We have just been told that we have made it to number six in the Motor Traders Top Independent Used Car Dealers for 2010. The list, which was based on criteria areas like turnover and profit levels, investment and recruitment statistics, said our car supermarket, AvailableCar, had a performance which was 'an object lesson for many others'.

Also within the listings, we were highlighted for our ability to have such a tremendous year, despite the recession, increasing profit margins and achieving, what they describe as a, 'record figure on sales'.

Plus, while many other car retailers have to make redundancies, we here at AvailableCar have actually increased our customer facing Team Member levels recently by another 8% as we continue to keep up with customer demand.

Paul Arscott, Operational Director for the business said: " It is always great for the team here at AvailableCar to be acknowledged as a successful and growing business. The last year has been a real test to see if we can consistently please our customers despite tough conditions and we are delighted that the end of the year could end on a positive note.

We hope that our business motives go on to be the right ones so that we can look into expanding the business further in 2011. "

AvailableCar believe another influencing factor in-terms of their success is customers are realising the financial loss when they buy new. New cars loose an average of up to 40% off their value in the first year, so buying a nearly new or used car that's already dropped in value, makes sense and you also benefit from a much slower depreciation level.

Paul Arscott continues: " We haven't rushed into opening another supermarket site too quickly; each of our supermarkets is a huge investment, so they have to be in the right location. We are confident however, that our next supermarket location will be announced later in the year. "

As a business, AvailableCar has won over seven national awards over the years including 'Used Car Retailer of the Year', 'Midlands Best Used Car Supermarket' and an Auto Trader Auto Click Awards for their website AvailableCAR.COM.

We also play a key role in getting involved with the community by part-funding the annual Mansfield Half Marathon and raising more than £33,500 for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.