Golden Garage Award

It is a sad fact that many motorists automatically distrust the garage trade and there are frequent stories in the press of rip-offs and shoddy service. The fact that the vast majority of garages do a good and efficient job time after time is frequently overlooked. But no longer, as Motor Codes is working in association with the Daily Telegraph and honestjohn.co.uk to seek out Britain's Golden Garage.

Says Honest John: “My view has always been that the best way to get rid of bad garages is to support good garages, so the good garages get the business. That’s why, in 1997, I started the Good Garage Guide in Telegraph Motoring, based solely on reader recommendations.

This has grown ever since with fresh recommendations added almost daily. Then, when Motor Codes took the initiative to set a garage service code of practice, I was all for it, especially since it is backed up by an honest and independent means of settling disputes. Now, we are searching for the very best garages in Britain: big, small; franchised and independent, and that can only be a good thing for honest, decent garages and for the motoring public.”  

Golden garages is a national competition run by Motor Codes aimed at showcasing the best there is to offer in the service and repair trade. There are big prizes up for grabs for motorists, regional winners and the Golden Garage competition winner. Honest John wants motorists to vote for their favourite garage at www.goldengarages.co.uk, giving a name, e-mail address, nominated garage and its location adding a short description as to why it should be voted “Britain’s Golden Garage.” The garage with a combination of the most nominations and best examples of good service will make the shortlist and the winner will be announced on 6th April.

Honest John is one of five judges who will crown Britain’s first Golden Garage winner, alongside Vicki Butler-Henderson (5th gear presenter), Richard Headland (Motoring editor of Which?), Richard Bowler (Editor of Professional Motor Mechanic), Tom Mallens (editor of Aftermarket magazine) and Chris Mason, (Director of Motor Codes).

The competition winner will win a bundle of prizes worth over £6,000 and be promoted nationally and in their local area as an example to be followed in the service and repair sector.