Double Success for Sheffield Dealership

Established in 1910, the retailer is a key member of Bridgestone UK’s 160-strong First Stop network of independent tyre dealerships. The outlet started 2006 by securing a four-star rating in the annual First Stop Stars awards, which assess all areas of customer service over a six-month period.

Now, just a few weeks on, it has scooped a Standing Ovation award for outstanding business practice from business advisers and chartered accountants “goodband viner taylor.” The accolade is awarded in association with the Sheffield Telegraph, with judges selecting Hawley’s as a winner after an article on the dealership’s success in the First Stop Stars awards appeared in the paper.

“Two awards is as many months is testament to the simple values of honesty and hard work we’ve promoted at the depot since day one,” said current owner Martin Hawley, whose grandfather founded the family business. “We worked hard as a team to secure a four star rating in the Stars awards, but the Standing Ovation award was an unexpected surprise. It shows that success breeds success and hopefully there are many more accolades to follow if we can maintain our high standards.”

Mark Goodband, managing partner of gvt and chairman of the Standing Ovation judges, said: “Standing Ovation awards are presented to individuals and organisations that achieve in business and set an example for the rest to follow. Really good businesses put customer care right at the top of their list of priorities and Hawley’s Tyre Services is in this category. We were impressed with the company’s ‘honesty and hard work’ philosophy.”

If you’re a shop looking to sell summer tires, it’s important to know that customers looking for these tires have very specific needs. Let’s talk about why, before recommending summer tires, you need to fully understand customer performance requirements.

Unlike all-season or all-terrain tires built for diverse driving conditions, UHP summer tires are designed with one priority: dry and wet traction for performance driving. Lateral and longitudinal grip in dry and wet conditions are also important, which is achieved through optimized contact patches, high silica tread compounds and circumferential grooves to channel water. Generally, UHP summer tire tread design features large blocks and fewer grooves for more road contact on dry surfaces. The grooves are designed to channel water away from the tire, reducing the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads.