vMagazine – May 2025

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V MAGAZINE

TRUCKFEST THIS IS HOW WE DO IT!

TRAVEL BLOG REPORTING FROM TOKYO, JAPAN!

HEY, LUKE! WELCOME TO VGROUP...

FLEET EXCELLENCE MEETS INNOVATION

BIG IMPACT

vGroup teams up with VWFS for the UK’s largest fleet awareness day.

HR UPDATE

HELLO ACCESS SALARY EXTRAS!

Access Salary Extras is the upgrade to your benefit package which has replaced Perkbox.

Access Salary Extras includes all the good things that Perkbox had with 100’s of discounts across retailers, gyms, cinema etc and a wellness hub. However, with Access Salary Extras you will also have access to EAP to contact counsellors by phone, have access to an array of salary sacrifice schemes such as cycle2work, technology, Moto Save, Christmas Savings, e-bike

hire, employee referral scheme, buy/sell holidays, Eye care vouchers and more! Access Salary Extras will act as a one stop platform to access all your company benefits in one place under your Access Workspace login. Meaning you can access your employee benefits as well as People HR from the same place. Please watch the video below for a tour of the Salary Extras Portal. Enjoy!

LINDA GODFREY Head of Group HR & Legal Joined: 2017

WORK ANNIVERSARIES

REBECCA KIRWAN-LEE – 15 YEARS

Pick Pack Despatch

JORDEN HARRIS – 1 YEAR

Pick Pack Despatch

ELIZABETH BIRT – 2 YEARS

vGroup International

HARRY CLARK – 1 YEAR

vGroup International

STEPHEN COLIN STEELE – 9 YEARS

Total Van Solutions

ADNAN SHAKIL AHMED – 6 YEARS

Micronisus

ALEXANDER BLOUNT – 2 YEARS Comm-Ply

IVAYLO DODEV – 2 YEARS Comm-Ply

DEBORAH JAGGER – 2 YEARS

Middleton Manufacturing

NEW STARTERS

DAVID LEWIS Comm-Ply

WE ARE HIRING

COMM-PLY

• Regional Sales Manager

• Business Development Manager

MIDDLETON MANUFACTURING

• Customer Service Administrator

• Production Operative

• Sewers

KATHLEEN MOYCE – 11 YEARS

Pick Pack Despatch

TRACEY TINGEY – 14 YEARS

vGroup International

WING CHOW – 2 YEARS

vGroup International

LAUREN STEWART – 13 YEARS

Total Van Solutions

STEVEN JAMES HAMILTON – 4 YEARS

Total Van Solutions

NICOLE LEEMING – 3 YEARS Comm-Ply

DENNIS NYAKUDYA – 2 YEARS Comm-Ply

ZAHRA NAZARI – 3 YEARS

Middleton Manufacturing

DARREN WALKER – 1 YEAR

Middleton Manufacturing

LUKE SANDERS

vGroup

REMINDER: TIMESHEETS & CLOCKING IN/OUT

A friendly reminder to all employees: please ensure you are clocking in and out each day and submitting your completed timesheets at the end of each week. Timely submission is essential to avoid delays in processing payments. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated — thank you for helping us keep everything running smoothly!

THE BIG FLEET EVENT AT VWFS Fleet takes centre

On 14 May, vGroup joined Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) at their Milton Keynes HQ for “The Big Fleet Event”—the largest fleet awareness day ever hosted by a UK fleet business.

With over 250 VWFS fleetaligned staff attending, the event was a dynamic opportunity to highlight our latest product innovations and deepen relationships across the industry. Our interactive stand, featuring tailored products from vGroup Van and vGroup Car, drew plenty of attention—from branded vehicle kits to bespoke fleet solutions.

This event marked a key milestone, strengthening our partnership with VWFS and showcasing the depth of our product portfolio to fleet professionals from across the UK. Attendees experienced firsthand how our solutions protect vehicles, drivers and

enhance brands, reaffirming our commitment to simplifying and enhancing customer journeys.

Jonathan Glenn, Head of Fleet Operations at VWFS, added: “So great to have you there, and thanks for your continued support.”

