A ROADSIDE recovery business based in Huddersfield has created 16 new jobs with the opening of a new sales department.
Andrew Beard, business development director, cut the ribbon to open the new office for Britannia Rescue, Britain’s fourth-largest roadside recovery operator, which has its headquarters at Huddersfield railway station buildings in St George’s Square.
The expansion comes less than a year after Britannia Rescue was bought by friendly society Liverpool Victoria in a £36m deal – when it made a pledge to retain the Britannia Rescue brand and keep the business in Huddersfield.
Mr Beard said: “We are committed to Huddersfield because the people here have the skills we need. We have expanded staff numbers by 25% since the takeover 10 months ago and by the end of this year we will have 100 people working here.
“We have looked to recruit an additional 16 people in a short timescale and we had a really strong pool of quality people coming forward. We think we have got the cream of the crop with some really good sales people.”
Said Mr Beard: “If you look after your people, they will look after your customers. So we will be giving people the opportunity to progress in the business.
“We run a two or three week induction programme and a ‘buddy’ system teaming new starters with experienced members of staff. If people feel well-supported they will feel more confident talking to our customers.”
Britannia Rescue, which was formed 25 years ago, has grown to become the UK’s fourth largest roadside recovery operator after the AA, RAC and Green Flag. The team in Huddersfield is led by general manager Marie Haigh, who has 20 years experience in the sector.
The company boasts the best call-out record in the industry. On average, customers wait just 40 minutes to be picked up when their vehicle breaks down on the road.
Britannia Rescue operates across the UK, Ireland and Europe through a partnership with more than 350 garages at 500 locations employing 3,000 technicians. It provides cover for more than 300,000 customers, including members of trade unions, companies and public bodies.
Mr Beard said: “We have built the business on its outstanding reputation for customer service. We have invested in our people and in our computer systems. We are looking for further growth and to increase our customer numbers in the next three years.
“Since purchasing Britannia Rescue, we have had a lot of enquiries from other groups, including insurance companies and brokers who want to work with us.”
And he added: “Huddersfield is our sole operating site. We carry out sales, customer service and claims handling from here. We intend to expand the business and we intend to do that in Huddersfield.”
