FARNHAM businesses know what they’re doing when it comes to giving top-class customer service.

That was the over-riding message given by trade experts at the town’s customer services awards ceremony at the council offices in South Street.

Insight6 Surrey, which works with independent businesses across the south, conducted mystery shopping expeditions in Farnham.

And customer experience director Jim Smith said: “The results in Farnham were the best we have ever recorded – and we have worked in a lot of large towns.

“The way people shop has changed – they now want, and expect, a shopping experience. Businesses have to do the simple things well – they have to be open when the customers want to visit, they have to be friendly and helpful, and offer the right kind of service.

“Farnham businesses do all of that. That is what sets them apart.

“In many towns, independent shops don’t work together. But it is important they do – if a customer has a bad experience at one shop, it reflects badly on the whole town.”

Town clerk Iain Lynch said he was delighted with the outcome. “These are fantastic results for the town. We have a great range of products available in Farnham and people do not have to travel to bigger towns to get what they want.

“We ran this two years ago and the results were very good then, and it’s great to see things have got even better.”

Town councillor Jill Hargreaves, the lead member for tourism and events, said: “The shops we have in Farnham are really good and I can’t say these results surprise me as traders have really worked at the service they offer.

“The shops we have in town are a real commnunity – they want to service the town and its people in the proper way.

“And it will get even better. I don’t see the traders resting on their laurels. We have some big developments coming along which will help keep the town vibrant.

“The businesses shouldn’t be afraid of what is coming – competition has never hurt anyone.”

Five businesses received 100 per cent marks for their customer service, and 27 were given gold awards. A further 19 received bronze and silver awards.

* For a full list of award winners and pictures, see this week’s Farnham Herald.