Adverse Weather

A BIG THANK YOU to all drivers who persevered during the recent snowfall to keep at least a limited service going.  Particular mention to John (177) and Mo (132) for continuing in the most treacherous of conditions throughout the night

Customers at Supermarkets & LSC

Please be sure to pick up the correct customer and if you cannot find them, go NO SHOW to receive your next job.  Please do NOT take the next customer waiting without it being on your screen.  Hackneys can of course take street work but please check they have not pre-booked by phone first. Thank you

Office Manager

A big thank you to Steve Morris for taking over the front office from Monday 1^st February until the AGM, when the position of Office Manager will be reviewed.

Many have commented that me doing both jobs detracted from my duties as Chairman.  However I took on full responsibility for both positions due to a lack of alternatives and because it was the only option at the time.

Steve has my full backing to continue with the job after the AGM and I hope others will encourage him to do so.

FREE CALL FROM MOBILES

We have now acquired a freephone number direct to our offices exclusively for mobile phones.

0333 800 7200

Programme into your mobile now, it will be live by Friday 5^th February 2010

Please note - it is now cheaper for you to call the office than them to phone you!

Help to Office Staff

Drivers when doing street work, please re-plot as soon as possible.  Also when doing As Directed jobs or when your original destination changes.

This allows the operator to make better informed decisions when allocating work.  Also please sign off when you finish work!

This would also be very helpful to staff when giving estimated waiting times.

Last but not least, please use your SOON TO CLEAR button!  This will actually make your life easier!

Schools Transport

We have received a call from ESCC Schools Transport to remind all drivers that they are NOT allowed to smoke anywhere on school property at any time - offenders may have their runs taken away so please be warned!

North Harbour Barrier

Staff & drivers please encourage customers to be picked up from the back of Harvester or in car park opposite the Yacht Club.

This is due to the extreme congestion particularly in the day time.  However for disabled people who cannot walk far, they will allow you through.

If you call the Harbour Office from the barrier and explain, they will be understanding.

However they have stated if they witnessed this concession being abused then they may remove it. Please therefore use your common sense and encourage customers to the two alternative pick up points.

Barry Morris

Chairman

Dockets

Please ensure that ALL dockets are correctly completed and handed in with subs or posted to office safe as soon as possible following the end of each month in order for us to check and invoice customers promptly.

Account work not shown as such on job details when picking up or from streetwork, should be called back to the operator BEFORE clearing your meter. Otherwise they are not recorded as account jobs which lead to confusion and can cost us money.

Please remember if in doubt, ask the customer to sign the docket!

BACS Payments

These are designed to make life easier for everyone and to save money.  If you do not have a bank account, they are available to all even if you have a bad credit rating.

You can arrange for payments to be made to another account with the account holder’s permission whilst you are making your own arrangements.

We need all forms returned by 23^rd February for the scheme to commence on 3^rd March.

All the Banks listed below offer basic bank accounts, with debit cards.  They all exclude Bankrupts and require 2 forms of ID -

Santander         -           Basic Account

Barclays            -      Cash Card Account

Alliance & Leicester     Basic

Halifax             -           Everyday Account

HSBC              -           Basic

Lloyds              -           Classic Account

Nat West          -           Step Account

RBS                 -           Basic Account

Nationwide       -           Basic Account

Thank you for your co-operation in this matter

Franta Hafernik

Financial Director