Two children ’s hospice’s from the south-east have received the money raised from The Chauffeur QSI Awards Charity Auction which took place in April this year.

Almost £4000 was given to the two establishments which look after terminally ill children and give respite care to their parents. The CHASE Children’s Hospice based in Guildford and the Naomi House Children’s Hospice in Winchester, both received the cash which was donated by the limousine and chauffeuring industry.

Patron of the CHASE Children’s Hospice, Max Clifford told us, “I would like to send a personal
thanks to everyone who contributed. The CHASE is a wonderful, caring place and it values every single penny which is donated.”

Two years ago Limo One introduced the first limousine with a COIF — The Ford Excursion.

This meant there was now a street legal limousine that could carry more than eight passengers for hire under the PSV regulations — 13 passengers in fact. We discover the newest COIF limousine to hit the industry…

Noticing the trend at the 2007 Las Vegas Limousine Exhibition and a dramatic increase in limo coaches and less Towncars, Limo-1 identified that the UK would eventually steer in the same direction. But it was time for the UK and Europe to make a stance and lead the way with a new vehicle design that would meet all the forecast EU regulations, including Digital Tachographs, 62mph speed limiters, specified turning circles and E-marked components.

The Mercedes Sprinter had been used in America, under the Freightliner badge. Whilst well designed, Limo-1 identified that it would not meet stringent VOSA requirements and so not achieve COIF certification and, as a limousine conversion, it could be done much better here in the UK.

The Mercedes Sprinter (or VW Crafter equivalent) are a prestige chassis marquee and an attractive design so well able to compete with the Hummers or look-a-likes. The Limousine conversion however needed to be something totally different and resulting in a far more exciting experience for the passenger in a vehicle that was more economical to run, safe, street legal, RHD and a higher residual value.

With that decided, a converter in the UK had to be found. A coachbuilder was chosen which had the perfect facilities and in-house craftsmanship and, for them, the timing was spot on. Tawe
Coachbuilders in Pontardawe, Swansea was selected.

A collaborative approach was adopted and Limo-1 International and Tawe Coachbuilders visited the International Limousine Exhibition in Las Vegas this year to research the market, but more importantly to fully appreciate the way these vehicles were put together and to find new concepts and new innovative technologies.

Since then a new laminating machine has been purchased by the coachbuilders that coats plastic, metal and wood of any shape in any solid colour, wood grain colour or stone or graphic feature — one of the few such machines in Europe, let alone USA.

Tawe will be using this technology for all their interior trims, bar surfaces, table tops and dashboard sections etc, just the same way as major motor manufacturers do. It has been an exciting and challenging journey but, in collaboration, Tawe Coachbuilders and Limo-1 has successfully introduced the first UK-built RHD limousine conversion in Europe which attained full C.O.I.F. certification for 16 passengers on 28 August 2008.

Tawe has structurally re-enforced the extended body from the rear wheels which sports a magnificent coach-rear-end luggage compartment. Tawe try and adopt a UK-sourcing strategy for all parts and materials. The wheelchair approved Mercedes Sprinter 515 XLWB Super-Extended STAR FLEET Limo-Coach demonstrator will be exhibited at this years EuroBus event at the Birmingham NEC 4th-6th November 2008.

A unique full perimeter body kit with built-in exterior and interior lighting. This vehicle at night, particularly when parked, lights up like no other limousine! Climb aboard through the powered front door and experience a whole new world of passenger transport and excitement. You can even stand upright inside, but no dancing please!

This really seems like a trip to the distant stars. The 40” LCD screen above the rear bar, linked with another large front flat screen offers a cinema sensation with a surround-sound system to match.

On a quieter note, the STAR FLEET Limo-Coach Operator is going to enjoy the diesel fuel consumption; excellent finance-lease options available, 3-year Mercedes warranty and comprehensive dealer network support and a comprehensive after-sales service from both Limo-1 and Tawe Coachbuilders.

20 high-specification RHD Mercedes Sprinter 515 have been delivered. The build time is
approximately eight weeks from receipt of order.

Research conducted recently by the IOPDC has highlighted the growing requirement for the establishment of certificated professional training programmes to be available to chauffeurs and chauffeur operators.

Over 70% of chauffeur companies surveyed in London and the South identified better Driver Training as an essential element in the future development plans of their operations. Given the increasing legislation within our industry, the Institute sees this as a natural progression towards better standards and levels of professionalism for all.

