Released: 29 August, 2006
Debenhams make it easier for disabled customers by providing access details online
Debenhams are, from today, providing full details of their facilities for customers with specific access needs through the Nationwide Access Register, www.directenquiries.com. This specifically includes information for disabled people and parents with pushchairs.
Debenhams is the latest major high street retailer to join www.directenquiries.com, which averages over 1 million hits per month from people searching for premises with specific access facilities. To ensure the most accurate information possible is provided through the register, Debenhams underwent a series of assessments across all their stores to establish exactly what access is available.
Debenhams’, Environmental Health and Safety Manager, Chris Reed said: “www.directenquiries.com lets customers review the access facilities in any of our stores before leaving home to go shopping. As a successful and responsible business Debenhams have always been committed to providing inclusive access despite recent criticisms in relation to stepped access to a small proportion of retail space across the estate. We remain committed to creating an enjoyable shopping experience and improving access 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.”
Direct Enquires, chief executive Grant Kennedy said: “Debenhams 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.”
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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, directenquiries.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