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April 2010 Paragon appoints new General Manager at Thurleigh 
Paragon Group has announced the appointment of Ian Crowther as General Manager at its site in Thurleigh, in a move that underlines Paragon’s commitment to meeting customers’ needs both now and in the future. Ian has worked in the automotive sector in various roles for over 20 years and will oversee all operational activities at Thurleigh. He will be responsible for all elements of fleet management across the site, from preparation to defleet and refurbishment, ultimately ensuring Paragon’s high standard of customer service is maintained. Alongside this, Ian will be in charge of implementing technical improvements at the site and ensuring Paragon’s business objectives are met. Steve Stanger, Group Operations Director – Paragon Automotive comments: “I am delighted to welcome Ian to the Paragon team at Thurleigh. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise of the automotive sector to the role and will be a key part of the management team. The appointment will see Ian head up all operational activities at Thurleigh and will enable us to continue delivering strong results for our customers.” Discussing his appointment, Ian Crowther comments: “I am very excited about my recent appointment and joining the Paragon team at Thurleigh. I am looking forward to being part of a company at the centre of fleet management and ensuring we continue to operate effectively and efficiently at all levels.”
Paragon Group appoints Group Head of IT to deliver coordinated IT programme
Chris has more than 15 years experience in various IT roles within the automotive sector and will be responsible for managing Paragon’s IT infrastructure and delivering a coordinated IT programme for the group. The appointment reflects Paragon’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, enabling the company to boost performance and efficiency for customers. Discussing the appointment, Steve Hucklesby, Managing Director of Paragon Group comments: “We’re aware of the importance of building a dynamic and passionate team, and so are delighted to welcome Chris on board. Chris is a great asset to the team and brings with him a level of IT experience and wealth of knowledge that will be fundamental to the business being able to realise its ambition to develop a efficient and streamlined IT programme for its customers.” Chris Higgins comments on his appointment: “It’s extremely exciting to join a company at the heart of the automotive industry. I am relishing the opportunity to head up such a team committed to delivering for its customers. Alongside this, I am looking forward to drawing on my experience of the sector and working closely with our corporate customers to understand their IT requirements and provide solutions that deliver tangible benefits and enhance relationships.”
March 2010 Renault UK reappoints Paragon to manage demonstration fleet Paragon has secured a major contract to manage demonstration fleets for Renault across the UK. It includes the preparation of all Corporate Fleet and Press demonstration vehicles, internal training and marketing fleets. The new agreement will see Paragon managing fleets of several hundred vehicles and organising the preparation, logistics and handover of over 6,000 demonstrations every year. Renault UK and Paragon have been working together since 2002 and the new contract signals a continuation of this strong partnership. Paragon will manage the delivery, handover and collection of vehicles together with the supporting administration, mechanical maintenance, specialised bodyshop repair and refurbishment work. All vehicles will be defleeted by Paragon, being prepared for Renault UK’s remarketing programmes. Corporate demonstration fleets provide potential fleet customers with the opportunity to test drive the vehicle of their choice, whilst press demonstration fleets are used by journalists, who test drive the vehicles for reviews in newspapers, magazines and television programmes. The management of the demonstration fleets will be based at Paragon’s site at Heyford Park in Oxfordshire. The Renault dedicated administration team will be supported by a team of over a hundred and forty specially trained and uniformed delivery drivers. The Technical Team, also based at Heyford Park, will consist of two Renault Technical Experts (RTE) and four other Renault trained specialist technicians. Steve Maltby, Managing Director at Paragon Fleet Solutions says: “The renewal of this partnership is testament to the relationship we have with Renault UK and we are delighted to have signed the contract. Our in-depth understanding of the high standards that Renault UK expect was a real asset in winning the contract. Paragon’s knowledge and expertise of Renault vehicles is unrivalled and we look forward to developing an ever increasing standard of service into the future.” Mark Hawkins, Manger, Fleet Field Operations at Renault UK says: “Renault’s demonstration fleet is a vital piece of our marketing jigsaw and we are pleased to be working with the UK’s leading experts in this field.” Paragon is also preparing to manage Renault UK’s range of electric vehicles over the coming months and in preparation has invested in high-powered electric sources which can recharge a electric vehicle’s battery in just 20 minutes.