Naturally, in these times of heightened security risks, some chauffeurs do need to be able to
drive in a threat avoidance style! It is just one example of a driving technique that a professional chauffeur might incorporate as part of his overall skills.

Through the IOPDC, chauffeurs can gain access to driver training at all levels, which will deliver multiple benefits. Better driving causes fewer stresses on the driver and the vehicle, and can even extend the vehicle’s working life, while also reducing running costs, whether that vehicle is a car, taxi, van, or even a bus.

Some simple modifications to individual driving styles could also have a dramatic effect on reducing environmental impact. By learning various driving skills, drivers and chauffeur operators should be able to gain more specialised and varied work.

From an insurance perspective, drivers having undergone a certified training programme will generally present a better insurance risk and thereby reduce the frequency of claims and the costs to the insurer.

Obviously, vehicle insurance cover is not only a legal requirement, but for professional
drivers it gives the added peace of mind of knowing that, if the worst should happen, even in the event of a total loss, their business can continue to trade.

There is a number of ways in which companies, drivers, and chauffeur operators can not only manage their own risk, but also look to reduce their premiums, and these are all areas where the iopdc is working to help its members.

In completing Health and Safety audits, the inclusion of driver training has been proven to
reduce the frequency of claims and the subsequent cost of claims can plummet. However, in
response to the ever increasing costs of fuel and the growing number of requests received by
the Institute in this respect, in partnership with a leading driver training organisation, we shall be offering a training course that focuses specifically on the benefits of saving fuel, by using Eco Smart Driving techniques that have been proven to reduce fuel consumption by between 6% and 25% depending on driving style.

In addition to improved fuel economy, other benefits of the training are:
• Reduced driver (and passenger) stress levels
• Reduced road traffic incidents
• Reduced wear and tear on vehicles
• Improved residual value of vehicles
• Reduced carbon footprint
• Supports both Corporate andSocial Responsibility

The iopdc will also be encouraging actively both chauffeurs and chauffeur operators to participate in programmes covering all aspects of driver training including:

* the responsibilities of the professional chauffeur
* route planning for comfort
* efficiency and safety
* courtesy and etiquette skills training.
* coping with a wide range of road surfaces and weather conditions
* enhanced security awareness
* courtesy and skid/car control training By raising standards for professional drivers, the Institute aims to improve conditions for all road users, as the professionally trained driver will invariably have a most positive effect on any and everybody with whom road space is shared.
In return for offering comprehensive training to its members, the IOPDC aims to encourage them to take the lead in demonstrating and promoting better, safer, cleaner, greener and more judicious driving.

A unique product aimed at the chauffeuring industry was recently launched in style at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey.

The Chauffeur Assured scheme which is aimed at reducing operators costs and keeping your business on the move was announced at the Brooklands Double Twelve event which was attended by Formula One stars Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen.

Chauffeur Assured combines the unique selling points of the industry’s major suppliers to bring
you bespoke risk management and insurance solutions. Aston Scott Ltd has exclusive scheme
arrangements with the UK’s leading insurers.

Like for like replacement PCO licensed vehicles delivered free within M25 from Licensed
Carriage Hire and free membership and independent business sector advice from the Institute of Professional Driver & Chauffeurs.

It also offers the industry comprehensive accident management service from Chauffeur Assist. A spokesman from Chauffeur Assured told us; “We remain totally focused on customer service dealing with the self-employed chauffeur to the UK’s leading fleet operators. As part of our service standard your call will be answered within four rings further demonstrating our service commitment.’

In the early sixties, Jaguar was on a roll having acquired Daimler in 1960 followed by the truck manufacturer, Guy and engine manufacturers, Coventry Climax and Meadows. Robert Couldwell discovers the classics from Jaguar…

It didn’t neglect its own range and to even wider acclaim than the ground breaking XK120 it launched the fabulous E Type in 1961.

This was one of the world’s first 150 mph cars although Jaguar did have to pay special attention to the engines of the road-test cars to achieve the magic ‘150’. Mind you the genuine 145 mph that the production cars recorded was pretty impressive when the average family car could barely crack 75.

It is almost incredible in camera-torn Britain today that back then 145 mph could legally be achieved on any de-restricted single or dual carriageway. Not content with launching the most advanced sports car available, Jaguar went on to launch the luxury limousine, the Mk X in 1962.

