25th March 2022
The AA came to the rescue of BBC Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies MBE earlier this week when her car suffered a tyre failure on the M1 motorway. Fortunately for Sara, the incident occurred on a section of the M1 which still has a hard shoulder in place.
Sara described it as ‘brilliant customer service” she received which reflects the fact, that unlike the RAC or Green Flag, the AA been awarded ‘recommended provider’ status by the consumer Champion Which? for the last four years.
Sara followed the important motorway safety advice and moved her car as far over to the left as she could and positioned herself on a raised section of the motorway embankment while waiting for the AA to arrive.
Shortly after her call, recovery patrol, Kevin Horton, arrived and safely loaded the stricken vehicle. After a double-take, Kevin helped Sara into his truck and to safety.
Kevin said: “Sara was really friendly and very polite. I told her that my daughters had supported her on Strictly Come Dancing and that I was a fan of Dragons’ Den. Being able to help her to safety and getting her to the studio in time for filming really made my day and I’m glad we were able to help.
He added: “It felt great to meet somebody who is classed as a celebrity but treated me with total respect. It was a really refreshing encounter. Once Sara was safely at the studio, I took her car on to the tyre centre for replacement tyres. It’s jobs like this one that make being a recovery patrol so rewarding.”
On LinkedIn Sara was gushing in her praise:
Sara Davies MBE • Following Founder of Crafter's Companion & Dragon on BBC's Dragons' Den
Wanted to share some brilliant customer service I had yesterday. So, my tyre blew out on my car on the motorway….
I was on my way to film with the Hobby Maker team and the tyre nearly ripped off the wheel– it was a total nightmare!
But I rang up The AA, they said they’d make sure they got me to the studio on time and the lovely Kevin drove me and my car straight there, just in time for my show. Absolute life savers.
Then, bless them, they’d put on a new tyre and delivered my car back to the studio so I could drive straight to Manchester! I literally couldn’t thank them enough and I didn’t need to worry all day.
Plus, I had a great natter with Kevin!
Edmund King OBE, AA president, said: “Following motorway safety advice is vital, and on this occasion, it was followed to the letter. This incident shows the importance of having breakdown cover in place, and as demonstrated today the AA’s five-star patrols put the member first and then deal with the car later.
He added: “Unforeseen problems can arise, and often at the most inconvenient time and place. Although Sara’s vehicle is quite new, people are tending to keep their cars longer due to current supply issues and economic uncertainty. Naturally, as cars get older, they become more likely to break down so having cover in place, with the added benefit of unlimited callouts, should the worst happen, is important.
“Independent accreditation from the Which? breakdown surveys shows why the AA are head and shoulders above our main rivals when it comes to brilliant service.”