A BRADFORD garage celebrating its 100th anniversary has received a major national award.
The much-loved Napoleon Garage, based on Ellinthorpe Street in the Bowling area, has been part of the community since 1925.
It is one of the city’s longest-running independent garages with owner Azhar Mahmood describing its “true Bradford legacy”.
Businessman Azhar, who took over four years ago, is taking the garage into its next chapter as an Asian-owned site that has undergone a major investment. Azhar says he has transformed the garage with new equipment, staff training and upgraded facilities.
In the latest part of Napoleon Garage’s story, the team have been awarded the Motor Ombudsman’s National Star Award. It comes after they came to the rescue of an elderly couple who were stranded late on a cold and dark Sunday night.
With no help available from their breakdown service, Napoleon Garage collected the family, took them home safely, and repaired their car straight away.
The heart-warming act helped the garage win the Regional Star Award for the North, before judges named them the National Star Award winner. It has kept the trophy in Yorkshire for the second year running.
The garage team has been invited down to the Houses of Parliament this December, where they’ll receive the special honour. The Motor Ombudsman’s National Star Award is seen as the top honour recognising outstanding customer service in the UK.
Customer Steve Berry, whose family the garage rescued, said: “They were like knights in shining armour. Their kindness and quick action made a horrible situation so much easier. They absolutely deserve this award.”
Azhar Mahmood, Director at Napoleon Garage, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be an Asian-owned business carrying on a true Bradford legacy.
“When I took over, my aim was to honour that heritage by investing in its future – giving customers the care, honesty and service they deserve. To win a national award in our 100th year means everything to our team and our community.”
Azhar says the garage is now looking ahead to its next chapter, including expanding its work with local fleet customers, alongside the thousands of Yorkshire motorists it already serves.
Team at the long-standing Napoleon Garage, based on Ellinthorpe Street in the Bowling area (Image: Napoleon Garage)
Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said:
“We would like to congratulate Napoleon Garage on winning the National Star Award, which is a very well-deserved accolade. The way that the business went the extra mile for a customer in their time of need, is a perfect example of the great service that our accredited garage network can provide to motorists across the country.
“In addition, to mark a centenary with such a special trophy, adds to the legacy of this great business, and we look forward to working alongside Napoleon Garage for many more years to come.”