This was the final version of a long line of post-war executive saloons which started with the MkV11. Both these new models had some pieces of their design in common – both featured the triple 2 inch carburetor version of Jaguar’s new 3.8 XK engine, as had been fitted to the XK 150S, both had monocoque bodies, replacing the previous models’body on chassis construction, and both featured Jaguar’s newly designed de Dion independent rear suspension mounted in a
separate sub-frame with inboard disc brakes.

This design stood the test of time and was still being used in the mid eighties, its only real disadvantage being brakes barely accessible for servicing. It is a testament to the twinoverhead cam engine designed back in the forties that it could serve both a relatively lightweight 2-seater sports car and a leviathan limousine nearly 17 feet long and 6½ feet wide.

This was down to its inherent smoothness, balance, torque and tractability. The Mk X arguably wasn’t one of William Lyon’s greatest styling achievements with its rather bulbous flanks but its tremendous bulk was quite cleverly disguised and it certainly had road presence making it ideal as a classic ‘limo’.

Jaguar attempted to modernize the interior of the Mk X but there was a lingering feeling that costcutting had taken place and that the luxury, while still evident wasn’t as deep. One benefit was that the interior was more spacious with the rear capable of taking three in real comfort.

For that matter the front could also take three. Thanks to the less raked rear lines the boot was also more commodious, perfectly capable of carrying two sets of golf clubs or luggage for a grand continental tour. The dash board style was lifted from the smaller Mk11 sports saloon and was more logical than the Mk 1X with speedometer and rev-counter directly in front of the driver.

This was a heavy car at around two tons and when fully laden with five or six adults and their luggage the 3.8 engine was proving only to be just adequate. It took Jaguar 3 years to deal with this and they launched the 4.2 litre version in October 1964 for the 1965 model year. The new unit lost a little in smoothness, the natural result of enlarging engines but fortunately the cabin was so well insulated that it wasn’t obvious.

What did stand out was the extra torque up from 260 lbs/ft to an impressive 283. This was enough to increase the maximum speed from 114 mph to around 125 mph with improved acceleration particularly in the mid-range.

A new, much improved allsynchromesh gearbox was fitted although most Mk Xs were specified with the uprated Borg Warner model B automatic box. An alternator replaced the dynamo of the 3.8 and power steering and braking systems were improved. Air conditioning became available as an option in 1966.

In 1967 the whole Jaguar range was upgraded and the Mk X became the 420G with various cosmetic changes sufficient to keep the car fresh and desirable as competition was increasing. The grille now had a central vertical bar, there were chrome strips on the flanks, repeater indicators on the front wings and the option of two-tone paint. Safety was becoming an issue and a black padded roll was added to the top of the dashboard. The seat leather was now perforated.

Jaguar’s new range offered 3 saloon body shapes, the 240/340, which were the cost-cutting, rationalised replacements for the Mk 11 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8, the independent rear suspension 420 and the 420 G luxury car. The 420G became the only survivor of that range of cars, the rest of which were killed off after the launch of the XJ6 in 1968. Production of the 420G actually continued well into 1970.

As usual with large saloons it is not worth buying anything other than a pristine, road worthy example. While a rough car can be bought for £1,000 the restoration cost would be anything up to £80,000. Fortunately, good cars are available for around £10,000 and at that price should only require ongoing ma intenance which apart from those dreaded inboard brakes is very straightforward with a huge range of mechanical service and repair parts available from several suppliers.

The Mk X is a very much more modern car to drive than the previous Mk 1X with much less roll on corners. The steering and automatic gearbox are more responsive and the brakes more reassuring. It is a wide car which could be problematic where accessibility is limited but overall it will be a very satisfying car for both driver and paying passenger.

As personal transport it will still be highly capable of relaxed and rapid continental trips with easy 100 mph cruising where allowed.

What to look for:

Engine: The Mk X engine like its predecesors is as bomb-proof as it gets and properly re-built will last for 100,000 miles plus with little trouble providing that normal maintenance has been carried out. You should expect some tappet noise particularly when cold and should be suspicious if it is absent as this suggests the tappets require re-shimming to correct the clearances. If not properly maintained with the correct corrosion inhibitors, sludge in the radiator can cause overheating and subsequent head gasket failure. The XK engine was never particularly oiltight and leaks can be expected from the rear crankshaft oil seal which can now be upgraded to a better material. Oil pressure should be 20 lbs+ at tick over and 40 lbs+ at normal cruising speeds. The later 4.2 engine has similar longevity. Good quality complete re-builds cost from £2,000 and can include simple tuning to give more power and importantly more torque.

