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Still time to submit entry for FSB award
The Devon branch of the Federation of Small Businesses has reported "increasing" numbers of applications coming in for its annual small business awards, which were launched by the Western Morning News in December.
The FSB's regional manager, Delia Colegate said "We have introduced two new categories this year; for Best Young Entrepreneur and for Workforce Development. This has opened up the awards, giving even more businesses the opportunity to enter."
Businesses who make the shortlist will be invited to the Devon federation's awards ceremony and dinner at the Palace Hotel, Torquay on June 5.
Jim Howard, managing director of Vehicle Save Contract Hire & Leasing, is sponsor of the Overall County Winner award. He said: "It is an excellent platform for small to medium size enterprises to raise the profile of their companies and we are expecting a high degree of quality entries."
To apply online, visit www.fsb.org.uk/devon, or contact the office on 01803 322499. Closing date for entries is March 27.
FSB DEVON BUSINESS AWARDS 2009 ATTRACTS GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP FROM EXETER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS
FSB DEVON BUSINESS AWARDS 2009 ATTRACTS GENEROUS SPONSORSHIP FROM EXETER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS
VEHICLE SAVE CONTRACT HIRE & LEASING LIMITED: Sponsor: ‘Overall County Winner’ Award
VEHICLE SAVE (UK) T/AS NATIONAL CAR & VAN RENTAL Sponsor: Award for ‘Service Excellence’
Photo : Jim Howard presenting ‘Business Award for Service Excellence’ to last year’s winner Ashley Simpson of Inside Out L-R: Ashley Simpson Inside Out, Jim Howard M/D Vehicle Save Contract Hire & Leasing Limited and David Fitzgerald of BBC Radio Devon/ Devon Today.
For the second year running The Vehicle Save Group is sponsoring two individual award categories for the FSB Devon Business Awards 2009.
The Vehicle Save Group comprises two independent businesses providing complementing services. Vehicle Save Contract Hire & Leasing Limited and Vehicle Save (UK) Limited t/as National Car & Van Rental offers a comprehensive daily car and van rental and/or long term contract hire and leasing services across the South West peninsula. The group is able to support all your likely vehicle requirements, from a one day hire to an airport or city centre location to the five year rental of a commercial vehicle, offering a flexible and innovative approach to problem solving and excellent service, even at short notice.
Vehicle Save Contract Hire & Leasing Limited which provides short, medium and long term contract hire and finance for all makes of vehicles from 12 – 60 months with mileage to suit all your business vehicle requirements is sponsoring the prestigious ‘Overall County Winner’ Award . The lucky winner who will be announced at the glittering awards ceremony on the 5 June being held at The Palace Hotel in Torquay will receive a glass trophy and a cheque for £1,000.
Simon Curtis – General Manager Vehicle Save Contract Hire & Leasing said: “When we were approached again this year by the FSB to support this awards event we felt it important to be involved. The Devon Business Awards is an excellent platform to publicly acknowledge and reward the achievements of small to medium enterprises in the county which represents our core market. I highly recommend Devon businesses enter the awards in order to raise their profile.”
Vehicle Save (UK) Limited the official franchisee of National Car and Van Rental in the South West peninsula, one of the nation's largest rental car companies servicing both consumers and corporate customers, is sponsoring the ‘Service Excellence’ category.
Jim Howard – Managing Director Vehicle Save (UK) t/as National Car & Van Rental said: “Being in the customer service industry, this award category sits perfectly with our profile and was a natural choice for the company. As a judge, I will be looking for a modern thinking company with traditional values and a genuine commitment to service. Excellent customer service is the key to the success of any thriving business and the winner will need to clearly demonstrate innovation in the field of service provision.”
www.vehiclesave.co.uk
For more information on the FSB Devon Business Awards log on to: www.fsb.org.uk
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES - 29TH MARCH 2009
LOCAL CONTRACT HIRE & LEASING COMPANY SUPPLIES SUPERCOOL CARS FOR WORLD’S MOST VISITED ICE SHOW SPECTACULAR...
Guinness World Records has officially recognised Holiday on Ice as the World’s Most Visited Ice Show with an incredible 320 million visitors in its 65 year history with world-class skating, stunning choreography, vibrant music and exquisite costumes. To celebrate the new show Mystery, a magical voyage of wonder and fantasy, Holiday on Ice fans around the country had the chance to win one of four brand new Citroen C1, courtesy of the world’s most visited ice show in the UK.
Exeter based Vehicle Save Contract Hire & Leasing Limited was selected to source and supply the distinctive branded vehicles for the high profile Ice show organised by the show’s appointed PR agency One Voice Media who operate from City centre premises.
Jim Howard, Managing Director of Vehicle Save Contract Hire & Leasing Limited said: “We were very excited to be involved in the promotion of this world class ice show by supplying the branded vehicles and pleased to work closely with Alan Back of KBS Signs which was a high profile contract for two local companies. The distinctive vehicle became an instant hit in and around the Exeter area and certainly got noticed”.
As part of the contract Vehicle Save Contract Hire & Leasing also negotiated vehicle wrapping delivered by KBS Signs based on Marsh Barton.
