Finding a chauffeur company is easy, but finding the right one for your company is not so straightforward. Peter Nixon is your guide to making an informed decision, while Neil Cunningham provides some handy hints on car hire
You may think you know the travel needs of your business inside out but don’t forget to liaise with colleagues and other departments to make sure there’s nothing you’ve overlooked. Whether you require taxis, executive cars, or more specialist services such as coaches or international ground travel providers, you first need to write yourself out a checklist, as this will help when vetting potential suppliers.
Once you have identified what you need, you should then consider a few specific questions:
What is the cost/quality balance you’re looking to achieve.
Like most things in life, you tend to get what you pay for.
Can one supplier fulfil all your needs?
Dealing with just one company may be more convenient, but a horses for courses approach is likely to deliver a better service experience.
Technology ? is this a part of the business travel culture within your company?
Online booking, use of appropriate apps, billing and reporting all need to be taken into account. Talking of apps, what about Uber, Hailo and so on? These are subject to availability issues and ?surge pricing? at peak times, so for moving around town cheaply they?re fine, but quality within the supply chain may be variable. There have also been major recent concerns over legality, safety and insurances, leading to Uber being banned or challenged in some countries ? issues you can?t afford to ignore from the perspective of a company?s duty of care.
There are dozens of chauffeur companies available, from local ?one-man bands? to major players such as Addison Lee and the black taxi companies, as well as established international providers. This can be a daunting choice, particularly around the London area, so here are five top tips to bear in mind.
? Information is power ? make sure you have details about your own travel patterns and spend. This will be invaluable in negotiating the right rates and terms with potential suppliers.
? Your incumbent supplier ? are they part of the solution or part of the problem?
? Get recommendations ? if people you trust are happy, chances are you will be too.
? Do your homework ? check out suppliers for awards, accreditations and quality standards.
? Have a ?beauty parade? ? invite in a few and get a feel for their brand and approach to customer service; remember that cultural fit is also important.
Peter Nixon is Senior Business Development Manager at chauffeur firm TBR Global, which has just been voted Best Ground Transportation Company in the Business Travel Awards 2015. Find out more about what it can offer at tbrglobal.com
There are some important points to take into consideration when renting a vehicle for a business trip. Clearly, aspects such as choosing a reliable company, finding a good deal and being able to hire a car that is suitable for the occasion are key for any type of rental. But when the car is required for business purposes, everything needs to run smoothly.
Becoming part of a loyalty programme can be really useful, as it results in a number of worthwhile benefits, especially for those members who repeatedly use the company?s services. For instance, some loyalty schemes allow members to bypass queues and collect points redeemable for reward days. Other perks may include an email sent out to inform you about the exact model available and where the vehicle is parked, as well as car class upgrades.
When travelling for business, time can be limited and refuelling before returning the car can easily become a bother. In order to avoid this potential issue, it?s important to consider the different refuelling options available. Moreover, adding certain extras to the rental can make the business trip surprisingly more efficient and hassle-free.
Some of the useful products that management assistants booking these services may wish to consider include satellite navigation, insurance cover, or the use of a mobile wifi hotspot that allows you to have unlimited data allowance, thereby avoiding roaming charges.
Neil Cunningham is the General Manager of Hertz Europe; visit hertz.co.uk to discover the full range of the company?s services
Suppliers guide
Avis
avis.co.uk
Product offer: Avis provides a number of rental options for business clients. Its Prestige service features a wide range of luxury cars, including Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen. Meanwhile, its Preferred Selection gives priority members the ability to take advantage of a number of benefits, including fast-track services and complimentary upgrades.
Rates: Available on request
Unique selling point: Avis offers customers peace of mind. With its Select Series, you can pick from a wide range of cars and be assured that you?ll drive off with your exact preference. Plus, its business travel team is on hand to ensure you?re getting the solution that?s best for your company.
Location: Worldwide
Black Car Service
blackcarservice.co.uk
Product offer: Black Car Service is aimed at businesses looking for a discreet, unbranded solution. Launched in London by Transdev, one of the world?s largest sustainable transport companies, all cars have free 4G wifi and professional drivers trained in customer service. PAs can book on behalf of their bosses and view, edit and track all bookings via a single profile.
Rates: Transfers from central London to Heathrow from ?50; quote “PA Life” for a promotional offer.
