Electrical wholesaler driver shortlisted for What Van? Fleet Driver of the Year Awards
Posted by: electime 8th December 2017
Electrical wholesaler driver Stephen Bray has been shortlisted by What Van? as a finalist in the inaugural Fleet Driver of the Year Award category at the What Van? 2018 Awards. Renowned as the most prized independent endorsements of excellence in the light commercial vehicle industry, the awards are due to take place in London on 13th December at The Brewery.
Sponsored by Allianz Insurance Plc, and in-vehicle driver improvement technology provider, Lightfoot, described as ‘the Fitbit for cars’, the new category has been introduced to celebrate the nation’s smoothest, safest and most efficient van fleet drivers. As such, the shortlisting is a huge honour both for Stephen and his employer City Electrical Factors (CEF), which has electrical wholesale branches across the country reaching from Newquay to Glasgow.
To make it onto the shortlist, Stephen – who drives a long wheel-base Transit delivering electrical goods across the South West – first had to achieve Lightfoot Fleet Driver of the Week status. Only the highest-performing Fleet Driver of the Week winners from 2017 was then nominated for the What Van? Fleet Driver of the Year Award.
As part of the rigorous judging process, What Van? contacted Stephen’s fleet operator, Ian Thorn, to gain insight into his approach to driving at work. Lightfoot score, work ethic and general attitude were all taken into consideration alongside a combination of qualitative and quantitative data to identify the drivers most deserving of the title ‘Fleet Driver of the Year’.
Ian Thorn, CEF Fleet Operations, North London and South West, commented on Stephen’s shortlisting saying: “We’re immensely proud that Stephen has received national recognition for his considerate and efficient driving style. As an organisation, the safety of both the public and our staff is a prime concern, and that’s why we’ve installed Lightfoot into our fleet of vans. Our drivers spend a significant portion of their days on the road, so we’ve invested in technology that helps them to be more efficient, less stressed and more aware of their driving style.
“Stephen has been with the company for almost 7 years and during this time our customers have come to rely on him to deliver on time and without fuss. Stephen is a true professional behind the wheel and this is clearly supported by Lightfoot, which reports that he consistently achieves top marks on his driving performance.”
Ian added: “Stephen’s attention to detail is exceptional. His daily vehicle checks are completed in a military-like fashion. Stephen is a true asset to the Bodmin branch and CEF and is well liked and respected by all our customers. We are all very proud of him and I would say he is most deserving of an award of this prestige.”
Andy Wylie, Global Trade Media, at What Van? commented: “Stephen should feel very proud of himself as he’s achieved impressive efficiency rates placing him among the very best fleet drivers in the country. He stood out for us as not only a considerate driver but as a fine example of how efficient driving can help lead to better standards of customer service and lower accident rates.”
Mark Roberts, MD of Lightfoot, added: “Lightfoot is challenging the norms in the industry by focusing on the driver rather than engine technology, monitoring equipment or other traditional solutions for the problems faced by fleets. This award reinforces this message, offering fleet drivers, like Stephen, recognition both for their own achievements and their fleet’s commitment to greener and safer driving.”
Head of motor insurance at Allianz Insurance, Jonathan Dye, commented:
“Driving safely and efficiently is a key aspect of fleet management and since partnering with Lightfoot in 2015, we have really seen the benefits of the product. Incentivising drivers is a really important part of the process because it increases their focus on improvement. We wish Stephen the best of luck and look forward to finding out if he succeeds in becoming the very first What Van? Fleet Driver of the Year.”
https://www.lightfoot.co.uk/
