My last few blogs have discussed how the private hire
industry works and how the drivers within it are engaged. DrivenByQ has a mix
of employees who drive company owned vehicles and self-employed sub-contractors
who have their own vehicles. The full-timers are mostly exclusive to DrivenByQ.
The part-time drivers however might sub-contract to multiple companies and will
also have some of their own clients who use their service.
At every stage of growth, DrivenByQ has depended on sub-contractors to help at times of peak demand. At the executive level however there is only a small pool of sub-contractors in our local area. Very few people can offer the same level of quality as ourselves. Rivals will even resort to using a taxi company when they are busy. This drastically reduces the quality of the vehicle used and means no plate exemption too.
At every stage of growth, DrivenByQ has depended on sub-contractors to help at times of peak demand. At the executive level however there is only a small pool of sub-contractors in our local area. Very few people can offer the same level of quality as ourselves. Rivals will even resort to using a taxi company when they are busy. This drastically reduces the quality of the vehicle used and means no plate exemption too.
At DrivenByQ, we believe that if a customer expects an
executive car service, they should receive an executive car service. To ensure
this happens, we use our sub-contractor network from across the region and upgrade
the service from executive to VIP if needed. This often costs DrivenByQ more than we
charge to a customer. On the flip side, it not only ensures quality is
maintained but it gives passengers a pleasant surprise.
Some of the VIP vehicles will be the latest (long-wheelbase) Mercedes S Class. These cost over £70,000 when new and represent the pinnacle of a large, luxury car equipped to the highest standards. Features of these cars include double glazed windows, electric sun blinds, massaging seats, adaptive lumbar support, digital TV and ambient lighting. The L version (for long) even adds an extra six inches over the standard car. This gives generous legroom and the rear seats have an additional electric recline function.
It may seem overkill to send such high-end vehicles for
DrivenByQ customers but it ensures the ongoing relationship with corporate
customers is maintained. It also builds the relationships required for us to
transition from our local market to a regional one. With over one-hundred
airport transfers a week to and from Manchester International Airport, it seems
only natural to make Manchester Airport the next focus.