Gearbox: The Moss manual gearbox fitted to the 3.8 models is somewhat agricultural and requires patience to achieve smooth changes. It is however extremely rugged. The later all-synchromesh Jaguar unit of the 4.2 engined model is a much better box and can be retrospectively fitted to 3.8 cars as can various modern 5 speed boxes such as Borg Warner and ZF. The optional automatic is long lasting and having been fitted to many cars of this period has good parts availability with lots of specialist support.

Brakes: The all round disc brakes work well when properly maintained which is something to look for when buying because of those in board rear discs which don’t always receive the routine maintenance they need.

Bodywork: Of monocoque construction with no chassis the structure becomes much more important and the cost-saving manufacturing process does provide lots of opportunities for rusting. It is absolutely essential to take a Jaguar specialist when buying. Once a rust free car has been purchased the underside should be heavily doused with Waxoyl or other similar oxygenexcluding product.

General: The huge advantage with these wonderful old ‘sports – limos’ is that because many of their components are shared with prolific and desirable Jaguar sports cars, pretty well everything is available from several different parts specialists. Even some body panels are available.

Set in a quaint village in Hertfordshire, is a coachbuilder that sets itself apart from pretty much any other coachbuilder in the world and builds vehicles which are unique in every way. Paul Gibson discovers the secrets behind Vantagefield International…

The name Vantagefield has been synonymous with excellent customer service and quality products from its conception in 1982, and that is exactly what it still does to this day at its exclusive premises in London Colney.

Walking into the offices of Vantagefield, a complete portfolio of the companies work sits proudly in the reception with its vehicles dating back decades — you can tell it is a company which relies on its worldwide reputation for its work.

The company is involved in both the manufacturing and sales of unique luxury and bespoke vehicles which are made to order from wealthy individuals, celebrities and even Royal families throughout the world.

Just a few moments with owner David Linder really makes you realise the unique work it carries out and how well respected David is within the coachbuilding sector. When the largest luxury car manufacturers in the world are calling you for advice and to carry-out work they are unable to complete, is a credit to anyone, and this expertise really shows when you see a Vantagefield produced vehicle.

In the long line of vehicles built by the company is an amazing stretched Maybach 62 limousine, which was ordered by a King from an undisclosed country. The stunning left-hand drive vehicle was obviously not long enough for its new owner, as another one metre in length was added, and included two extra rear seats.

Just sitting inside this beautiful vehicle, it really doesn’t feel as if this vehicle has been adapted in any way. The quality of workmanship and materials used to accommodate the extra length, all still have the high Maybach quality and no corners have been cut.

The interior offers two rearfacing electric Mercedes-Benz S-Class front seats and an electric division still giving the rear passengers that privacy. The two forward facing seats still recline in the airline-style without touching the facing passengers which shows you the true length of this vehicle.

When the European spec vehicle was completed, it was shipped to its new owner, but unfortunately the King died before the car was delivered, so the vehicle is now back in the hands of Vantagefield and is being offered to very serious buyers within the chauffeuring sector.

Some of the other vehicles in the company’s bespoke portfolio are projects such as the previous shape Mercedes-Benz S-Class which was ordered by a client who liked massive amounts of legroom in the front. So, David Linder went about designing this beautiful S-Class with six doors and a stunning suicide opening front and centre doors.

The front doors were stretched by nine inches, and to make getting in and out of the vehicle easier, the centre passenger doors were designed without a pillar making a huge opening area. Even though there are a massive range of luxury vehicles available on the market worth hundreds of thousands of pounds apparently offering everything you need in a car — there are always customers who demand something different to what the manufacturer can offer or even action.

This is where Vantagefield is normally called-upon to make these demands turn into reality. For example, the director of a massive clothing chain contacted David when he wanted to buy a Maybach 57 and required side electric blinds on the rear windows which the manufacturer just couldn’t offer.

So, with a bit of imagination and skilled knowledge of the Maybach range, Vantagefield easily produced the side blinds which the manufacturer now offers with the help of David.

This is just one of thousands of issues worldwide customers contact Vantagefield for, not just for projects worth many of hundreds of thousands of pounds, but there are chauffeur companies that have lower-end requirements.

A recent example is a vehicle from a UK chauffeur firm which was given to David to customise the interior for the business. The Mercedes-Benz Viano was given a grey and burgundy interior which matched the external paint. It featured conference leather seating, and top-quality burgundy carpet was also added to finish the look.

