BRITISH CAR REGISTRATIONS

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Change In The Law

December 2002

Did you know that it is probably easier to enter the United Kingdom as a foreign national than it is to buy a set of number plates for your car? Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it?

New Department of Transport regulations in force from January 1st 2003 require all number plate suppliers in England and Wales, by Law, to register their details with DVLA in order to trade. The Official explanation for introduction of the register is that it should make it more difficult for thieves to buy false numbers plates to put onto stolen vehicles. Mr Criminal will be thwarted because, in order to purchase a set of number plates (or indeed, a single number plate) he will need to show a) that he is entitled to purchase a number plate showing the given registration mark (by providing a V5 registration document or proof of cherished transfer) and b) proof of his own identity. Verification of the latter is obtained by Mr Criminal supplying his passport, driving licence, bank statement, recent utility bill and other, often highly-personal documents.

Not surprisingly, many people are reluctant to send sensitive documents through the post but photocopies are not acceptable. Some have even complained that they believe their personal documents are being used to generate false ID in order to facilitate the entry of illegal immigrants into the Country. However, the fact remains that if you want to order a set of numbers plates by telephone or on-line you simply have to trust your identification documents to the Royal Mail!

What about the poor number plate suppliers? They now have to request the required identification documents, argue with customers about why they need them, answer 101 questions about what is and is not acceptable proof, handle thousands of pieces of documentation that is in all other respects absolutely nothing to do with their business, photocopy it, store it (for at least 3 years) and ensure its safe return to their customer.

Bemusingly, the new regulations do not affect other parts of the UK. So if “Jolly Nice Number Plates” of Hereford has had enough of all this bureaucratic nonsense, they can always shut up shop and re-open in Edinburgh or Belfast. Why is that?

So spare a thought for the poor old number plate supplier; don’t give him too much hassle when he asks for all your intimate pieces identification. He’s just doing his job - as an unpaid (as usual) private detective for the Government!

First To Raise The Standard!

November 2002

Six years ago, British Car Registrations was the first company dealing with the sale and transfer of personalised registrations to be awarded the coveted ISO 9002.

In the intervening years, only two other companies in this industry have been granted this award; a formal recognition that the organisation has and implements strict management procedures in order to ensure delivery of a first class service to its customers. Indeed, every ISO 9002 company is independently audited every nine months to ensure continued compliance.

By the end of 2003 the ISO 9002 standard will be obsolete; its replacement the more stringent ISO 9001:2000 aimed more specifically at ensuring customer satisfaction. Never an organisation to sit on its laurels, British Car Registrations was keen to show its commitment to the standard and to service to its customers and is delighted to be, again, leading the challenge to the industry as the first to be awarded ISO 9001:2000.

BCR At The Motor Show

October 2002

The British International Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors all keen to see what is new in the world of motoring. Over 500,000 people entered through the doors of the UK’s leading exhibition centre and a further 500,000 took a virtual tour via their computers. British Car Registrations was, once again, the only registration dealer to exhibit at the show.

Press day, traditionally the day when exhibitors try to outdo each other with their hospitality and photo-opportunities, did not disappoint. At the British Car Registrations stand, Matthew Holmes (who purchased 25 DEC after visiting our stand two years ago) was attended to buy not one but two Mother Christmas’s who, when they were not busy serving sherry and mince pies, posed for photos with Matthew and his number plate.

Said Director, Brian Bell:-
“The response we have received has been phenomenal and the business we have done from the Motor Show has exceeded all expectations.”

Some interesting (if worthless) facts about the Motor Show:

• Visitors drink approximately 267,000 cups of tea, 83,000 pints of beer and a staggering 3,700 bottles of wine

• Approximately 22,000 people are involved before during and after the Show, and the NEC brings in up to 2,000 extra staff throughout the even

• The pitch at Old Trafford would fit into the Motor Show six and a half times over registrations."

Annual Prize Giving

September 2002

It’s always nice to know that you are doing your job well and it is particularly satisfying when this is publicly acknowledged.

British Car Registrations recently held its annual prize-giving evening at Aston Wood Golf Club. The Administrator of the Year was announced as Jenny Lucas and the prize for Salesperson of the Year went to Joanne Walton. As well as a cash bonus, both winners were presented with an engraved crystal bowl by Director, Brian Bell.

