In the vehicle rental industry, vehicle damage and theft pose more than minor inconveniences—they represent significant threats that can undermine a business’s profitability and reputation. This is especially true for established companies like Sutton Maddock Vehicle Rental Ltd, a family-run business with a rich history.
Founded over 50 years ago, Sutton Maddock began when Tom Spickernell’s parents decided to move from South London to Shropshire, and his father struck a deal with Tom’s grandparents, who owned a Shell petrol station. Together, they started renting out vehicles from the station forecourt, marking the humble beginnings of Sutton Maddock Vehicle Rental.
Today, Tom Spickernell, the Director at Sutton Maddock, continues to lead the company with the same innovative spirit. “Sutton Maddock Vehicle Rental was set up over 50 years ago. My mother worked for Hertz in South London as an area manager when my grandparents ran a Shell petrol station in Shropshire. Mum and Dad decided they wanted to move back to Shropshire from Kent, where they were living and start a family. Mum made a deal with my Grandparents to rent some vehicles from the petrol station forecourt. That was the start of Sutton Maddock,”
Tom joined Sutton Maddock 16 years ago during a particularly challenging period marked by the financial crisis. At that time, the company relied on a software solution that had become outdated and insufficient for its ever-evolving needs. The system could no longer keep pace with the business’s increasing demands, leading to inefficiencies and operational bottlenecks.
Recognising that a more modern and adaptable solution was necessary to drive the company forward, Tom searched for a software provider that could offer a comprehensive and future-proof solution, which led him to Prohire Software.
“When I joined the business in 2008 during the financial crisis, it was tough, and Sutton Maddock needed to make changes. We were using a bespoke software product that was very unsophisticated and was no longer fit for purpose. Prohire Software was the right choice, and I have never regretted getting on board. Prohire is constantly changing and adapting as demands change and tech changes, which means the product we were using then is very different from the Prohire product we are using today,” Tom explains.
As the business expanded, there was an increasing need for a sophisticated solution to handle the risks associated with vehicle damage and theft. This is where Prohire Risk comes into play.
Prohire Risk is crucial to contemporary fleet management as rental businesses grow. It meets essential requirements by providing an integrated risk management solution that protects fleets from troublesome renters.
Tom highlights the importance of this integration: “When a rental business gets to a particular scale, an efficient means of managing the fleet, servicing, etc., is essential. Prohire Risk is a no-brainer. If it prevents one bad hire from occurring, then it’s worth doing.”
Vehicle theft is a significant concern for vehicle rental businesses in the UK. Rental companies often deal with high-value vehicles and have a high turnover of rentals, making it easier for thieves to target their fleets. This can lead to significant financial losses and disrupt operations.
For Sutton Maddock Vehicle Rental, these risks are a daily reality. “In some cases, we have done everything by the book, and a vehicle can still end up in the wrong hands. It’s often a very frustrating situation to be in, particularly when the police don’t react as quickly as I would like in a vehicle theft situation,” explains Tom
Vehicle theft can cause many unfortunate situations, including substantial financial losses, increased insurance premiums, and potential service disruptions.
As Tom explains, “A good rental operator should fiercely protect its insurance claims history. Insurance is a major overhead that can threaten the viability of a business if you get it wrong. Despite our best efforts, getting it right every time is hard, so any tools that can help us weed out potential insurance claim customers before they become customers are well worth it.”
This emphasises the importance of proactive measures and sophisticated risk management solutions in safeguarding rental businesses from the adverse effects of vehicle theft and damage.
Sutton Maddock Vehicle Rental’s experience with Prohire Risk underscores its effectiveness. Since integrating Prohire’s solutions, the company has significantly improved its risk management. “It’s hard to be one step ahead, but it’s satisfying when a risk check flags up a driver during the routine course of a booking. I’m conscious that we don’t appear to be a ‘soft touch’ in the local market. Prohire Risk allows us to discern who we hire too,”
Tom concludes. “I highly recommend Prohire and Prohire Risk to anyone operating a rental business. Anything that makes our life easier and reduces the chances of me having a sleepless night over a missing vehicle is worth doing.”
For rental businesses facing the persistent threats of vehicle damage and theft, Prohire Risk offers a robust solution that addresses these concerns head-on. With advanced features like driver screening, real-time tracking, and comprehensive risk management tools, Prohire Risk protects your fleet and enhances operational efficiency. If you’re looking to safeguard your business and ensure smooth operations, Prohire Risk is the answer.