12 January 2010 Paragon Fleet Solutions’ Secures Long Term Future at Heyford Park COMMON SENSE PREVAILS’ AS PARAGON IS GRANTED PERMANENT PLANNING CONSENT FOR HEYFORD PARK, OXFORDSHIRE Paragon Fleet Solutions, the UK’s leading press demonstration and captive fleet management company is celebrating the news that the Planning Inspectorate has granted the firm permanent planning consent for its operations at Heyford Park, Oxfordshire. The decision safeguards over 500 highly skilled permanent jobs at the site. If consent was not granted, Paragon would have been forced to consider its future at the site, casting this employment in Oxfordshire into serious doubt. The planning consent allows Paragon to continue to use the hardened aircraft hangars – previously used to house American Cold War jets and bombers – converted into highly specialised bodyshop and vehicle repair buildings. The news also provides the company with a springboard for the future and gives the long term certainty to invest in new infrastructure at the site. Steve Maltby, Managing Director, Paragon Fleet Solutions says: “We are absolutely delighted with the Planning Inspectorate’s decision and relieved that common sense has prevailed. This means we can carry on with confidence at Heyford Park and continue to invest in our infrastructure at the site to ensure that we can offer our customers outstanding levels service. There are some conditions to the consent and we are fully confident that we have expertise and flexibility to manage this.” “Heyford Park is a geographically centrally located, with excellent links to the M40 and all the major motoring hubs in the UK. The existing infrastructure at the site, combined with a highly skilled workforce, meaning we have the largest concentration of mechanical and bodywork refurbishment expertise, apart from motor manufacturers, in the UK. The planning decision means we can continue to provide the best possible service to our customers. In 2007, Paragon Fleet Solutions submitted plans to Cherwell District Council for the permanent use of 40 acres of the former RAF airbase, near Bicester. The plans were not registered by the Council and therefore we submitted an appeal to the Department of Communities and Local Government. The application was passed to the Planning Inspectorate, which considered the submission, ahead of making a decision. Paragon Fleet Solutions’ clients include some of the UK’s largest and leading motor manufacturers and daily rental companies. Part of the Paragon Group, Paragon Fleet Solutions supports manufacturers in managing press demonstrator vehicles for journalists’ road tests and media launches. Paragon Fleet Solutions also manages demonstrator fleets, a sales tool for manufacturers.
December 2009. Experienced industry figure joins Paragon’s Senior Management Team Paragon Group has today confirmed that it is strengthening its senior management team by recruiting Neil Burrows as Business Development Director. This new group wide role will include taking overall responsibility for all account management and client relations. Its creation reflects Paragon’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement of the service offered to all clients across its three businesses – Paragon Automotive, Paragon Fleet Solutions and Paragon Remarketing. Neil will also take responsibility for delivering a coordinated marketing, new business and corporate communications strategy for the group. His role will strengthen the senior team of directors, working alongside Stephen Hucklesby, Steve Maltby and Andrew Hetzel. Neil brings over 25 years of automotive experience, most recently as Managing Director of Goodyear Dunlop’s HiQ Fast Fit Franchise. He has previously held senior sales and marketing positions with Audi UK, Nissan Europe and with Goodyear Dunlop. Discussing the appointment, Stephen Hucklesby said: “This is an extremely strong appointment for Paragon Group. Neil has an outstanding automotive industry pedigree and his recruitment represents our commitment to continuously improving the service that we can offer all our clients. Paragon Group has performed extremely well in recent years and this recruitment is another significant improvement to the strength of our top team.” Commenting on his appointment, Neil Burrows said: “This is an extremely exciting opportunity to join a company at the heart of the automotive industry. I am keen to work alongside Paragon Group’s talented team, helping to build strong relationships with customers over the coming years.”
March 2009. Paragon are pleased to announce their acquisition of significant elements of The Camden Group Paragon, the UK’s leading fleet vehicle processing and captive fleet management company has acquired significant elements of The Camden Group from the administrators, Zolfo Cooper, in a rescue deal closed on Tuesday 3 March 2009. As part of the deal, Paragon has purchased 150 acres of land and vehicle processing facilities across two of the company’s sites at Islip and Corby in Northamptonshire. Paragon has also acquired Camden’s stake in a Joint Venture in Livingston, Scotland. This deal will secure significant employment within the group. Stephen Hucklesby, Managing Director, Paragon Automotive, said: “Our acquisition marks a major milestone for Paragon Automotive. We believe that this deal adds significant strength to our existing vehicle processing business, and despite the challenging trading conditions that the industry as a whole is experiencing, we have confidence that our enlarged business can weather the storm. We look forward to working with our new colleagues as we plan for the long-term future of our combined businesses.” He adds: “Paragon’s strategy to date has been to listen to the customer and put them firmly at the centre of all we do whilst maintaining a robust operating model. We believe that this approach is relevant in this situation and will enable us to continue to align closely with our customers to ensure that we are delivering value in this cost competitive, demanding environment. Business sustainability is vital in the current climate and this acquisition adds further confidence to Paragon’s future and as a result, the stability we can offer our customers. “We are committed to providing and delivering quality to all our customers at all of our sites. The acquisition of Camden Fleet Solutions is good news for our existing customers as our expertise continues to grow.” September 2008. Fiat completes overhaul of dealer used vehicle remarketing systems As part of its on-going business development plans, Fiat UK has appointed two new suppliers to complete a wholesale overhaul of its dealer remarketing programme and ultimately support the network in selling more used cars. With the ultimate aim of reducing the time it takes to collect, prepare and then deliver used vehicles to dealers, at the same time maximising residual values, Fiat now has one of the most efficient higher volume remarketing systems in the industry. Vehicle processing and specialist fleet management company, Paragon Automotive, has been appointed to manage the preparation and defleet refurbishment of all daily rental and internal fleet vehicles returned to Fiat. Paragon’s service includes inspection, collection and vehicle preparation, with all work being processed through its bespoke body and mechanical workshops at Thurleigh, Bedfordshire. The vehicles will then be distributed to Fiat Approved dealers and other buyer networks using Paragon’s fleet of 80 transporters and 100 single movement drivers. To further enhance the service, Fiat has also appointed JTK Remarketing to provide a web based used vehicle remarketing system which integrates across all Paragon’s activities to provide Fiat dealers with online access directly to all centrally available used vehicle stock. This move is already having an impact, instilling additional confidence across the dealer and buyer networks during tough economic conditions, with Fiat’s used volumes increasing. September 2008. Alfa Romeo raises remarketing standard click here to read full story.