Nicola Eggleton, General Sales Manager at vGroup, said: “Being part of VWFS’s largestever fleet event was fantastic. It’s always rewarding to see our solutions making an impact. Days like these reinforce why collaboration is at the heart of everything we do.”

From the pitch

TO THE PLATFORM

With a passion for football and a track record in eCommerce, Luke Sanders brings energy, expertise and a competitive edge to vGroup’s digital journey. We caught up with him to talk sports, SEO, and the future of our online platforms.

You’ve built an entire sports memorabilia platform for the UFC — what did that experience teach you about eCommerce that you bring into your role at vGroup? It was a steep learning curve — and a great one. I’d worked on existing websites before, but building the UFC platform from scratch taught me the real value of UX, SEO and quality product presentation. It also reminded me there’s no magic traffic wand — building consistent growth takes time, hard work and detail. That mindset is something I bring to vGroup every day.

From football pitches to product pages — how has 30 years of playing sport shaped the way you work and lead projects?

Mainly communication. I’ve captained every team I’ve played in, and I’ve learned that people respond to different styles. Some need support, others need a push.

Understanding those dynamics helps build trust and get the best out of a group. Planning is key too — you always need a tactic, and a backup. And yes, I hate losing. A lot.

We hear you’re a big sports fan — football, golf, F1, UFC. If you had to compare your working style to an athlete or sports team, who would it be and why?

Probably Coventry City this season — slow start, lots of learning, but big ambition. It’s about figuring out your team, your tools and your direction, then building from there. Hopefully, like Cov, I’ll be finishing strong.

Being a dad to a three-yearold is a full-time job in itself! Has parenthood changed your perspective on work or how you approach challenges?

Massively. Becoming a dad shifted

everything — it’s not about me anymore, it’s about him. He’s my biggest motivator. I want to give him the best life I can, and set the right example. And yes, I’ve now realised I’m turning into my own dad… which is terrifying!

Coventry City, golf swings, or race cars — what’s your perfect way to unwind after a busy week?

These days it’s golf, gym (mainly the sauna!), darts at the pub or watching Cov with my son. I like to keep busy, even when I’m switching off.

What’s your vision for eCommerce at vGroup in 2025 and beyond?

Simple: I want us to be best-inclass. That means improving UX, refining CRO, growing traffic — especially organically — and constantly staying ahead. We’ve got strong platforms already, and I’m excited to take them to the next level.

BUILDING TRAFFIC TAKES

WORK — THERE’S NO MAGIC WAND, BUT EVERY CLICK COUNTS.

Out of office, out of this world

VERITY NASH TAKES US ON A BRIGHT, BOLD AND SLIGHTLY BIZARRE JOURNEY THROUGH TOKYO

When Verity, Head of Customer Service, checked out of the inbox and into the neon jungle of Tokyo, she came back with a suitcase full of memories, a few new cravings and one unforgettable octopus encounter.

What made you choose Tokyo as your holiday destination?

It’s always been on our bucket list. We were already travelling in that part of the world, so we thought… why not? It felt like the perfect time to tick it off.

What’s been your most “wow” moment since arriving?

Walking into Shinjuku. The lights, the noise, the sheer sensory overload! Every billboard was lit up and blaring music, buses were playing jingles, people everywhere — it was chaotic in the best way. You can’t help but stop and take it all in.

Did you try any weird or wonderful Japanese snacks?

Yes… a baby octopus. Honestly, I wasn’t a fan — I was bracing for some kind of ‘pop’ when I bit into it, but thankfully it never came! There’s a photo of my reaction, and yes, it says it all.

What was the most surprising cultural difference?

Anime. You know it’s big over

there, but you don’t quite realise just how big — or how odd some of it is — until you’re surrounded by it. It’s literally everywhere.

If you could bring one thing back from Tokyo (besides souvenirs), what would it be?

A ramen recipe! The flavours, the depth, the comfort — I’ve never tasted anything quite like it.

Any “lost in translation” moments?

Not really! Most people speak English, and even when they didn’t, they were incredibly kind. A few even walked with us to make sure we got where we needed to be. Tokyo’s got tech, but actually it’s the people who stand out.