In 2007, as soon as the Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase hit the market, it wasn’t long after that Vantagefield was asked to complete some work that again the manufacturer couldn’t offer the client. So, they produced a partition for the car which involved moving all the parts associated with the front seat like picnic tables, magazine pockets and televisions.

The client also wanted a rear opening sunroof, so again, this was yet another challenge for David and his team, but was completed with total satisfaction from the customer who now has the perfect Rolls-Royce that he always wanted.

Vantagefield is also famous for its many varied conversions to four-wheel drive vehicles such as Nissan, Range Rover, Discovery, Toyota and Mitsubishi, which have been sent to many customers throughout the world, The Vantagefield team are very export minded in regards to the supply of special conversions and has also completed a variety of hunting vehicles for the Middle East market.

Over the years, the growth of Mercedes-Benz vehicles within the chauffeur market has also given Vantagefield many orders which have been shipped to countries such as South-East Asia and Japan.

Stretched limousine conversions have been an increasing market for Vantagefield over the years and proves the growing demand for luxury, top-of-the-range mobile offices within the UK chauffeuring market.

Selected business have been targeted by ChauffeurControl, a new revolutionary booking system, so they can witness how throwing away the traditional pen and paper booking system can not only make the whole process smoother and more reliable, but will also allow them to manage their businesses from anywhere in the world.

The UK chauffeur industry gets its first look at a new, innovative booking system this month as Chauffeurcontrol offers a complete system from booking receipt to professional invoicing. Chauffeur businesses of any size can witness how swapping the traditional pen and paper for this new booking system can not only make the whole process smoother and more reliable, but also allow them to manage their businesses around the clock and from any location.

The official launch of ChauffeurControl.com has coincided with this issue of The Chauffeur magazine and is offering the industry the opportunity to find out exactly what the system can offer them, and take advantage of a launch  introductory offer. Any business can view and register interest in the system at chauffeurcontrol.com

When a company signs up to ChauffeurControl, they get remote, 24/7 control and visibility of their whole operation at their finger tips, with the option to offer new and existing corporate clients a professional interface allowing them to request and view their bookings status.

When a new job has been requested by a client, the system will automatically email the information to the database of the company’s drivers which will allow them to accept or refuse it. Imagine your drivers being to log in remotely to access and print their allocated jobs — SMS updates are also available as a bolt-on option.

With many chauffeur booking systems on the market, you would probably wonder how this new one could benefit your business. The makers say ChauffeurControl sets itself apart from the rest because of its low cost, ease of use and little need for any IT training or knowledge to operate it. The system really is easy to use, with each control colour-coded to make sure nothing is missed.

Another highlight is the remote driver access, as drivers are able to access ChauffeurControl via their own module to manage their allocated bookings, accept new bookings, post expenses and print each day’s schedule.

In the current economic climate, new products must bring fast and significant payback. ChauffeurControl.com brings both added value and business growth potential. An optional customer interface module enables chauffeur businesses to provide new and existing corporate clients with their own customised interface.

The module provides them with 24/7 access to request and monitor booking status. This module will not only help protect your current corporate business, but provide a major advantage when bidding for new corporate accounts. Of course with all these capabilities, you may think to administrate them would be a logistical nightmare — but think again.

The automated billing facilities allows you to raise account or private client invoices configured with your company details and logo at the press of a button – closing each booking with a professional invoice.

All this and more from an easy to use software system, with low set up costs, no long term contracts and with running costs that won’t break the bank. The producers of the system say it is the most affordable way to bring your business up-to-date, as there are no long-term contracts.

For more details and an opportunity to register your interest visit chauffeurcontrol.com and see how you can transform your business — just a monthly cost which can be as low as £100.

North west Airlines and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have partnered with Tristar Worldwide Chauffeur Services to offer World Business Class (WBC) passengers travelling on the newly-launched London Heathrow-Seattle route a complimentary chauffeur service.

WBC customers can now use the chauffeur service for pick-ups and drop-offs within a 50mile (80km) radius of London Heathrow Airport.

“This joint venture with Tristar will enhance the already virtually seamless travel service that Northwest and KLM currently provide via our e-services,” said Air France KLM UK and Ireland general manager, Christine Ourmieres.

“We continue to be committed to providing passengers with choice, flexibility and an improved travel experience and I’m confident the new chauffeur service will prove popular with our World Business Class passengers.”