February 2007. Paragon Automotive Ltd acquires QEK (UK) Ltd Paragon Automotive, the UK based vehicle processing and logistics company has today announced the acquisition of the share capital of QEK (UK) Ltd and its UK based parent VAM (UK) Ltd from its US parent QEK Global solutions for an undisclosed sum. QEK (UK) Ltd, supports automotive manufacturers and retailers with a range of core and specialist vehicle management services from fleet management & planning to events & remarketing. Paragon has experienced exceptional growth since its inception in April 2005 and this acquisition is a significant step in positioning Paragon as the market leader in vehicle processing and logistics across the vehicle lifecycle. This acquisition will extend the portfolio of products that can be offered to the combined customer base. Paragon’s winning strategy has been to listen to the customer and put them firmly at the centre of all they do and they believe that this performance based approach will enable them to exploit the synergies between the businesses to the benefit of the customers. QEK (UK) Managing Director, Jim Olexa, will continue as MD of the QEK business. When asked about the new operation, Mr. Olexa said; “The new combination will allow Paragon to move into new market sectors, for example, the comprehensive overall management and technical support of high profile prestige fleets. When client needs arise, Paragon now has the physical capability and expertise to provide our clients with a full array of automotive services, including volume in-fleet and defleet management and administration. The combination of the two businesses will create a true and proven cradle to grave solution for UK automotive clients.” QEK (UK) will continue to operate from its current base at Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire and will continue to operate under the QEK brand for the short term. Stephen Hucklesby, Managing Director, Paragon Automotive comments; This is a very exciting opportunity for Paragon to expand our service portfolio and to develop our nationwide service when so much of the industry is in a state of flux. This acquisition creates significant scale for Paragon, however we will continue to listen to our customers to ensure we maintain our personal approach and maintain our reputation for doing what we say we will do. July 2006. Paragon Automotive expands with the opening of the new Grimsby site Paragon Automotive to Open Grimsby Site and Expand Transporter Fleet Paragon Automotive Limited (http://www.paragonautomotive.co.uk), the vehicle processing company supporting many of the top motor vehicle manufacturers, today announces significant expansion with the purchase of a new site in Grimsby and investment in 15 new vehicle transporters. The new site, which is ideally located to handle vehicles arriving in the Humberside ports, will service Paragon’s growing client base of motor manufacturers and car rental companies. It builds upon the company’s network of processing centres, which also includes Thurleigh in Bedfordshire, Immingham in Lincolnshire and Kirriemuir in Angus, Scotland. Together the sites now provide over 160 acres of vehicle storage and 250,000 sq ft of vehicle processing facilities. In addition, investment in 15 new transporters brings the number in the company’s fleet to 45 to meet the demand of Paragon’s growing business. Stephen Hucklesby, managing director of Paragon Automotive Limited, comments: Paragon’s expansion also includes the creation of a new post of Client Relationship Director, to which the company has appointed Judy Ward. Paragon is a fully-funded business created by professionals with over 30 years experience in the fleet and logistics industries. In just over 12 months, it has become one of the UK’s foremost providers of volume vehicle processing and logistics. Paragon Automotive Limited is based at Thurleigh Airfield, which occupies 100 acres of concrete hard standing for storage and 120,000 sq ft of vehicle processing facilities. The site is equipped with state-of-the-art vehicle refinishing and bodyshop facilities. In addition to Thurleigh, Paragon now operates centres in Grimsby, Immingham, and Kirriemuir. These three locations provide a further 60 acres of vehicle storage and a supplementary 130,000 sq ft of vehicle processing facilities. |
Paragon Group has announced the appointment of Chris Higgins as Group Head of IT, in a move that underlines the company’s commitment to significantly improving its current IT offering to meet customers’ reporting and automated communication needs.