Alan Back, Director KBS Signs said: “We were delighted to be part of this spectacular promotion and working closely with Jim Howard. It was a very distinctive vehicle wrap and we are very proud of the results achieved and the positive feedback. It certainly helped to raise the profile of the show in and around the City.”
To celebrate the latest skating spectacular from the world leader in ice entertainment, 1980 Olympic Champion Robin Cousins gave away the Exeter vehicle to lucky winner Ann Hatcliff at the opening night. Ann from Exeter was presented with the economical urban car on the ice by Robin. She was absolutely thrilled and it was a double celebration for Ann as it was her Birthday the day before.
Still time to submit entry for FSB award
THE Devon branch of the Federation of Small Businesses has reported increasing numbers of applications coming in for its annual small business awards, which were launched by the Western Morning News in December.
The FSB’s regional manager, Delia Colegate said:
“We have introduced, two new categories this year; for Best Young Entrepreneur and for Workforce Development. This has opened up the awards, giving even more businesses the opportunity to enter.”
Businesses who make the shortlist will be invited to the Devon federation’s awards ceremony and dinner at the Palace Hotel, Torquay on June 5.
Jim Howard, managing director of Vehicle Save Contract Hire & Leasing, is sponsor of the Overall County Winner award. He said: “It is an excellent platform for small to medium size enterprises to raise the profile of their companies and we are expecting a high degree of quality entries.”
To apply online, visit www.fsb.org.uk/devon or contact the office on 01803 322499. Closing date for entries is March 27.
Minibus deal to pamper airport's VIP visitors
Corporate aviation clients using Exeter International Airport will be ferried from their jets to the terminal in a new minibus. The vehicle has been supplied by Exeter-based Vehicle Save Contract Hire and Leasing Ltd.
The airport's corporate aviation department operates a private VIP lounge and offers gourmet catering for aircraft provided by local celebrity chef John Burton-Race
The team of three deal with UK and overseas royalty, many of whom enjoy courty pursuits in the South West. Celebrity clients have included artist Damien Hirst, businessman Sir Richard Branson and American rapper Kanye West. Corporate aviation manager Chris Beer compares his job to that of a hotel concierge. Unusual demands he has helped with have included supplying Russian caviar from the Caspian Sea.
Mr Beer said: "We are here to ensure our passengers have a seamless, if brief, use of the airport. We are constantly on hand to cater or every requirement and our clients have high expectations."
Jamie Christon, airport managing director, said: "We are delighted to be supported by Vehicle Save Contract Hire and Leasing, who have provided a first class service"
http://www.exeterairport.co.uk/
Greener cars ‘could save £600 a year’
FINALLY, after years of waiting, being green will pay its way with revolutionary new legislation on the taxation of company vehicles coming into force next year.
Annual road fund licences will vary between £35 and £400 per vehicle — and writing-down allowances on owned vehicles will be either 10% or 20% pa. Second-hand values will favour green and economical models.
Fuel economy and the cleanliness of an engine will contribute to massive savings. But costs will increase if you choose a non-green variant.
The greenness of a car is measured in its 002 emissions; 160 gms/km or below is the Holy Grail fleets should be seeking. The latest models from the top manufacturers are streets ahead of their more aged offerings. The latest green C Class Mercedes saloon, for example, achieves 13% better fuel economy, dropping below the magic 160 emissions mark. Volvo’s new S40 i-drive is 29% more fuel-efficient than the original base models.
As part of the Devon business community, we tend to travel further than our counterparts in other regions. For example, if you travelled 15,000 miles a year in the Volvo, your annual fuel bill would drop by £345 at current prices if you chose the i-drive model over its predecessor.
The 003 drops below 160 so there are 20% writing-down allowances available, a lower annual road fund licence, and every likelihood of the car having a better resale value in the future. This package could easily add up to a cost saving of £500 to £600 per annum per vehicle for Plymouth-based business. On an average three-year holding period that could be as much as £1800 per vehicle.
The gap between the haves and have-nots will never be wider, so make sure your fleet’s on the right side of the divide. Do your research before picking that new vehicle and help steer the South West forward on
Making a difference in UK Vehicle Leasing
Vehicle Save Contract Hire and Leasing, provide businesses with better all-round vehicle service and sound advice than they are currently used to experiencing in the leasing market.
As an independent company based in Exeter, it is our experience that businesses in the South West prefer to deal with like-minded local companies. With no ties to any dealership or financial institution, our ambition would be for business people in the region to perceive Vehicle Save Contract Hire and Leasing as their natural, first choice to approach for no-obligation advice, enabling them to make informed decisions on all their business vehicle requirements.
Vehicle Save Contract Hire and Leasing is a member of the Federation of Small Businesses and was a sponsor of the Business Award for Excellence at the first FSB Devon Business Awards this year, which was won by Inside Out based in Princesshay
FSB chief in pep talk date
TOMORROW 50 businessmen are set to attend South Devon Innovation Centre’s First Friday networking event at South Devon College. Keynote speaker is Delia Colgate regional organiser of the Federation of Small Businesses who will outline the work of the federation and the benefits to firms of joining. Breakfast bacon baps are served from 8.30am with a welcome at 9.10am from innovation manager Adrian Sheen. Delia speaks at 9.15am and there will be time for networking from 9.30am to the 10am close
Her visit comes on the eve of the announcement that two independent vehicle hire and leasing companies are sponsoring the federation’s first Devon Business Awards.
