Author: Kate Shakesheff

Cooper Solutions appoints Rob Deamer as its FullCycle product moves from strength to strength

Posted on by Kate Shakesheff

We’re really pleased to welcome Rob Deamer to our team, joining as an Account Manager focussing on FullCycle.

Rob’s strong background in the automotive industry further strengthens the team, and the offering FullCycle provides to our retailer customers.  Before joining Cooper Solutions, Rob worked for five years at Rybrook MINI in Stratford-upon-Avon as a Sales Executive, and previously with the Hylton Group for four years.

Rob said: ‘I wanted to join Cooper Solutions having been aware of the products they provide during my time working in dealerships.  Seeing the benefits of FullCycle when used fully is brilliant.  Being able to paint a picture behind the customer makes a massive difference to the Sales teams when prospecting Service customers.  They are able to target the right customers at the right time, which isn’t just time-saving, it’s more motivating.’

Simon Whicher, Sales Director and Product Head of FullCycle commented: ‘We are so pleased to have Rob on board.  Having seen first hand the importance of targeted service prospecting, and with such a good understanding of how dealerships operate both mean he is ideally placed to explain the benefits of FullCycle to our customers and prospects.’

Rob was attracted to Cooper Solutions having become aware of the culture and the freedom each team member has to develop their role.  He continued: ‘I’m enjoying building relationships with my colleagues and customers, sharing our experiences and best practice.’

Away from the motor trade, Rob lives in a Worcestershire village, ideally located for discovering the best dog walks with Oscar.  He and his fiancée enjoy gardening and DIY, and making the final arrangements for their wedding in January next year.

Sales Director Simon Whicher celebrates 15 years with Cooper Solutions

Posted on by Kate Shakesheff

Our people make Cooper Solutions shine, and we like to celebrate every milestone and achievement.

Coopers has been in business for 17 years, and Simon Whicher has been part of this for 15 of those years.  Simon joined the business way back when we provided two products, with a team of five people.  During his time with the business, he has been influential in growing our offering to customers, increasing our customer base through his drive and motivation.

Dean Pipitone says: ‘With a desire and willingness to get involved, Simon has played a crucial and significant role in Coopers’ success.  He’s renowned for his excellent technical knowledge, both with our customers, our team, and the businesses we partner with.

As Company Sales Director and Product Head of FullCycle, he has delivered the launch and development of an innovative solution that has added immense value to how our retailer customers operate.  His involvement with PIB’s Motor Trade Practice Group demonstrates his expertise, and how we can support the automotive industry, driving performance through innovation and insight.’

Simon commented: ‘Wow what a journey it’s been, a special thank you to Barry Cooper who always placed complete trust in me; allowing me to grow both personally and professionally. It’s an absolute pleasure being Sales Director of Coopers as we have truly market leading products and am surrounded by industry leading people which for me makes all the difference and is our standout differentiator.

The last 2 years have been our most challenging to date but the Coopers team have proven once again in times of adversity we not only rise to the challenge we go and smash it!’

Congratulations Simon!  From all of us at Cooper Solutions.

With unaccompanied test drive theft on the rise, PIB’s Motor Trade Practice Group looks at how to mitigate risk whilst keeping customer satisfaction at the forefront

Posted on by Kate Shakesheff

The pandemic and regulations around social distancing meant that the number of accompanied test drives decreased dramatically, whilst unaccompanied test drives increased.

Even before lockdowns came into place, the trend showed that customers found test driving a car without a sales executive far preferable.  In fact, recent research from AX showed that almost two thirds (63%) of drivers want unaccompanied test drives to become standard practice*.

Our analysis corroborates this, where the number of loans has increased by 33% from pre-pandemic to post lockdown**.

Unaccompanied test drives offer a far better experience where a potential buyer can test a car for comfort, equipment and handling when the pressure is taken off them, and many feel more positively about a dealer when offered this form of test drive, welcoming the opportunity to make a more informed purchase decision.

However the freedom presented by an unaccompanied test drive also raises the risk involved for the dealership.  The theft of a vehicle would result in not only the loss of an asset, but retailers will be required to pay an excess which can range from 15% to 25% on the value of that vehicle depending on the insurance solution in place.

As a customer-led industry, retailers cannot ignore the positive uplift in sales following unaccompanied test drives.  This shift in customer expectation means it is vital to protect against the possibility of financial loss.

There are a number of ways where retailers can mitigate this risk, for instance:

  • Consider quality short-term insurance cover for sales demonstration vehicles, so that in the unfortunate event of an incident, the right protection at the right price is in place
  • Ensure sales teams remain vigilant in circumstances, for example, where the customer has arrived at the dealership without a vehicle, and therefore has no asset with them, or the vehicle they arrived on site in differs greatly in terms of value and quality from the vehicle they intend to test drive. Thorough licence checks must be carried out, and second forms of identification cross-checked.

By ensuring these measures are put in place, dealers can enhance the customer experience with unaccompanied test drives and boost their bottom line at the same time, whilst reducing financial risk to their businesses.

James Cooper, Product Director, at Cooper Solutions commented: ‘Our data gives us a great insight into how customer expectations have changed.  It’s clear that unaccompanied test drives are here to stay.  The crucial issue is that retailers protect any financial risk to their businesses whilst providing an excellent customer experience.’

PIB’s Motor Trade Practice Group can support retailers on key measures to help mitigate the risk, whilst supporting businesses maximise opportunities for profitability.  Comprising PIB Insurance Brokers, PIB Risk Management and Cooper Solutions, together they work together to deliver tailored insurance solutions to the automotive industry.

