Eye on Fleet Both Uel Butler and Peter Shaw are frank and honest when it comes to talking about the effect that the financial crisis had on their business. But both men are equally clear when they talk about the current growth of DFC and the importance of its independent approach in a hotly-contested fleet car marketplace here.
T
heir company – Butler is Chief Executive while Shaw is Managing Director – is one of the key players in the business vehicle market here in Northern Ireland but, of the four main players, it is the only one firmly in local ownership. “We think that’s very important,” says Uel Butler. “People here like to deal with other local people on a level. But another key factor of our independence is that simple fact that we’re not allied to any one vehicle manufacturer or dealership. We provide honest, impartial advice to our customers without any ties to any big brand names.” DFC operates from purpose-built premises at Heron Road in Belfast, a stone’s throw from the main runway at Belfast City Airport. The firm has its roots back in 1989 when it was established by a veteran of the motor trade here, Denis Farrell (….hence the name) with the current management team taking over the reins on Farrell’s retirement 12 years ago or so. Since then, the company has grown at a steady rate, moving into its impressive new headquarters several years ago. “The recession years weren’t easy, it goes without saying,” he says. “In our industry, it was a bit of a perfect storm. Levels of business dipped as customers felt the pinch and quite a few of the main banks backed away from financing vehicles and assets. “Nowadays, we’ve passed the green shoot stage and things are looking a whole lot more positive,” he adds. “We’ve seen our business expand into areas like personal contract hire as well as into a wider range of vehicles, and we’re harnessing the latest technology more and more across our operations.” Both Uel Butler and Peter Shaw agree on the main reasons for DFC’s success. “The fact that we’re
local people and a local company is one key factor,” says Shaw. “The other is the way that we look after our customers. We’re here to provide vehicles and to make life easier for the companies that we work with, and they range from sole traders right up to some of Northern Ireland’s larger private sector companies. “What’s more, we’re supplying them with a wide range of vehicles.....from small hatchbacks through medium saloon cars up to director level vehicles and then into the light commercial marketplace where we can supply vans up to the 3.5 tonne level.” DFC can provide its customers with a range of different options, not just in terms of vehicles but also in terms of financing those vehicles. “Contract hire is growing in popularity with businesses once again,” says Uel Butler. “It’s a highly effective way to budget vehicles costs across a number of years and to avoid unpleasant surprises, especially those that crop up on the vehicle maintenance front.” DFC operates a number of different department from its Heron Road headquarters, concentrating on Sales, Finance, Maintenance, Re-Marketing and Collections and Deliveries. The also employ a one stop shop, where one number for all vehicle enquiries and issues is handled in house. The Maintenance Department looks after the maintenance requirements and logistical requirements of the entire DFC fleet....organising a wide range of maintenance and repair issues on behalf of DFC vehicle customers. The Re-Marketing Department, as its name suggests, managed by Trevor the Re Marketing Director, manages the onward sale of vehicles which have reached the end of their contracts....and are sold on to trade or public buyers
or returned to companies on a finance plan. Armstrong says, “As well as assisting in the disposal of vehicle for companies and individuals, we offer a wide range of VAT qualifying ex contract cars and van which can be purchased outright or offered on a mini-lease.” DFC’s rental facility provides a cost effective solution to businesses to keep their driving moving. Delivery a wide choice of vehicle groups including light commercials from anywhere between 1 to 12 months. This is perfect solution when you need to bridge the gap between monthly rental and longer term leasing. “It can be a complex business for customers to get their heads around, what with the cost implications of Co2 emissions from different vehicles and the tax implications of BiK (Benefit in Kind). But these complexities are what we are here to explain and reassure our customers about,” adds Uel Butler. “It’s important, after all, that customers understand all of the costs that they will face before they make final decisions on vehicle choice. “What we also do effectively is monitor the whole motor sector here in an effort to find the best possible vehicle deals for our customers. We’re working with manufactures and the local and national dealerships every day of the week, and the result is that we’ve built up a substantial buying power....and we’re not afraid to use it.” DFC also works at a national level with major European
funding partners with some serious financial clout. Between them, these partners fund up to 100,000 vehicles every year, and as a result DFC can offer exclusive bonuses and discounts that many customers would otherwise struggle to find in the marketplace. On the technology front, the company’s long term partnership with the RAC extends to the use of RAC’s proven on board telematics for vehicle fleets, which enable fleet operators to get instant information on vehicle and driver performance as well as economy..... and also plays an important role in accident management. “It’s a very powerful tool right across the board, both in terms of everyday vehicle management and crisis situations, and it’s a tool which is proving very popular with our customers out there,” adds Uel Butler. But it is the cost benefits that are proving most popular with DFC customers. With up to 10% savings being made on monthly rentals, the small monthly cost of having the device fitted is excellent value considering the savings to be made. “This game changing, holistic approach a first in Northern Ireland, guarantees maximum cost savings on your vehicle(s), secures peace of mind and promises full GPS cover for your vehicles 24 hours a day with the added advantage of incorporating RAC Breakdown and Accident Management. “We think it’s an all-encompassing approach that appeals to our existing customers..... and our future customers.”
59