Van Sales UK

Tiling contractor Dan Tapper knows all about a flawless finish – so he was mightily impressed with the smooth purchase and delivery of his latest Ford Transit Custom, from independent supplier Van Sales UK.

Nottingham-based Dan trades as Tapper Tiling. His work is mainly within an hour’s drive of home but he will travel anywhere his services are required – working alone, or with a regular sub-contractor, he frequently takes on complex assignments, from traditional ornate hallway floors to ultra-modern wet-rooms.

“That means a reliable van is essential, to carry me and all my materials and tools to and from sites” he said. “But my vehicle is also part of the visible ‘face’ of my brand, so it must look smart and professional to reflect the high standards of workmanship and service that my customers expect.”

With its smart silver paintwork and eyecatching livery, Tapper Tiling’s new Transit Custom ticks both boxes.

“I’m really pleased with it,” Dan asserted. “But I’m equally delighted with the slick ordering and delivery service from Van Sales UK.

“I know of other tradespeople who have had problems getting hold of new vehicles – you hear of suppliers making promises and then not sticking to them. I had none of those issues, though. From my initial inquiry through to the handover of the Transit, sales executive Scott Wilson kept me fully informed and was totally honest and straight.

“The whole transaction was very straightforward and the vehicle was delivered to my door, in perfect condition, within a month of me placing my order. Everything was dealt with remotely and I never had to take time off work to visit a showroom. The process could not have been easier.”

Dan’s 2.8-tonne gvw Transit Custom has a compact L1 body and is powered by a 2.0-litre EcoBlue engine which generates 96kW/130ps, and drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. It boasts a 6m3 loadspace and can carry a payload of up to 738.7kg, and returns up to 38.7mpg (WLTP Combined).

“I chose a top-specification Limited model so as well as smart-looking colour-coded bumpers and door handles, I benefit from features like air-conditioning and heated seats – so the van is a comfortable drive whatever the weather is doing,” he added.

Van Sales UK, a division of parent company Vanaways, is an internet-based business with no showroom or yard full of vans waiting to be sold. Instead, its sales experts work over phone and email networks, taking inquiries and orders and matching customers up with their perfect vehicle selections – so overheads are kept to a minimum. The company has been trading since 2017 and now supplies an average of 250 vans per month to customers across Britain.

Director Chris Jakeways said: “We can source any vehicle a customer wants, but for many people these days the brand of their new van is not a primary concern. There’s often very little to choose between models from different manufacturers.

“What’s more important is to make the process of getting that new van on the road as painless as possible. That’s where we score, by cutting the number of steps a vehicle takes between rolling off the production line and arriving at the customer’s premises, and by slashing time-consuming paperwork.”

Independent vehicle supply specialist Van Sales UK is pushing for rapid growth with the recruitment of a seasoned industry professional as sales director.

Paul Cox brings an impressive track record to his new role with the company – including stints with another leading independent van seller, a major manufacturer’s franchised network, and a rental specialist.

His appointment is just the first in a series of initiatives to boost Van Sales UK’s presence in the market. Plans are already underway to expand the sales team, and a move to a larger new office is imminent. Meanwhile the finishing touches are being put to a partnership deal that will see Van Sales UK promoted to a huge swathe of potential new customers.

“These are exciting times for the business and that was a big part of the attraction for me to get on board,” enthused Paul. “Van Sales UK has great potential for growth and my mission is to drive that forward as far and as fast as possible.”

Paul inherited a team of 11 sales executives but the plan is quickly to increase that number to 18. “We’ve already added another two recruits so we’re on the way,” he reported.

“I’m also creating a specialised business development team, to focus on promoting the advantages we can offer to prospective new customers, while the retail team will devote their attention to incoming inquiries.

“I’ve been very lucky to inherit a fantastic group of people who are extremely highly motivated – which is testament to the positive working environment and strong team spirit established by managing director Chris Jakeways. My responsibility now is to help add the systems and processes that will allow us to reach the next level.”

He continued: “My previous role was with a large plc and, by contrast, it’s a refreshing change to be in a business where decisions can be taken and plans put into action quickly. We’re a very nimble operation here and I want ensure we retain that agility and speed of response as we grow – the initial target is to hit 10,000 sales per year, and I fully expect that to be reached soon.”

Paul still lives in Cardiff, where he was born and bred, and outside work he has also taken on a voluntary role with the city’s football club. “I first came into contact with Cardiff City FC when I held talks with them about a sponsorship arrangement, in one of my previous jobs,” he said. “I was so impressed with what I saw at the club, particularly the work they do at grassroots level, and I knew there and then I had to get more involved. I’m now an Ambassador for the club’s women’s football team – women’s and girls’ football is growing incredibly quickly in popularity and importance and as a great believer in diversity and inclusivity I’m very proud to play my part in the promotion of a great sport.”