06th March 2009
Safe and Secure Start for Fleet CSR
When in 2007 Patrick O’Connor and Denise Moore began to think seriously about launching their own business the economy was not doing too badly and going independent seemed a natural next step. A few months later in 2008 the business news just seemed to be getting gloomier every day but Patrick and Denise were still convinced that they had the right business model to succeed and so they pressed ahead and turned their ideas into a practical business.
Patrick says: “Every business has to go through good and bad times and if you are confident that you have a business that will work there are even advantages to launching in a downturn. You do not have any unrealistic expectations and you have to build a strong business that can take any challenges in its stride.
“It certainly focuses your mind on the important things and we made sure from the outset that we had the basics right. We knew that the business proposition that we could offer customers had great potential. It was a way to ensure that business vehicles are used in an environmentally friendly way and offered an immediate impact on the bottom line through fuel savings. It was also an easy way to check on the latest Health and Safety legislation with which businesses have to comply.”
Finding the right offices and location for the company was a crucial decision as Denise explains: “We needed to set the business up to tight deadlines and had to ensure that we created a sound initial customer base and the right framework for steady growth. This meant that time was at a premium and we just did not want to get tied down in searching for premises or developing offices from scratch.
“We required good quality offices from which we could offer services to companies and access to meeting rooms to run our training sessions. For all this the Capital Business Centre was ideal with the Centre Manager taking care of the property management matters and providing us with a complete turn-key solution to offices.
“We saved lots of time by simply choosing the offices we wanted to start in and then signing the monthly licence. We moved in straight away and were up and running in days. All the time consuming stuff like arranging phones and other services was sorted for us.”
FleetCSR – the initials stand for Corporate Social Responsibility – arranges training for fleet and business drivers who want to get the very best economy out of their vehicles. Eco positive driving can save up to 15% on fuel costs, which is a big bonus in today’s tough business climate.
The company also advises on safe driving and compliance with Health and Safety Regulations. Many businesses simply fail to realise that they are not complying with the law which is detailed and covers everything from LGV lorries to executives cars being driven on company business.
FleetCSR can audit the vehicle use of businesses and set out a route to full safety compliance together with a blueprint for cost savings. Minimising environmental impacts also allows businesses to meet their Corporate Social Responsibility targets. Patrick and Denise have found an open door so far and they are optimistic about growth prospects.
Patrick adds: “Obviously it’s not been easy but I would say to anyone if you have a good business idea then make a plan, check your figures, and don’t let the downturn stop you. Remember you will be in charge and nobody’s going to tell you that you’re being let go!”
06th March 2009
Grey Fleet Drivers Risk versus Reward
FleetCSR were honoured to be asked to supply the Key-note speakers for Renault UK during their Fleet Brand Event held at Oulton Park racetrack in Cheshire.
The Renault event was to introduce the new Megane Hatch and Coupe as well as promote the full range of Renault cars and vans to their fleet clients. In addition to the track and road testing, Renault also used the event to cascade information on relevant fleet topics to their clients during ‘breakout’ sessions. FleetCSR were asked to design and deliver two of the breakout sessions on ‘Fuel Efficient Driving’ and ‘Grey Fleet – Risks and Rewards.
Both sessions received positive feedback from Renaults Clients and presentation notes can be download from the following link: www.renaultfleetevent.co.uk/downloads/FCSR_GreyFleets.ppt
Quotes from Renault Fleet Clients
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