BIG IS NOT BEAUTIFUL ACCORDING TO HUDDERSFIELD CONSUMERS
Small, family run businesses in Huddersfield provide far superior customer service to big national chains, a study found yesterday. Nationwide research among 3,000 consumers for TheBestOf revealed 69 per cent of people in the Huddersfield area enjoy shopping at smaller stores and businesses because staff are 'more approachable and knowledgeable' about products and prices.
Consumers branded many workers in bigger companies 'not fully equipped' to deal with questions or queries and said most lacked training. Customers love the personal service they receive at smaller companies, and appreciate that staff are knowledgeable about their field and products. But big companies have also come under fire for being too pre-occupied with making money and having no time for their customers.
The poll was commissioned by 'TheBestOf' to launch its '14 Days of Love' campaign which invites people to ‘show some love’ to the millions of local small firms, shops and stores, across the UK. From Monday, thebestof is setting up a ‘Love-O-Meter’ on its website (www.thebestof.co.uk/loveometer) featuring the most loved businesses in each town and people can get involved by ’sharing their love’ and influencing the Love-o-Meter score for each business. At the end of the 14 Days of Love the Top 20 Most Loved Huddersfield Businesses and top 100 for the UK will be unveiled.
Julie Gordge from TheBestOf Huddersfield, which champions local businesses said: "This survey shows that big companies just don’t cut it when it comes to customer service, product knowledge or experience. They are routinely outclassed by small local firms who are much better at providing the personal touch that Brits value.
“14 Days of Love’ is all about showing some love and appreciation to the great small business owners in Huddersfield, that have kept our economy going over the last 18 months and who look after their customers brilliantly.”