Accepting her award for Salesperson of the year, Joanne Walton said “It shows that hard work and determination pays off and I am looking forward to next year’s challenge.”

Top L-R: Joanne Walton, Brian Bell (Director), Rosie Steer (Sales Manager).

Bottom L-R: Jenny Lucas, Brian Bell (Director), Annie Palmer-Reynolds (Administration Manager).

Sur-Prizing Weekend In Paris

August 2002

Tim Wale of Reading scored a double hit when he asked British Car Registrations to sell his registration mark for him.

Not only did British Car Registrations find him a buyer for C577 DUG; because he had completed and returned the agreement asking them to do so, he had been automatically entered-into a prize draw. Mr Wale, was happily surprised to learn that his was the name drawn out and that he had won a weekend for two in Paris.

Investments On A Plate

July 2002

Research shows that today's investors are more likely than ever to look for opportunities outside the conventional market place. Record-breaking low interest rates and the recent downward spiral of the stock market have had a devastating effect upon savings and pensions and share partial responsibility for the new trend but so too does the desire of investors to find a more enjoyable way of making their money work for them.

Jewellery is an option, possibly a second property abroad but, an increasingly popular home for the astute investor's money is a personalised car registration; yes, really!

Traditionally, so-called "cherished" registrations appreciate in value and, whilst the investment is gathering this added value, the owner has the pleasure of using the registration. And it isn't just a vanity thing either - an appropriate registration mark can be a worthwhile advertising tool, not to mention the fact that a "dateless" mark will take the year letter off the car and extend its "newness" by years.

Buy the right registration at the right price, and you can be driving pretty whilst improving your finances at the same time!

Cherished Assurance

June 2002

The topic of "insurance" is not one that would readily excite many people but, in an age when nobody's property seems safe from vandals and thieves, we have come to accept it as a necessary part of life.

Mr Bahia, who lives in the West Midlands, was the proud owner of two very distinctive registrations (S7 KHS and S11 VGH). Both were purchased as investments but were much appreciated and enjoyed by Mr Bahia himself.

It was not until Mr Bahia almost forgot to renew the certificate on which he was holding S7 KHS last year that, in his words, he "woke up to the need for insurance". Thank goodness he did!

Whilst shopping with his family in January this year, Mr Bahia's Ford Mondeo was stolen from a Birmingham car park. Having reported the theft to the Police and notified the vehicle's insurers, Mr Bahia contacted the insurers of his registration mark. As a result he has received full settlement for his loss and is full of praise for the cover offered by the exclusive insurance policy he purchased from British Car Registrations.

I bought both of the registrations as investments. S11 VGH looked really good on the car. I had lots of people stop me and offer to buy the registration from me but I was waiting for the right price.

"In twelve months' time the registration will go back to the insurance company from DVLA and they have told me that, if I want to, I can buy it back from them at 80% of what they paid out. I do not have to buy it back but I think I probably will because it looked so good. I think the insurance is a safety net."

Of course you can also lose the rights to a registration mark if you fail to renew a certificate of entitlement or a certificate of retention; the theft of your vehicle is not the only hazard to cherished registration owners. Suffice it to say that Mr Bahia will be very particular about ensuring that S7 KHS remains fully covered by insurance. To borrow Mr Bahia's phrase, perhaps many more people need to "wake up" to the need for insurance. We cannot seem to stop car theft but we can help to minimise the financial loss and heartache that can result from it.

For further information about insuring your personalised registration, contact us on: 0121 353 3333.

A Turly Fantasmagorical Registration

May 2002

The publicity enthuses "The most magical musical of all time has landed on stage at the London Palladium" and, indeed, if you are lucky enough to relive some of your childhood with a visit to the West End's most famous theatre you will be utterly convinced that Chitty really does fly!

As the world's most magical car manoeuvres above your heads (and she does!) you will notice that she sports the registration GEN 11. Genii is derived from the latin word for genius (which is, of course, exactly what Chitty is in motor vehicle terms). But we, at On Your Bumper, wondered what was behind this celebrated registration.