To find out more, please contact James Cooper or call 01926 855055

 

Sources:

*https://www.am-online.com/news/market-insight/2021/07/13/car-buyers-want-unaccompanied-test-drives-post-covid-research-finds

**Cooper Solutions data: sales number of loans July-August 2019 and July-August 2021

 

PIB Motor Trade Practice Group is further strengthened through the acquisition of Simply Insurance Services Ltd

Posted on by Kate Shakesheff

PIB Insurance Brokers (PIB) is pleased to welcome the latest acquisition made by PIB Group.

Simply Insurance Services Ltd has joined the growing family of specialist businesses, in a move that further strengthens PIB’s Motor Trade Practice Group offering to its clients in the automotive sector.

Based in Purfleet, Essex, Simply Insurance has been providing risk solutions for VSME customers since 2000.  The business offers motor trade insurance and has diversified into a multi-product commercial motor insurance provider, arranging insurance for driving tuition and motor fleet.  Non-motor commercial and other policies are also arranged on request for existing motor clients.

Darren Leader, Director for Simply Insurance commented: “This is a very exciting time for Simply Insurance as we become part of a larger group through PIB Group, which offers a strong cultural fit and opportunities for growth. Through PIB our customers can choose from a broader range of products and services while receiving the same high levels of service they are accustomed to. At the same time our people can continue developing through extensive learning resources and career options available. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our fantastic team and clients who have contributed to our success now and into the future.”

PIB Insurance Brokers is part of PIB Group and home to its specialist commercial lines brokers, supported by inhouse claims handling and a risk management.

Ross Barnitt, Regional Development Director, at PIB Insurance Brokers said: “We are delighted to welcome Simply Insurance who have joined PIB Group and will complete our motor offering.  Our Motor Trade Practice Group comprises experts from across the business – from PIB Insurance Brokers, PIB Risk Management and Cooper Solutions – working together to support the automotive industry through providing tailored solutions.  The expertise and knowledge of the team will further enhance our offering to our clients, delivering key sector insight, helping manage existing and emerging risks, and to improving profitability.”

The 40 strong team provides specialist solutions for around 8000 clients nationally via telephone.  This is PIB’s 42nd acquisition to date, and seventh of 2021. More work is happening behind the scenes to secure several more transactions for further expansion in the UK and overseas.

For more information, please contact Ross Barnitt, Regional Development Director.

Telephone: 07522 230 384

Coopers Solutions invests in new talent with the appointment of Sam Smith

Posted on by Kate Shakesheff

We’re really pleased to welcome Sam Smith to our team.

Sam has joined as an Account Manager, focussing on FullCover and FullCompliance.  Sam previously worked for Rybrook BMW in Warwick, starting his career as a weekend receptionist and working his way to a full-time sales role where he gained valuable experience in digital and trade sales.

Having worked with a number of our products, Sam is a great ambassador for sharing how our solutions can benefit customers.

Sam told us: ‘I’ve been made to feel really welcome, and feel as though I’ve joined a family environment where I can really help make a difference.  I’m looking forward to sitting on the other side of the desk and helping our customers use our products efficiently to help them work smarter – especially as retailers have had such a challenging time.’

James Cooper commented: ‘With his strong automotive background, Sam can help us strengthen the way we work with our customers as he has such a great understanding of how our products enable retailers to improves their processes.’

Sam keeps himself busy when he’s away from looking after our customers by walking his dog, and watching and taking part in motorsports.

 

Karzoom announces partnership with PIB Group and Cooper Solutions

Posted on by Kate Shakesheff

Karzoom Ltd, is pleased to announce the launch of their car rental solution from UK Car Dealers. The solution is backed by an Aviva Insurance Ltd car insurance policy brokered by PIB Insurance Brokers in partnership with Cooper Solutions Ltd which provides digital solutions to the automotive industry, both of which are part of PIB Group.  Karzoom will initially offer car rentals services across 15 locations on the south coast and is in discussions with several other dealer groups as part of a strategy to deliver dealer backed car rental services to all corners of the UK.

Melanie Fazal, Karzoom Co-Founder and Director, said “We are delighted to launch our new service with such reputable partners as PIB Insurance Brokers, Cooper Solutions Ltd and Aviva. We are very much looking forward to revolutionising car hire across the UK, starting with the South Coast region. With so much potential for fantastic days out, family trips, and staycations as the UK re-opens, we can’t wait to get our customers moving.”

When you hire a car today it is typically from a travel hub such as airport or train station.  With Karzoom, every dealer has the opportunity to join the Karzoom solution to make “Car Hire Available where You Need It!” Given the changing mobility landscape and ever-changing travel needs, Karzoom aims to provide you with the flexibility you need around differing vehicle needs alongside traditional car ownership.

James Cooper from Cooper Solutions Ltd commented: “We are really excited to be partnering with Karzoom and their newly launched, dealer backed, car rental service. With customers in the automotive sector, we are well placed to collaborate with them, and share insights to keep pace with current trends.  We are proud to share the same principle of delivering high levels of service and look forward to seeing Karzoom go from strength to strength.”

Michael Yabantu from Aviva Insurance Ltd commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with Karzoom and the team at PIB Insurance Brokers and Cooper Solutions on what we see as an innovative and exciting development in the car hire space.”

Through the Karzoom website, a hirer can choose the type of vehicle they want, including selecting the manufacturer and model, where available, subject to dealer availability.  With the added knowledge that all of these cars will typically be less than one year old, provided on a fully inclusive basis with no upsell at the check-in counter and no long check-in queues to worry about – now isn’t that novel?

With Karzoom, where will the car hire revolution take you?