Devon-based independent companies Vehicle Save (UK) Limited, together with sister company Vehicle Save Contract Hire and Leasing Ltd, is offering dual sponsorship for the awards being hosted at the Palace Hotel, Torquay, on June 6.
Entrepreneur and local businessman, Jim Howard, who operates the two local independent companies and is an active member of several local chambers of commerce and business organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “I believe there is a distinct lack of recognition of the achievements of local companies and this is an ideal platform to publicly applaude successful small businesses in the region.”
Vehicle Save Contract Hire and Leasing Limited is sponsoring the ‘Business Award for Service Excellence’ and Vehicle Save (UK) Limited is sponsoring the pre-dinner drinks and table wine.
My franchise decision helped van hire firm on road to expansion
By Jim Howard - MANAGING DIRECTOR VEHICLE SAVE (UK) LIMITED/VEHICLE SAVE CONTRACT HIRE AND LEASING
WITH more than 20 years’ management experience in contract hire, leasing and daily rental, I wanted to take control of my future, so in 1994 I established Vehicle Save (UK) Limited as a franchisee of Kenning Car and Van Rental with just two full-time staff, including myself. Twice in the following eight years, the franchisor changed hands and changes resulted in Kennings losing a substantial part of their customer base. Consequently, I took the commercial decision to terminate the arrangement and negotiate a new franchise with market leader National Car Rental. This involved a substantial investment to purchase the rights to become official franchisee for the South West peninsula.
As a result, Vehicle Save (UK) Limited rapidly expanded from two to five branches across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. This involved the transfer of a large number of National employees to our staff under TUPE employment laws. Today we have 95 staff at branches in Exeter, Taunton, Newquay and two in Plymouth, with over 800 cars and vans.
It is always important to look at business growth and it was a natural progression to launch our second company, Vehicle Save Contract Hire & Leasing Limited, 12 months ago, offering long-term contract hire and leasing of cars and light commercial vehicles to business clients. This service complements the daily rental business and was a major contributory factor in recently winning a prestigious three-year contract with Babcock Marine at Devonport Dockyard, Plymouth. We provide them with daily rental, long-term contracts and pool vehicles ranging from vans through to flatbed trucks and cars. Following a full tender process, we beat off stiff competition.
As a business owner, you will face many challenges, not least the big decision to initially start your own company and the raising of capital. Ensuring you find a good accountant and developing a close working relationship with your bank manager is invaluable. The recruitment, training and retention of good staff are of paramount importance, as is the ability of the business owner to delegate to, and develop, personnel as the company evolves. There will undoubtedly be highs and lows. However, growing a successful company far outweighs my previous achievements, giving me a buzz and constant job satisfaction. I recommend you do your research, create a realistic business plan and set of objectives. Be customer service focused and cautiously optimistic. Promise to deliver and deliver on your promise.
Vehicle Save presents Federation of Small Businesses Devon Awards 2008 for Service Excellence to Inside Out
The Devon Region of The Federation of Small Businesses held their FSB Devon Business Awards 2008 on the 6th June at a glittering gala evening in Torquay.
Vehicle Save agreed to sponsor the service excellence award category and our Managing Director, Jim Howard was on hand on the night to present the award to the winner, Inside Out, a small chain of lifestyle shops in The South West.
Our view at Vehicle Save is that we should support good local initiatives and give something back to the local businesses who support us. The service excellence award is particularly relevant for us as it forms the basis of our own business ethos.
The awards, which attracted well over a hundred South West small business applicants were deeemed a great success by all, and it is very likely they wll be repeated for 2009 and become an annual fixture for local businesses.
Jim Howard said "All of the judges were impressed with the overall standard of applicants this year. This bodes well for the future of small business in The South West. Having set up my own business in Exeter some 15 years ago, I am a great advocate of trading locally and the new local business talent coming through should give us all some comfort that local business is thriving in our region and should continue to do so in the future."
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Vehicle Save assists with SUPACAT vehicle programme
We are very proud to have helped with the SUPACAT vehicle programme.
For those of you that don't know, SUPACAT is the (until recently secret) off road gun platform being used by our special forces in Afghanistan.
The vehicle, nicknamed 'the Pitbull' by our troops is a fully off road capable vehicle, allowing for speeds of 40mph on rough ground and double that on roads! Armaments include two machine guns and a grenade launcher, so not a vehicle to have a road rage incident with!We funded and provided support vehicles for the SUPACATS, specially equipped for UK operations.
We would have loved to have funded the SUPACATS - but this wasn't necessary as the government took care of this. Shame, as having one on our demo fleet would have been great fun and the parking problems around our Head Office could have been solved forever....
If you're interested in seeing the vehicle in action, use the hyperlink below, courtesy of The Daily Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/16/npitbull116.xml