Released: 26 January 2006
Tesco makes it easier for customers by providing access details on directenquiries.com
Tesco will, from tomorrow, provide full details of their facilities for customers with specific access needs through the Nationwide Access Register, directenquiries.com. This specifically includes information for disabled people and parents with pushchairs.
Tesco is the largest UK retailer to join directenquiries.com, which, since Christmas has averaged over 190,000 hits per week from people searching for premises with specific access facilities.
To join the Register, Tesco underwent the largest Access Assessment of any UK retailer to date, with all 1,356 stores assessed by Direct Enquiries during December to ensure they are communicating the most up to date information. Tesco, communications manager, Jenny Sacre said: “www.directenquiries.com lets customers review the access facilities in any of our stores before leaving home to go shopping. Tesco are committed to creating an enjoyable shopping experience for all our customers and this service provides the UK’s 10 million disabled adults with the freedom to choose the store that best suits their needs.”
Amanda Smith, from Wokingham, who is a regular Tesco’s customer and has Multiple Sclerosis said: “I am delighted to see Tesco has joined the Register and are detailing the access they have in their stores across the country as I use this service regularly. I always shop at Tesco when I’m at home so it’s great to know that when I’m away I can find the nearest accessible Tesco’s store on directenquiries.com” Direct Enquires, chief executive Grant Kennedy said: “Tesco’s decision to join the register highlight’s growing awareness amongst high street retailers that good access facilities are vital for improving customer service. By improving the access for disabled people they are also improving the access for all customers, including parents with pushchairs.”
(ends) Notes to Editors
Directenquiries.com, was set up as the Nationwide Disabled Access Register in 2002 in partnership with RADAR (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation) and The Employers' Forum on Disability. During the past 12 months the information available has grown to include access for parents with pushchairs as well as the general public. This allowed directenquiries.com to rebrand as The Nationwide Access Register in January 2006.
Directenquiries.com is the only UK directory specifically designed for companies to showcase their disabled access and other facilities. On average, directenquiries.com receives over 1.3 million hits each month from people looking for businesses, organisations and services with the disabled access they require. Registration is only £35 per year, per location, for which companies receive the following:
- Nationwide registration on directenquiries.com detailing company name, address and other contact details, including links to their website, should they have one
- Access to the Action Plan
- A “More Information” section, equivalent to five pages of A4, updateable on a daily basis. This allows businesses to include information on forthcoming additions or changes to their disabled access as well as useful information about their business in general
- Feedback facility to provide customer comments and opinions
For users, directenquires.com provides a full directory service for UK companies detailing the access and facilities available at those registered with directenquiries.com. The register currently includes disabled access information on leading high street names such as Boots, LloydsTSB, Argos, Gap, John Lewis, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Costa Coffee, Pizza Express, PC World and Waterstone’s as well as thousands of small and independent businesses. The disabled access information encompasses everything from parking, entrances, lifts, toilets, counter heights, wheelchair and pushchair access to staff assistance and auxilliary aids such as Braille, large print and induction loops.
For further information, images and interviews please contact us on 01344 360101 or e-mail press@directenquiries.com
www.directenquiries.com