The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has been announced as the official sponsor of the Customer Choice Award at the upcoming British Independent Garage of the Year Awards (BIG Awards), hosted by the Independent Garage Association (IGA).
Stuart James, CEO of the IGA, described the sponsorship as an “unprecedented endorsement of excellence in customer service” and a clear testament to the “authenticity and integrity of the BIG Awards.” He noted that the award recognises garages that “go the extra mile, act with honesty, and earn real community trust.”
The Customer Choice Award is unique as it is the only category decided entirely by the public, making it a genuine reflection of consumer trust. The DVSA’s backing further affirms the essential role independent garages play in maintaining road safety, vehicle standards, and consumer confidence.
Chris Price, Head of MOT Policy for the DVSA, expressed excitement about supporting the industry’s best. He stated, “Independent garages do amazing customer service work under challenging circumstances every day. Their dedication to their customers should be celebrated.”
The BIG Awards 2025 celebrate excellence across the independent automotive sector, with categories covering innovation, technical achievement, business development, and community impact. Customer service remains at the core of the event’s recognition criteria.