A LOCAL Music business has been announced as one of the top three in the borough - to the companies complete surprise.
The Music Centre, based at Leigh Spinners Mill on Park Lane, was reviewed by an independent company earlier this month and without their knowledge faced a rigorous 50-point inspection by an anonymous shopper.
Reviewing music schools, shops and studios in Wigan and Leigh, the 'Three Best Rated' site compared businesses on their local reviews, services and courses provided, business standards, customer satisfaction, value for money and trading excellence.
The centre hosts 9 music production studios for local artists and residents to experience
Joanne Baldwin, co-owner of the Music Centre, said: "We didn't even know we were being reviewed so it was a really nice surprise to hear the news.
"We've done a lot of hard work through Covid to keep the business going and offer what we could to customers, so it's good to have this recognition."
While music tuition is the businesses main focus, they also boast 9 production studios for local artists and residents to experience and record tracks, as well as a guitar shop and a bar and cafe - which plays hosts to intimate events from time to time.
Opening the Music Centre with her husband John in 2008, the couple moved to the Mill three years ago into a purpose built music studio.
After years of tinkering and building improvements, Joanne feels the award has justified the couple's long, dedicated investment into the business.
Joanne said: "We've put a lot of money into getting the Centre to where it is today, so fingers crossed we've finished for now!"
Noting her gratitude to customers, she added: "Our customers have really supported us throughout the pandemic and have all come back to us since we re-opened, as well as an influx of people wanting to learn an instrument."
One of the centre's intimate shows
The Three Best Rated's review of the Music Centre reads: "The Music Centre is one of the largest private music schools offering one to one tuition in Guitar, Drums, Piano and Vocals for all ages & abilities.
"It is Rockschool and ABRSM accredited and is proud to boast a 100% pass rate. All of their tutors are skilled musicians with a wealth of music industry and teaching experience who tailor their lessons to suit the level and age of the student.
"They pride themselves on providing fun, relaxed yet informative lessons that allow their students to progress at their own pace."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here