Scotland Ash News

The TerraClean awards 2016 provided the growing network with a night of pure entertainment and incredible shocks, as overall winner Mike Lyons from DPF Cleaning Ltd donated his winning prize of a trip for two to Canada to the auction for Dementia UK.

Celebrity guest for the evening Kriss Akabusi MBE had everyone in attendance ‘hooked’ as he dominated proceedings in an event that celebrated the very best of the TerraClean network.

Akabusi was joined on stage by TerraClean ambassador and double BTCC champion Colin Turkington and Randstad sales director Phillip Dowd, to give out no fewer than 11 awards to independent garages and mechanics throughout the evening, held at Holiday Inn, Seaton Burn, Northumberland.

Beginning the event, Dowd paid tribute to the growth of the TerraClean network saying the night was “all about the hard work the service centres put in every day and the togetherness of the network has proven to the entire motor trade that the TerraClean network is a ‘family’.”

The first two awards were for those service centres that had gone ‘above and beyond’ to promote the TerraClean brand in the face of adversity and both Peter Welch of Scotlands Ash Garage and Kevin Martin of Spannerama were honoured by more than 200 guests in attendance.

For Peter Welch, a further surprise lay in store as he was joined on stage by wife Ruth and daughter Libby, who made the trip to the event without Peter knowing. Libby was diagnosed with a nerve sheath tumour at the age of just 20 and is recovering well. Meanwhile, Peter was diagnosed with prostate cancer and is also recovering well. The award acknowledged the incredible journey the family had taken.

After handing out a series of awards including best newcomer, best mobile and best workshop to name but a few, the final award of Best Overall Service Centre with a prize of a trip for two for Canada, home of TerraClean, was awarded to Mike Lyons of DPF Cleaning Ltd.

On collecting his award, Lyons thanked the network for their support over the years and donated the trip for two to the auction for guests to bid for.

Lyons, who also picked up the Best Mobile award earlier in the evening, said: “I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for the TerraClean network. I was shocked to win one award let alone two and so I’m absolutely delighted. The trip for two to Canada is a bonus, but to be able to donate that to the auction and raise much needed funds for Dementia UK is hugely gratifying and the network responded with some huge bids.”

Lyons’ unexpected and incredibly selfless gesture topped an already emotionally charged evening and sent Akabusi into overdrive as the self-appointed auctioneer. His hilarious antics were instrumental in the network donating a staggering £4020 for Dementia UK. In addition to the holiday, the auction included a signed visor and picture, kindly donated from Colin Turkington.

Phillip Dowd, Randstad sales director, said: “The awards underline why the TerraClean network is the best, most generous and ‘entertaining’ network in the automotive industry. The whole event was electric and biggest yet, highlighting the growth of the network. Planning begins for the next event already, where we will welcome more TerraClean service centres than ever before.”

Continuing with the ‘service centre’ theme, Randstad unveiled the new prime time TV advert, promoting its 450+ service centres to consumers throughout the UK. With more service centres joining everyday, the network is primed to take full advantage of this increased exposure.

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