•Leading floorcoverings distributor expands its driver choice list as part of its benefits package whilst addressing safety and duty of care.
•Volvo V60 gives essential users access to a premium vehicle choice with competitive Benefit in Kind (BIK).
Headlam Group plc, the leading distributor of floorcoverings in Europe, has added the Volvo V60 Momentum to its fleet of 500 vehicles, strengthening its commitment to improving driver safety and greener motoring. Crucially, the introduction of the V60 means that all Headlam company car drivers, including essential users, now have access to a premium vehicle to meet their job needs.
Volvo is the only manufacturer giving Headlam a vehicle choice for every user-chooser band. Amy Furber, Corporate Buyer, Headlam Group plc, explains: 'Volvo's cars have been firm favourites on our fleet for higher grade employees for several years. But we wanted to offer the same reward to our essential users, most of whom are sales representatives doing considerable mileage around the UK.
'The V60 was the key to us achieving this goal. Working closely with our local Volvo retailer, Brindley Volvo in Wolverhampton, as well as the Volvo National Business Sales Manager, we have created a solution that comfortably meets the Benefit in Kind (BIK) and tax requirements of our entry level drivers and, just as significantly, supports them in doing their job – transporting heavy floorcovering samples to customers and sales prospects.'
The V60 was enthusiastically welcomed at every stage of the decision-making process, which included the Human Resources and Health and Safety teams who were instrumental in evaluating its suitability. Furthermore, the V60 is in-line with the emissions ambitions of Headlam and its focus on its environmental impact.
Amy continued: 'Because of the hours our sales representatives spend on the road, it is really important they make sure their choice of car is fit for purpose both professionally and personally. Having the opportunity to test drive the V60 over a weekend – and letting the family experience it too – is therefore invaluable.
'Volvo offers incredible peace of mind for us as an employer, in terms of safety and Duty of Care, as well as enabling our drivers to achieve their personal aims of reducing their carbon footprint. As importantly, Volvo is widely recognised by Headlam employees as a premium, aspirational brand, and the V60 is perceived as a significant step up from our offering to essential user drivers in the past. In fact, when we were considering the V60, our Human Resources team stressed its desirability would support their recruitment and retention objectives. On return of the vehicle after the test drives, 'When can I get one?' is a common question.'
Sarah Symcox, National Business Sales Manager, Volvo Car UK, commented: 'Headlam was keen to offer something new to its essential users, and we were keen to deliver. By working closely together we created a solution that met the firm's practical business needs as well as suited employees personally. And as Volvo was already compliant with Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) requirements, we were able to deliver vehicles quicker than Headlam's experiences with other manufacturers.
'The first Headlam batch order that included the V60 for essential users was placed in late 2018, and it made up more than half of the Company's renewals at that time. Over the next two years there will be an additional 260 essential user renewals, and following the overwhelmingly positive feedback so far, we hope to see the V60 represent a significant share of those orders.'
To explore the benefits of a Volvo fleet, contact the Volvo Business Centre on 0345 600 4027 or visit volvocars.co.uk/business
Photo credit: Volvo
posted on conceptcarz.com
•Volvo Car UK is the only manufacturer to offer Headlam a premium vehicle in every user-chooser category.
A demonstrator programme, including weekend test drives, was launched once the V60 was added to the Headlam fleet, giving employees the chance to experience the car first-hand.
posted on conceptcarz.com