Unique selling point: With a fleet of 150 saloons and 50 people carriers, Black Car Service offers response times of 15 minutes in central London. Dedicated account management and personalised information provide you with total peace of mind.
Location: London, the US and France
Budget
budget.co.uk
Product offer: Budget Premier offers an affordable selection of executive and sports cars, as well as sport utility vehicles at various locations throughout the UK. With the company?s iPhone app, you can select a location by entering the three-character airport code, or search by city and postcode, along with rental dates and times. Plus, the company offers van hire for those who need to transport larger items.
Rates: Please call or visit the website
Unique selling point: Budget offers a winning combination of low prices, a full range of car rental options and a high level of service. The company understands that travel plans can change, so it has developed a corporate programme to ensure there?s a team of representatives available to help accommodate your needs.
Location: Worldwide
Gett
gett.com/uk
Product offer: Founded in 2010, Gett, formally known as GatTaxi, is a free app that lets you instantly book a licensed black taxi with a tap of your mobile. With more than 2,000 corporate clients, Gett for Business is the answer for companies looking to streamline their ground transportation. PAs can enjoy access to on-demand and future bookings up to four weeks in advance, 24/7 customer care, dedicated account management and flat-rate pricing, plus an integrated app for company phones and an online portal.
Rates: By the meter, with quotes available for airport transfers. Get ?10 off your first booking when you use coupon code “patreat” (only available if you?re paying by card).
Unique selling point: Gett offers a complete solution for companies, offering more benefits than other providers.
Location: 24 cities across the world
Hertz
hertz.co.uk
Product offer: Hertz provides a number of services and a wide range of vehicle types, including environmentally friendly, executive and luxury cars. The company offers express kiosks, hourly rentals, instant returns, flexible van hire, a Gold Choice rewards scheme and the ability to rent to buy. Plus, you can get optional extras such as second driver coverage, fuel purchase, mobile wifi hotspot and emergency roadside service, as well as Hertz NeverLost, a GPS system that allows you to upload your favourite destinations to the Cloud so you can access them during future trips.
Rates: Available on the website
Unique selling point: Hertz is the world?s largest car rental brand, with 95 years? experience. It delivers quality solutions to corporate customers and an extensive range of vehicles, as well as bespoke products to fit every requirement.
Location: Around 10,400 locations across 150 countries
Sleigh
sleigh.co.uk
Product offer: Sleigh prides itself on the quality of its executive saloons and people carriers. It offers a high standard of service and drivers are trained meticulously and possess a knowledge of local roads in order to get corporate clients where they need to be on time. If you?re looking to add sightseeing to a business trip, the company is able to provide guided tours around Scotland?s must-see spots. Plus, the team can suggest optional activities for those who find themselves with a bit of extra time.
Rates: Transfers start from ?66; other rates available on request.
Unique selling point: Sleigh has been granted a Royal Warrant by Her Majesty the Queen for its services to the Royal Family. The company was also named a preferred supplier by hospitality member site Virtuoso, giving added testimony to the quality of its service.
Location: Scotland
TBR Global
tbrglobal.com
Product offer: Founded in 1991, TBR Global is a premium chauffeur company that specialises in roadshows, events and corporate transportation. With a professionally managed partner network extending to more than 100 countries, you can be confident that your travellers will receive a consistently high quality service wherever they need to do business.
Rates: From ?30 per hour, depending on the type of car required.
Unique selling point: The MyTBR system allows bookers to monitor their own reservations in real time, enabling them to anticipate changes. PAs have the ability to book online, access full job and invoice history and manage passenger information via this system. TBR can also provide a single contact number for all drivers, simplifying traveller information requirements.
Location: Worldwide
Tristar Worldwide
uk.tristarworldwide.com
Product offer: Tristar provides a chauffeur service in more than 80 countries around the world. The company?s world-class services include airport transfers and general business travel, plus transport to meetings, conferences and events. Tristar has a range of luxury vehicles, with a 100% Mercedes fleet in the UK. Tristar?s Platinum and Gold Services provide different price points, so clients can choose the service that suits their needs.
Rates: Visit the website for a quote
Unique selling point: Tristar provides exceptionally high levels of consistency and reliability and an informed travel experience at every touch-point, from booking to invoicing. Tristar has won many awards for its customer service, innovative use of technology and uncompromising safety standards.
Location: Worldwide
