Northgate Penrith awarded Branch of the Year accolade

Northgate Vehicle Hire Penrith has won the network’s Branch of the Year 2021 accolade.

The branch in Haweswater Road was praised for putting live customer feedback at the heart of its presentation, combined with the teamwork of its 20 colleagues and leadership from branch manager, Niki Cooper.

The branch fought off competition from Luton, Coventry and Reading to win the award and it was the second time it had been shortlisted in as many years.

Branch operations director Chris Jones said: “Penrith provides a first-class service to its customers and the fact they were happy for Niki to use their testimonials in his presentation speaks volumes.

“They were unlucky to miss out on the 2020 award when our entire network of 50 branches worked in some very tough conditions to keep our customers and their vehicles moving.”

Aeris provides SIM management for VisionTrack

Aeris, the Internet of Things (IoT) Solutions provider, has announced a partnership to deliver a flexible SIM management solution for VisionTrack.

Through the partnership, Aeris said VisionTrack can expedite its go-to market strategy and offer customer trials of the VisionTrack solution.

Richard Lane, commercial director at VisionTrack, said: “Our partnership with Aeris provides VisionTrack with a unique capability to engage with its target customers by providing them with greater flexibility to deploy solutions on short term hire and rental vehicles.

“This has been made possible by Aeris’ global coverage combined with a SIM management programme that enables flexibilities such as no overage fees and instant activation and deactivation of SIMs, at no additional costs or minimum contract term.

“This flexibility has been crucial in providing VisionTrack with the necessary tools to accelerate our global growth strategy.”

VisionTrack is further exploring the use of Aeris’ Intelligent eSIM technology for the next phase of its global expansion.

FuelGenie and Right Fuel Card renew partnership

Following a successful partnership since 2017, FuelGenie and Right Fuel Card have extended their partnership.

Under the agreement, Right Fuel Card can offer its customers a Right Fuel Card co-branded card solution that enables customers to use the FuelGenie network of petrol stations including Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.

Right Fuel Card is responsible for all sales, marketing, and customer management whilst FuelGenie provides bespoke cards and processes all transactions with systems integrated with supermarkets through an API.

Robert Pieczka, managing director of FuelGenie, said: “Right Fuel Card has gone from strength to strength in terms of winning existing and new customers for our joint supermarket fuel card solution.

"Both organisations strive for the highest levels of customer service, and we look forward to working with the whole team to build on this success for the future.”

RAM Tracking launches partnership programme

RAM Tracking, a vehicle tracking, dash cam and fleet management company, has launched a leasing brokers’ partnership programme.

The programme comprises of a referral model or an ongoing rebate model.

Adam O’Neill, head of commercial at RAM Tracking, said “RAM Partner Programme is an opportunity to generate growth and additional sales within your business by becoming an exclusive partner.

“We target larger businesses in the leasing, van rental, communication and insurance sectors. Our current partners have already seen the benefits of working with us. By having an enhanced product portfolio customers have noticed increased levels of customer service and satisfaction levels.

“By partnering with RAM Tracking, businesses have access to an industry-leading fleet management provider and can take advantage of the booming demand for fleet management, generate additional revenue through hardware sales, installation and support and, create and deliver a full value-added solution to help customers better manage their fleet operations.”

Vigo Software launches new Bromsgrove office

Software developer for the transport and logistics sector, Vigo Software has invested £500,000 into relocation to Topaz Business Park.

Sajid Javid, secretary of state for health and social care and MP for Bromsgrove, was invited to take a tour of the 5000 square foot office and witnessed a demo of the firm’s Mobilise software.

John Vickers, MD of Vigo Software, said: “Our old offices were a series of barn conversions, which was starting to hamper team collaboration. To build exciting new products and solve problems faster we needed to develop a creative space.

“We needed additional space and a property where we could shape our own environment that enhances the way we work. There are also some cool features that encourage collaboration, innovation and ensures staff can excel.

“The Topaz Business Park offices are all open plan but zoned as a nod to our old Tardebigge base. We’ve invested in motorised adjustable desks for standing or seating options, installed enterprise grade WIFI to facilitate hot desking and, importantly we now have a Technology Scrum area to encourage product development and cross-functional collaboration.

“Customers will also benefit from superior meeting space, new server and comms technology to provide a robust, stable service and additional space to hold larger product user groups. Early feedback from everyone who has visited has been excellent.”

Sparks Commercial Services expands with Exeter acquisition

Independent Renault Trucks distributor, Sparks Commercial Services, is widening its reach across the Southwest with the acquisition of Renault Truck Commercials Exeter.

Operating as Sparks Commercials Exeter, the latest acquisition takes the number of Sparks Commercial Services sites to five, joining facilities in Southampton, Portsmouth, Poole and Swindon.

The company has confirmed that all 12 former employees of Renault Truck Commercials Exeter will transfer to Sparks Commercial Services to join its growing workforce of 122.

Michael Spark, director, said: “Sparks Commercials Exeter is a perfect strategic fit for us in terms of location, with excellent access to the M5 and A30, and underpins our growth plans to further develop our business across the South and Southwest of England.

“Furthermore, key members of our team already have strong links to the South West, including our Commercial Director Wayne Petherick, making this acquisition a natural progression in line with our expansion plans.”