The complimentary service is only available to the passengers booked in J, C and D class on Northwest flights between Heathrow and Seattle, and only available in the UK.

The service can be booked via travel agents, KLM reservations or by calling Tristar directly.

The Chauffeur magazine has been leaked information as to a new vehicle currently in production which is expected to take the industry by storm.

Using Hybrid technology, the 4×4 luxury SUV is currently in build in the UK and is expected to feature conference seating for four persons, WiFi access and many other features which will offer the ultimate in luxury to every passenger according to the manufacturer.

It us unknown how many units are being built but final pricing and specifications are expected to be announced in the later part of 2008.

UPDATE 2009:

http://www.thegreenlimousinecompany.com/

By Stephen Breen

A fast-growing Glasgow chauffeur company is expanding into the fiercely competitive limousine market in New York City.

Thebookingroom, an internet-based chauffeur service that targets banking and the financial services clientele, owns a fleet of 50 vehicles in Scotland and London. The company also works with a network of owner-drivers throughout continental Europe, the Far East and the United States – with North America accounting for 15% of business.

This month, the company is opening an office in New York City in a bid to win a share of the business driving staff from major Wall Street investment banks. Thebookingroom, which has a staff of almost forty and had a turnover last year of £5.6m, wins most of its business from banks that are holding fundraising roadshows.

During these hectic capital-raising drives, bankers often have six meetings a day and appointments in a number of countries. From a bank of screens in its headquarters in Govan, staff at thebookingroom organise all travel. The company is able to track the cars around the world, 24 hours a day, and clients can pinpoint the location of their personnel by logging on to the thebookingroom’s website.

The company claims it is the only chauffeur business in the world that can track its cars globally. Some rivals have limited geographical cover in a single area by using global positioning satellite tracking technology, but all of thebookingroom’s drivers call in on mobile phones, allowing controllers to know exactly where clients are.

Current clients include Deutsche Bank, HSBC, KPMG, Nomura, 20th Century Fox, BNP Paribas, Cazenove, Commerzbank, MTV, Sony and Microsoft. The company is undaunted by the prospect of trying to break into what has always been an extremely competitive marketplace in North America.

It says it has been prompted to open in New York because European-based clients want the same levels of service when they travel to the US.

“It is a natural progression for us for the portfolio of financial clients we have in Europe,” said Craig Chambers, a marketing executive at thebookingroom. “Speaking to some of our clients, we know they are not happy with some of their US suppliers, and we know that the systems we have, no-one else has. This gives us an advantage in being able to globally track our clients’ movements through our control scheme.”

The Scottish company is entering the U.S chauffeur business at a difficult trading time, with business shrinking significantly. According to Chambers, some chauffeur companies in the US have suffered a 40% decrease in turnover as a result of the credit crunch as the banks have become extremely cautious about lending money for takeovers and stock market flotation.

“If we can grow by 15% to 20% in the US – rather than the 40% growth we’ve experienced in the UK and Europe – that would be really good going in comparison to the US companies,” said Chambers.

“A lot of people are quite apprehensive at the moment about floating businesses, but hopefully it will be a minor blip and it will pick up. Other chauffeur companies are struggling a little bit in the US, but we should be in a better position to pick up market share because we don’t have high overheads.”

Chambers said the company’s ambition is to become a major player in the financial roadshow market in the US, achieving the same turnover across the Atlantic in three to five years as it has elsewhere – about £5.6m.

Beyond New York, the company’s other ambition is to open up next in the booming Arab emirate of Dubai. In 1992, Glasgow entrepreneur Michael O’Hare began the business, trading as Charlton Chauffeur Drive, by running chauffeur services from hotels in the city. Charlton Chauffeur Drive is still in business, but in 2000, after developing its global reservation and tracking system, the company began operating thebookingroom.

Control staff in Glasgow call drivers before the job begins to ensure the client has the right vehicle, that the itinerary is correct, and that they are supplied with any other requirements such as newspapers or food and drink.

A text message is sent to the driver requiring him to call in when he is on site, when he has picked up the passenger, and when the client is dropped off. All of this information is automatically updated in the database in Glasgow.

The company says it is enjoying 40% growth a year and processing 1000 global bookings a week. The business invests heavily in new technology. It has a six-person IT team developing software that will allow the itineraries of clients to appear on screen into the company database, thus eliminating the possibility of human error when transcribing information.