Company News
Institute of Transport Management honours Helphire Group plc
The Institute of Transport Management is pleased to present the 'UK Accident Management Company 2007' award to Helphire Group plc. This particular award was granted on the basis of an extensive research program conducted by the Institute's research team into the fleet and accident management Industry, discovering that the operational leasing sector has changed dramatically over the last five years due to growing levels of competition and hence saturation in the marketplace. This has resulted in the market moving towards being price-drive rather than product-driven. Winners are drawn from those that can operate at a low cost base and/or those that can innovate across the fleet management process and provide further operational efficiencies.
Commenting on the report and its findings, Mr. Patrick Sheedy, Media & PR Director for the Institute said: "Accident prevention and management are becoming the focus for many fleet managers with the controversial corporate manslaughter legislation still in the wings. Many are focusing on reducing the frequency of accidents and improving driver reporting structures and outsourcing to accident management specialists to optimise the complete vehicle repair and claims process. Part of the Institute's research and reporting process is to identify those companies that are 'best in class' to recommend on to our members. One such specialist company which came to our attention during the course of our research was previous ITM Award winner - Helphire - and now the deserving winner of the 'UK Accident Management Company Award for 2007'.
Helphire's business ethos change in the early 2000's has also aided their success to date. Helphire have taken a more accommodating stance towards insurers, which contrasts with the confrontation of insurers using the courts, a traditional method which many recovery companies still rely on. Thus by Helphire using a less confrontational business model, insurance companies are now referring no-fault drivers to Helphire for assistance. This less aggressive approach adopted has caused a significant rise in Helphire's profits in the last 4 years.
Commenting on the award, Mr Patrick Sheedy, Media & PR Director of the Institute said: "We are delighted to present this award in recognition of the work undertaken by the company in developing and perfecting the accident management solutions package for the both the dealer and the individual. This is becoming an integral part of the retail industry. This award comes to an outstanding company which is providing excellent levels of Customer Service, reliability and most importantly, after-thought for the driver. The Institute is delighted to welcome Helphire Group plc to the 2007 Awards table and is confident in its selection of "UK Accident Management Company 2007".
Mark Jackson, Helphire Group plc Chief Executive said: "We are delighted to be awarded the title of UK Accident Management Company 2007 by the Institute of Transport Management.
As the UK's dominant provider of non-fault accident management services, Helphire Group plc strives to achieve consistently high levels of customer satisfaction, cost savings and revenue streams for its market, whilst simultaneously demonstrating a real appreciation of the needs of the insurer market as well as the individual motorist.
We are proud of the position we have achieved to date, which we believe is a result of our understanding of and ability to adapt in an evolving marketplace, in which insurers are increasingly turning to outsourcing for their non-fault requirements.
Selection for the UK Accident Management Company 2007 award allows Helphire Group plc to be recognised for these achievements and spur us on to more."
1 February 2007
