Exeter SEAT boasts two of the UK's Top Service People

An Exeter car retailer is celebrating the news that two of its employees have secured first place in a coveted national competition.

Geoff Govier, 30, emerged victorious in the Parts Manager category while Adrian Christie, 40, was named Best Service Manager at SEAT's recent Top Service People final, after they excelled in a customer satisfaction incentive. Both work at SMC Exeter SEAT on Hennock Road North, and now progress to the international stage of the competition next month.

Their success was marked at a recent showpiece gala evening hosted by musician and TV celebrity Myleene Klass, where the winners' boss Nick Mitchell, General Manager at SMC Exeter SEAT, collected an award in honour of their achievement.

Nick said: "This was a fantastic result and I am very proud of them. They are both very conscientious and very good at what they do, and they always keep abreast of all the developments and latest news in the SEAT brand."

Geoff Govier, from Exeter, has worked his way up at SMC after starting in the parts department eight years ago. "SMC Exeter is a great place to work," said Geoff. "I was really surprised when I heard I had won, but really happy too."

Adrian Christie, also from Exeter, has been on the staff at SMC for 20 years and has held a variety of roles before becoming Service Manager. "I was an MoT tester and technician before taking over the running of the parts department. I've also done just about everything in aftersales," he said. "I'm very lucky to do a job I love and my win at Top Service People is great news."

Geoff and Adrian were among 24 finalists from around the UK picked to go through to SEAT's recent Top Service People final after excelling in the incentive called Viva Dubai!. Line-ups comprised four people - a Service Advisor, Service Manager, Parts Manager and Master Technician - from dealers in each of three leagues. They competed against each other in a knowledge and skills shootout at SEAT's National Learning Centre in Milton Keynes, and also took part in practical tests and role-play situations.

Geoff and Adrian are two of the four national winners who will represent SEAT UK at the Top Service People 2012/13 Final in Spain in March. Viva Dubai!, which also includes cash prizes and a trip to Dubai up for grabs, highlights the importance of delivering, sustaining and growing customer satisfaction to the highest levels.

The awards ceremony took place recently at the BT Convention Centre in Liverpool.