SHORTLISTED FOR MAJOR UK PRIZE

Security and cleaning staff at Beechwood Shopping Centre, Cheltenham are in line for a top national award for their customer service.

The 16 staff, led by facilities manager Richard Wright, have been shortlisted in the prestigious Sceptre Awards which recognise best practice and the best people in the shopping centre industry across the UK.

The awards cover a list of categories including manager of the year, marketing manager, environmental management and best customer  service, and the presentations will be made at the finals night at The Dorchester in London on June 21.

Beechwood’s team, which is employed by the Westgrove Group who are contracted to carry out cleaning, security, maintenance and waste management at the centre.

The other finalists in the Customer Service Team of the Year category are Highcross, Leicester; Mall Pavilions, Uxbridge; The Light, Leeds; Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth and Silverburn, Glasgow.

Beechwood centre manager Owen Acland paid tribute to the team for their hard work in keeping the shopping centre spick and span and for their helpful approach to customers on the mall.

He said he was delighted the team has been nominated and hoped they would come away from The Dorchester with a trophy.

“They deserve to win for all their loyalty and hard work throughout the year  and although they will obviously be up against some very strong opposition from across the country they stand a very good chance,” he said.