Garden Centre as part of the improvements. William's Farm Kitchen at Tong boasts abrand new butchery and bakery facilities as well as an extensive range of food and drink.