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Richard Billyeald will join Thatcham Research as CTO on 14 August 2017

New CTO at Thatcham Research as Andrew Miller leaves 

Richard Billyeald is to join Thatcham Research as chief technical officer in August as current incumbent, Andrew Miller, leaves this month to set up his own consultancy business.

Billyeald brings with him more than 20 years’ experience delivering engineering programmes in the automotive, motorsport, aerospace and military sectors, and will lead Thatcham Research’s Repair Technology Centre (RTC) while also focusing on vehicle cyber-crime protection strategies.

Chief executive Peter Shaw commented: “Andrew has made a major contribution to Thatcham Research over the past 14 years, and has left an indelible mark on the organisation. He has led ground-breaking research and analysis around repair and has created a legacy of a highly respected Euro NCAP testing facility at Thatcham Research, as well as being the chairman of Euro NCAP.”

The contract enables Wessex Fleet’s customers to call just one number to access a comprehensive accident management solution.

Wessex Fleet deploys FMG incident management service 

Wiltshire-based independent fleet management specialist Wessex Fleet has appointed FMG to provide a bespoke incident management service for its 800 vehicles.

The solution includes 24/7/365 first notification of loss, a UK-wide repair management solution and services including non-fault hire and uninsured loss recovery. Services can be accessed via one number and Wessex Fleet customers can check on all costs and repair progress at any time via a web-based customised portal.

Simon Naylor, managing director at Wessex Fleet, said: “We are committed to saving our customers time and money whilst reducing the burden of vehicle management, and our new partnership with FMG will form a core aspect of our value-added service.”

(L-R) Jamie Frost and Tony Burns of Regal Rentals

Regal Rentals expands into Greater Manchester

Regal Rentals has opened for business in Birdhall Lane, Cheadle, marking the company’s 12th branch and its first in Greater Manchester

The company is an independent licensee for AVIS Budget and has branches from Stoke-on-Trent to Carlisle, with more than 1,250 vehicles on its fleet.

Managing director Jamie Frost,m anaging director of Regal Rentals, said the move forms a key part of the company’s continuing expansion across the north of England, with the company planning to increase revenues by more than 30% over the next five years. Recent changes have seen the company bring Tony Burns on board as commercial manager and launch a new website and branding.

Daniel St Claire, carsharing & eMobility manager at Alphabet (right), with the 2017 Intelligent Mobility Services award.

Alphabet gains recognition at International Auto Finance Network Awards

Alphabet GB Limited has been recognised for its work at the 2017 International Auto Finance Network (IAFN) Awards held in London.

As well as being ‘highly commended’ in the category of ‘Best Product or Service for Fleet Finance’, the company scooped the coveted award for ‘Intelligent Mobility Services’.

Professor Colin Tourick, co-founder of the International Auto Finance Network and host of the awards, commented: “The panel of judges highlighted that these services save customers money and time when budgets are fragmented across travel, fleet, sales, operations and HR. Alphabet evaluates a customer’s total mobility needs then addresses these with a combination of innovative, technologically-advanced and integrated products including AlphaCity carsharing, AlphaGuide app, AlphaRent extended rental and their Teleservices initiative.”