Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

The Weeknd

Blinding Lights

Listen Live

Harrogate accident repair centre named best in UK

Friday, 1 August 2025 08:18

Best in UK: Vertu Volkswagen Repair Centre in Harrogate.

A Harrogate repair centre has been named the best in the UK by Vertu Motors, topping a national list of 17 centres across the UK.

Vertu Accident Repair Centre Harrogate, located at St James Retail Park, has been named "Accident Repair Centre of the Year".

The award, which recognises centres for consistent service, repair quality, and customer satisfaction, highlights the Harrogate branch’s performance over the past financial year.

Despite having a small team of nine employees, the centre outperformed all other Vertu-operated facilities nationwide.

Phil Simpson, Manager of the Harrogate site, said:

“This award comes just over a year after I took over the site, and really is validation of everything we have tried to do by building a great team, with an emphasis on customer service.

“It’s a real testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team. Every single person has played their part, and this recognition means the world to us.

“It’s proof that hard work and belief can turn things around.”

The Harrogate centre is a VAG-approved site, meaning it is authorised to carry out non-structural repairs on vehicles from brands including Audi, SEAT, Škoda, Cupra, Volkswagen, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

All technicians are trained to meet manufacturer specifications.

Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors, commented on the recognition:

“This award reflects the exceptional standards being delivered at Harrogate, Phil and his team have delivered an outstanding performance.

“To take a smaller site and transform it into the best-performing repair centre in the country is a tremendous achievement.”

More from Local News

Information wanted after stolen vehicle crashes near Blubberhouses

North Yorkshire Police say a silver 4x4 was taken from the driveway of a property near Hardsity Hill at around 7.55pm on Tuesday, 3rd March.
Your Local Experiences earns thousands for local businesses in first month

A new local voucher platform launched by Your Media Group has generated tens of thousands of pounds for partner businesses in its first month.
Starbeck café to host community clothes swap event

A Starbeck café is inviting the community to refresh their wardrobes at an upcoming clothes swap event.
'Married at First Sight' contestant unveiled as new Rudding Park celebrant

A contestant from E4's Married at First Sight UK has been unveiled as a new celebrant at one of North Yorkshire's most popular wedding venues.
Leading electric vehicle show returns to Harrogate for third year

One of the world's leading electric vehicle and clean energy events is returning to Harrogate this spring.
Ripon teenager crowned Yorkshire fencing champion

A talented young fencer is to compete on the national stage after being crowned Yorkshire champion.
Pilot scheme improves stroke treatment in Harrogate

A pilot scheme designed to improve access to specialist stroke treatment for Harrogate residents has delivered significant improvements, councillors will be told next week.
Community group blames planning system for loss of Ripon village pub

Members of a community group have blamed the planning system for the loss of their village pub.
Harrogate hairdressers named as finalist at Salon Business Awards

Harrogate salon Kingsgrove Hair and Beauty has been named a finalist in three categories at the Salon Business Awards 2026.
Search for wanted man with links to Ripon

42-year-old Anthony Ward is wanted on recall to prison following a breach of licence conditions.
Chart-topping boy band East 17 to perform at Bilton Club

Chart-topping boy band East 17 are set to perform live at Bilton Club in Harrogate this December.
Working mens club in Starbeck celebrates 125th anniversary

A long-standing community venue in Starbeck is marking its 125th anniversary.
Council shares update on Kex Gill realignment scheme ahead of June opening

North Yorkshire Council has shared an update on the £82.5million Kex Gill realignment scheme.
Harrogate Masterchef star joins Headline stage of Great British Food Festival

Harrogate's MasterChef semi-finalist Yemi Adelekan is set to appear on the Headline stage at this year’s Great British Food Festival at Harewood House.
Classic car show and Pride party among new events coming to Knaresborough

Classic cars and a Pride party are among a raft of new free events heading to Knaresborough this year.
Conservative Club to fully fund Starbeck Christmas lights

Starbeck Conservative Club has announced it will cover the full cost of this year's Starbeck Christmas lights.
Yorkshire's first two-wheelchair buses transform travel for Harrogate students

Students at a Harrogate specialist college say new two-wheelchair buses are making it easier to travel together and access the community.
Harrogate MP visits Ukraine as part of major cross-party parliamentary delegation

Local MP Tom Gordon has returned from Ukraine after joining the largest cross-party delegation of UK Members of Parliament to visit the country since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
New girls' football initiative launched in Harrogate

A new girls' football initiative is set to kick off in Harrogate, offering fresh opportunities for young players across the district.
85 cyclists set off from Ripon to fundraise for suicide prevention charity

A field of 85 cyclists, including adults and juniors, were in Ripon on Sunday (1st March) to take part in Yorkshire's eighth Reliability Ride of 2026.