STAFF at York jewellers Fraser Hart are celebrating a sparkling success after their company was declared Multiple Retailer of the Year for the second time by specialist trade magazine, Retail Jeweller.

Fraser Hart, based in Coney Street, York, is part of a family-owned 31-strong chain of jewellery stores. The company previously won the Multiple Retailer of the Year title in 2003.

The award judges took into account factors such as layout of the shops, the range of stock, and most importantly, the quality of the service offered.

Clive Hill, chief executive of Fraser Hart, said: "The judges draw up a short list of entries and then organise open visits to stores to interview the manager and branch staff.

"After that, the magazine sends in a mystery shopper to test out the sort of service day-to-day customers can expect to receive.

"We place great emphasis on customer service in our staff training and do our best to make our stores attractive and welcoming places to shop and we are delighted that our efforts have been recognised in this way."

Mark Houghton, the York branch manager, said his staff were delighted.

"We are all very proud of the award and believe that it reflects the way our business works."

Updated: 11:10 Thursday, August 11, 2005