What’s your top tip for a first-time visitor?

Don’t waste time walking just for the sake of it. Their public transport is brilliant — clean, fast, easy. Use it. We ended up walking too much and missed out on some sights!

Been somewhere unforgettable lately? Whether it’s Tokyo or Torquay, we’d love to feature your travels in the next edition. Send your snaps and stories to marketing@vgroupinternational.com.

FLEET FOCUS, FUTURE READY

vGroup International hit the road once again for Fleet Procure Live — a two-day industry event showcasing the latest vehicle launches, technology and service partners.

Held on 21–22 May, Fleet Procure Live brought together over 600 professionals from across the leasing and fleet industry. The event featured more than 140 vehicles available for test drives, alongside a curated mix of suppliers offering insight into fleet-related services — including vGroup International.

From our branded demo van to product samples and service

walk-throughs, we used the opportunity to talk directly with key leasing partners and dealer groups — many of whom commented on the clarity and creativity of our branded presence.

Nicola Eggleton, General Sales Manager at vGroup International, said: “We were proud to be part of such a well-organised and focused event. These moments

are key to strengthening relationships and showing the industry just how broad and joined-up our offer really is.”

The cherry on top? Our Royal Ascot competition drew plenty of entries, adding some extra energy to our stand and giving visitors a chance to win big while learning more about what vGroup can do.

sparks

Comm-Ply is bringing fabrication in-house to boost flexibility, lead times and margin.

Comm-Ply is set to open a new welding facility at its Leeds branch in the coming weeks. The move will allow the team to manufacture key products such as fall arrest systems, false floors and cages internally — significantly reducing wait times and giving full control over stock and scheduling.

“With this shift, we’re aiming to reduce lead times from up to a

FASTER PRODUCTION TWIRLS BACK ON TOP Star of the month

Joint effort, well deserved. A special thank you to Eryn Parfitt and Nicole Leeming for their dedication and support across both Customer Service and Purchasing during a demanding month.

month to just days,” said Jessica Barrington, Operations Director.

“It also lets us make smarter use of our skilled installers during quieter periods, which keeps quality high and our teams agile.”

Early forecasts suggest that for some products, such as vehicle safety cages, gross margin could jump from 10% to over 60% by eliminating external fabrication costs.

Erin

After five years away from competition, Eryn Parfitt made a winning return to the world of Majorettes. Competing in her second event of the 2025 season, she secured 1st place in the Senior Spinning category and was crowned Diamond Twirlers’ Shining Star.

Well done, Eryn — a brilliant result!

– Comm-Ply Joined: 2016

JESSICA BARRINGTON Operations Director

That’s us AT MM

WHAT A

show

VMC Haulage took centre stage at this year’s Truckfest, and it didn’t go unnoticed.

Positioned right in the heart of the show, VMC’s stand captured attention from thousands of attendees across the weekend. With a half-page feature in the official Truckfest programme (which sold over 30,000 copies), the event marked a proud milestone for the business.

“Going from visiting Truckfest as a child to showcasing our fleet in the middle of it all was something special,” said Paul Briggs, General Manager. “All the late nights and prep work paid off — we’ve already landed our first job from a new contact and more opportunities are opening up across the Group.”

It wasn’t just a show of trucks — it was a show of ambition.

2021

DRIVE A BETTER CAR

As an employee of vGi Holdings, you get to offset some of your salary in exchange for a brand new electric or plug-in hybrid car. It’s a great little perk and means you can enjoy a nice new set of wheels without any deposit or ongoing running costs including road tax, insurance, MOTs, breakdown assistance and routine servicing and maintenance.

To see the range of cars available and to get a quote, visit tuskercars.com, using your company code, payroll number to create an account and log in.

Email: EETeam@tuskerdirect.com

Call: 0333 400 7431

Company codes:

vGroup International = VGIL

Middleton Manufacturing = MIDD

Comm-Ply = CPYL

PPD = Coming Soon

VMC = Coming Soon

Access to the scheme is subject to salary and age.

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