Cross Hills Volkswagen dealer White Rose has seen sales increase despite the recession – and it is now planning to expand its showroom.

The independent family-run company – founded by managing director Frank Greenway in 1993 – has just seen off hundreds of rivals to win the Volkswagen award for the best after-sales service in the UK and Europe.

“It is fantastic,” said 58-year-old Mr Greenway. “It is a credit to everyone who works here and it is great to be recognised.”

White Rose is also hoping to achieve another win at the VW’s One Business Award later this month.

“Our success is down to fantastic cars, outstanding service and a very loyal customer base,” said Mr Greenway. “We are passionate about what we do and that reaps rewards.

“We have a very low staff turnover which means customers know the staff and are comfortable with them.”

He added: “Our business expanded during the recession and we have outgrown our present facilities.

“As a result, we are planning to extend our showroom and build a new preparation bay.”

Once the work is completed – probably by Easter – the company hopes to increase its workforce from 36 to 40.

It is a far cry from when the company first started selling Volkswagen cars 13 years ago – that year, it achieved about 100 sales, but it now averages about 1,500.

“VW’s aspirations are to be one of the largest manufacturers globally and its product range is expanding all the time. Our place has been designed to cope with the next ten years of growth,” said Mr Greenway, whose two sons, Luke, and James work for the business.