You may be surprised to learn that the original book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was penned by none other than Ian Fleming; the creator of James Bond. Hence the abundance of gadgets throughout the film and evocative character names like Truly Scrumptious. Fleming may have created Chitty but it was Cubby Broccoli who breathed life into her for his 1968 film.

The vehicle itself was no mere theatrical prop. She was designed by Academy Award winning production designer Ken Adam and the inventor Rowland Emmett and was constructed on a ladder-frame chassis with the help of the Ford racing team. The dashboard came from a 1917 fighter aircraft and most of the brass items adorning Chitty were borrowed from classic cars. No detail was spared in Chitty's creation to ensure that she would stand up to the scrutiny of the 70mm film camera. Powered by a Ford engine, Chitty was formally registered in June 1967 with GEN 11. There were several other Chitty "shells" constructed for filming purposes and engines were fitted to these for use on world-wide promotional tours. However, only one could be formally registered as GEN 11 and, to this day, the original vehicle still bears that mark and remains roadworthy.

Although she no longer makes the hazardous flight to Vulgaria in pursuit of Baron Bomburst's zeppelin, Chitty still goes and has recently become environmentally friendly by means of an LP Gas conversion. She is owned and driven by Pierre Picton who lives in Warwickshire and takes Chitty all around the Country where she makes many appearances for charity. She also had pride of place in a guest appearance outside the London Palladium to mark the opening of the stage production. Mr Picton drove Chitty in the film as a double and he toured Europe in her from 1968 until 1973, promoting the film. In 1973 he purchased Chitty from Cubby Broccoli and has cherished her ever since.

For thousands of 30 and 40-somethings, Chitty is a fond memory of childhood. She may belong to Pierre Picton but Chitty is a "fine four-fendered friend" to millions of others.

Special Recongnition

April 2002

There are times when an individual’s performance goes beyond extremely good or excellent. On rare occasions, an individual will perform so well that they warrant special recognition.

Telephone Sales Executive, Phillip Sutton, was recently awarded an engraved trophy to mark a superb personal performance. Presenting the award, Director, Jane Roberts, praised Phillip for his achievement:-

“Phillip has put in a tremendous effort and I am delighted to see that it has paid off for him as well as British Car Registrations. For a quite outstanding performance, the award which we are presenting to him today, is very well deserved.”

On Your Bumper

March 2002

The Spring edition of On Your Bumper is now out and has been just as well received as last Winter’s face-lifted version.

For your free copy please e-mail us at:
admin@britishcarregistrations.co.uk

Holiday!

Feburary 2002

There’s nothing quite like the prospect of a holiday to get people motivated and if there’s a possibility of WINNING a holiday it is even better!

The winners of our pre-Christmas promotion were Lauren (in our sales department) and Annie (in our administration department). Lauren was delighted with her holiday to Cyprus and Annie is now eagerly awaiting her trip to Thailand.

New Developments

Janurary 2002

In most cases, we can fulfil a customer’s requirements with a registration mark that will suit them just perfectly. However, for a long time we have been aware that there are some people whose requirements are so precise, unusual or just very difficult to match that we cannot find them something suitable straight away. With our telephones ringing constantly, we have not been able to service these customers as well as we would have liked and it was time to develop a way in which we would be able to give this minority of customers the time and attention their enquiry deserves.

That was where Louise Wilkes came in. Having started her life at British Car Registrations in our administration department back in 1995, Louise had a hankering for sales and joined our sales department two years later – she was a natural! Louise’s extensive product knowledge together with her eye for detail and attentive nature made her a favourite with customers, many of whom visited our motor show stands just to meet her in person! However, in August 2000, Louise thought it was time to try something new and recruitment sales seemed the very thing to test her skills afresh.

After enjoying a successful year in recruitment, Louise has acquired new skills and, coupled with her wide-ranging knowledge of and enthusiasm for registrations, the time was right for her to return to British Car Registrations at the forefront of our new department.

As Business Development Manager, Louise will be responsible for a team of highly trained and tenacious Business Development Executives whose remit it will be to provide the specialist service we have identified.

Louise can be contacted by e-mail on: louise@britishcarregistrations.co.uk