HIGH-FLYER JIM DRIVES BUSINESS FORWARD... With a busy schedule running two companies in the South West, and a proud owner of a Sportsman aircraft located at Exeter International Airport and a 1969 E-Type Jaguar Series 2 Coupe, Jim flies around the region quickly and in style...
7.45am: I drive to Exeter branch to sit down with the Contract Hire team for our regular review meeting. Today we’re discussing the results of a survey we have carried out on vehicle fleets operated by local SME’s. It’s no surprise to discover many business owners still base their vehicle buying decisions purely on the cost of purchase which is usually a false economy as they need to look at the whole picture. This includes the value of the vehicle on disposal; fuel economy; maintenance costs; emissions levels; road-tax costs and even the tax and national insurance liabilities for both employer and employees. As a locally based and independent contract hire business we have the ability to give both existing and prospective customers totally unbiased advice in selecting the best and most cost effective solution in their choice of cars and vans.
11.30am: I arrive at the new Europcar premises in Millbay, officially opened last summer by the Mayor and conveniently situated close to the city centre and ferry terminal for the monthly managers’ meeting. Simon the Branch Manager gives James Eland my daily rental Operations Director and me feedback on how the new site is operating. He confirms the larger and more secure premises have increased the number of customers by 25%. Eric and Sean from Exeter and Taunton then join us - the individual Manager’s input is invaluable, particularly where an initiative can be adopted at each branch. Europcar is focusing on improving the quality of customer service delivery at branches across the UK. It’s reassuring to know that our branches are consistently achieving a very high level of positive customer feedback.
1.00pm: A working lunch preparing for my next meeting.
2pm: A 1:1 meeting with Sarah O’Leary, the Waterfront Manager for the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership BID. This is a five-year, £6.2m investment proposal designed to give local businesses control of their trading environment, increase profitability and raise the profile of the area nationwide as a UK destination to help increase number of visitors and per capita spend. I invited Sarah in to learn more about the BID as I am keen to be part of these exciting plans; however our office is 200 yards outside the designated geographic boundary! Although very disappointed it proved to be a mutually beneficial discussion and I am happy to help and act as an Ambassador for this worthy cause. If successful, I believe it would have a positive impact on the local economy and business community.
3.15pm: I catch up on e-mails and telephone calls. I also prepare for a regular marketing meeting with Glen King our PR consultant which takes place in the morning.
5.00pm: I head back to Exeter and the David Lloyd Centre for a tennis lesson and work-out.
Jim Howard operates the SW Peninsula Europcar franchise and Vehicle Save Contract Hire & Leasing Limited an independent company specialising in long term vehicle contracts which complements daily rentals.
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Photos courtesy of Mark Campbell - www.onthemarkphotography.co.uk
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