CIRENCESTER RETAILER INVESTS THOUSANDS IN TRAINING

A Cirencester retailer is only one of a handful in the country to have trained its entire customer facing staff to provide specialist advice to Motability customers.

Northfield Garages Volkswagen has invested over £4,000 to ensure the eight staff give customers eligible for Motability allowances first class advice and support at the showroom.

All sales staff and service advisors are now able to offer expert advice on the scheme, which enables drivers with a disability to use their government-funded mobility allowance to obtain a brand new car every three years.

Depending on a customer’s needs and budget, the Motability team provide expert advice on choosing the right car under the scheme.

Mark Foulston, brand manager at the Cricklade Road retailer, said that it was vital the team were fully versed in the terms and benefits of the scheme and the full range of vehicles available.

He said: “Motability greatly increases quality of life for disabled people and provides them with much-valued independence without the associated costs of buying a new car, so we felt it was vital to invest in the necessary training to bring each member of staff up to speed on the scheme.

“It is important we have a team of expertly trained staff who can advise customers on Motability. We find most people with disabilities know about the scheme but do not necessarily know how it works or what cars would best suit them.

“Each member of the team is able to give customers clear advice on their eligibility for the scheme and how to apply, as well as details of which cars are available under it. They are also well placed to advise on what adjustments can be made to a car to make driving as easy as possible.”

The Motability scheme is available to anyone who receives the ‘higher rate mobility component’ of the Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.

It includes insurance, personal accident cover, after sales servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance from the RAC, an allowance of 60,000 miles over a three-year period, and free tyre replacement.

Mark added: “We’re confident that we can provide the best advice and service for people in the area who are thinking about applying for a car through the scheme, and we’re happy to share our expertise with anyone who wants to discuss their requirements and eligibility.”