A business man who attired two gentlemen, after closing time, who were unable to pay on the spot was honoured for his outstanding customer service at the Consumer Affairs Board 2005 Business Awards Ceremony.

Anthony Easton, who owns the clothing apparel store Anthony?s, did not take home the top award but was presented with a certificate of honourable mention by the Board.

Mr. Easton assisted two men who had been turned away from an event due to their inappropriate attire. While walking away from the event, they noticed the lights in Anthony?s were still on, though the store was closed. Mr. Easton personally fitted them with the necessary clothes, the men were unable to pay but promised to return the next day. Mr. Easton took their word and sent them on their way.

The Customer Service ceremony took place on Thursday.

The Consumer Affairs Board decided, last year, that in order to improve local customer service there needed to be positive reinforcement and asked Bermuda consumers to nominate deserving businesses.

Minister of Cultural Affairs, Dale Butler, attended the event and presented the awards

?One of the key elements to achieving success is through customer loyalty, which can only be achieved through excellent customer service both before and after a purchase has been made,? he said.

Mr. Butler mentioned consumer surveys taken in 2001 and 2003 which illustrated that Bermudian customers were loyal to businesses that have treated them well.

The Board received 76 nominations for the awards.

The winners were Joshua Bate Trading (Bermuda) Ltd., Print Express and Somerset Laundromat.

Joshua Bate Trading was praised for its promptness and response to requests and calls.

One consumer wrote to the board that: ?They ensured that the goods we purchased were delivered within the timeframe. And to top it off we received a $50 gift voucher.?

Print Express was also praised for its efficiency and professionalism. One consumer described how a courier service lost all of her companies supplies, such as folders and name badges. Print Press was able to reproduce everything very quickly.

The Consumer Affairs Board said people often commented that Print Express orders were always ready before the stated time.

The Somerset Laundromat, which was taken over by new owners last year, won the award because it consistently met the customers needs and quickly solves any problems that arise. The manager, Angela Darrell, was praised for being very involved. Customers said she spent hours washing smoke damaged clothing from a neighbourhood house fire.

Members of the public were thanked for their nominations and the Board encouraged more people to nominate businesses next year.