Happy New Year! As we venture into 2020, we thought it’d be a fitting time to take a look back at some of our 2019 highlights – following a year to remember!
From joining the APG Group and announcing a new CEO, to attending events and building up our brand profile in the news, we’ve had some truly standout moments. So, without further ado, here’s a quick recap…
1. The big one – AutoProtect Group
We ended 2019 with a bang after revealing that AutoProtect Group had added DealTrak to its existing portfolio of motor assets.
Joining AutoProtect, SMART Insurance and Shine Repairs – our motor family got bigger
overnight, and we welcomed Matthew Briggs as the new company CEO, while Martin Hill (formerly DealTrak MD) was promoted to director of strategic partnerships.
2. Rapid response to regulatory changes
Here at DealTrak HQ, we’re proud to say we have our finger firmly on the pulse of industry news. So much so that when the FCA revealed its motor finance reports in March and October 2019, Martin Hill and Neil Watkiss (head of consumer credit) were straight on the case.
By penning and securing reactive comments within the automotive press, we further cemented our reputation as the go-to industry expert on all-things-compliance.
3. Industry recognition
We’re focused on boosting efficiencies – and the bottom line – for our clients, and it’s nice to receive recognition for our hard work too! We’ve been lucky enough to be shortlisted for five industry gongs this year, including the Car Finance, Credit & Collections Technology and UK Business Tech awards.
Not only that, but we were amongst the 20 firms recognised in the ‘Top Tech Yorkshire’ report. The annual listing aims to highlight the region’s ‘pioneering tech businesses that are developing cutting edge products and services that are disrupting the market and changing the world’.
4. Partnering with Godel on our new platform
2020 will see the launch of our all-new DealTrak interface, and in July we confirmed a partnership with international software engineering firm, Godel Technologies, to develop the next generation of the platform.
Work is well underway here at HQ – and it’s safe to say we’re pretty excited about what’s to come… Watch this space!
5. The release of our first whitepaper
We don’t want to keep our wealth of F&I knowledge a secret, and in April of last year we released our very first whitepaper which reflected on how the economic challenges facing the UK could pave the way for trend-setters to emerge as market-leaders.
While no one can predict – with any certainty – what the future looks like for the retail sector, our research around ‘the secret to unlocking F&I success in 2019’ sought to give some advice and inspiration for business owners.
6. A hat-trick of workplace achievements
Although it seems like a lifetime ago, we kicked off 2019 with a trio of workplace accreditations. We were delighted to be recertified under the prestigious ISO 27001, and secured both Investors in People (IIP) and Workplace Wellbeing Charter recognitions.
Maintaining the integrity and security of data is a major enabler and differentiator in many industries and ours is no different. As such, we’re committed to upholding our ISO 27001 certification to demonstrate to our clients and partners that we are at the forefront of this important area.
7. The launch of TaxiTrak
Call us biased, but in June, one of the UK’s most unique commutes just got even better thanks to TaxiTrak!
Our iconic Leeds Dock location means our office is right on the waterfront. Although a fair trek from the train station, the city’s water taxi makes it easy to get from the public transport hub to our HQ – although, knowing when the next vessel might arrive has always been quite another matter.
In response, we created – and unveiled – a brand new uber-style app for the people of Leeds (and visitors too) which allows users to track the movements of the city’s water taxis, Twee and Drie – which carry in excess of 120,000 passengers each year.
8. Giving something back
Last but by no means least, it’s been another great year for our charity efforts. Although we’re still waiting for the official total, we enjoyed plenty of fundraising activities for a number of different causes.
We have to give huge kudos to the folk who endured a night on the streets of Leeds though, braving the elements to raise money for Action For Children as part of the charity’s annual Byte Night. We also managed to drum up £5,758.15 to combat homelessness in young people for our efforts.
It’s safe to say with all that (and more) making for a fantastic 2019, we’re incredibly excited to see what this year will bring!