Templar Modern Chauffeurs

The problems with Airport Transfers and Executive Travel | Templar Modern Chauffeurs

2009-07-26T17:05:00.002+01:00

The problems with Airport Transfers and Executive Travel

If you’ve ever had any problems with airport transfers in United Kingdom, including ‘executive travel’ providers, this article should be essential reading.

Customers spend thousands on flights and holidays each year, yet scrimp on arguably the most important bit - getting you to and from the airport. We all know the adage ‘you only get what you pay for’, but why settle for sub-RyanAir service levels when you deserve much, more more?

What exactly is ‘Executive Travel’?

A. It means nothing. It’s just a term used by taxi, private hire and airport transfer companies to suggest a higher level of service.

In reality, it doesn’t mean ‘executives’ travel with them, it just gets customers to think they do. If anything, it’s an excellent case of ‘brand hijacking’, as most chauffeur companies offering corporate and business travel for directors operate completely different on every level to ‘executive travel’ companies.

Due to increasing accessibility to ‘no frills’ airlines, and a wider variety of regional airports, in addition to flexible working calendars, there is a greater demand for airport transfers. Consequently, there has been an accordant increase in airport transfer providers. Generally, this falls into 3 brackets:-

1) Existing taxi or private hire operators

2) ‘Executive travel’ or airport transfer companies, apparently ‘airport specialists’

3) Chauffeur services

There is one fundamental difference between (3) and (1) or (2), and that is their basic operational and business model, as chauffeur companies work on individual, dedicated journeys whilst the first two work on volume alone.

Often, an airport transfer or ‘executive travel’ company will have specific vehicles - usually 6 or 8 seater minibuses (to allow more people/more baggage). They may also have greater working knowledge or experience of airports, flights, destinations etc., but their business model will still revolve around volume alone.

Common faults with ‘Airport Transfers’ and ‘Executive Travel’

Here are some real-life examples gathered from our clients, customers and staff. We will use ‘AT/ET’ for brevity to mean ‘Airport Transfers’ or ‘Executive Travel’…

1) AT/ET will NOT give you an individual service; they rely on your journey ‘fitting in’ with others they may have to do. Their schedule will often be maximised to capacity (if not exceeded) and so often their jobs will be ‘passed on’ for other companies to cover IF your flight plans are changed.

2) AT/ET will sometimes ‘cut corners’, in some cases breaking either their operators licence or the law. An ET/AT will often try and improve profitability by sharing your journey with other passengers - hence why most AT/ET firms use minibuses - whilst charging all passengers FULL PRICE. This is contrary to both law and local licencing conditions, IF they intend for you to share, they MUST inform you at time of booking AND they must reduce the price accordingly.

3) AT/ET often do not have clarity of pricing, often relying on ‘what they can get’, if they are busy or not, and what their competitors are charging.

4) AT/ET will often change the vehicle intended for your job, if an earlier job has been delayed, which has implications if the original vehicle was bringing a child seat needed for your family. Another example would be if the 8 seater minibus was delayed, they may expect your party of 7 people to travel separately, at different times, to suit their resources - without offering a price reduction for inconvenience.

5) AT/ET are not focussed on customer satisfaction, as by definition your journey is only one of many, and you’d probably only use them once. Their focus is maximisation of revenue, based on ‘running jobs on’, fitting passengers in, and by offering a ‘one size fits all’ approach rather than an individual one. It could be said that they tend to focus on getting back early for the next job, rather than concentrating on doing the current one to the best of their ability.

6) AT/ET generally rely on rudimentary planning, communication and organisational methods. Most journeys are booked verbally, with basic record-keeping, and very little in the way of processes. Subsequently, it’s not surprising dates/times are misread, forgotten, addresses wrong etc.

7) AT/ET drivers are generally paid on fixed rates per job, therefore there is an incentive for them to work long hours to receive a better wage. It’s not unknown for some AT/ET companies to expect their drivers to do over 10 jobs per shift, which even for short transfers equates to almost 15 hour shifts. Given that timings are often random and erratic, including night times, it’s unlikely working times/rest/sleep is of a sufficient level. Check the glove compartment or dashboard - if there’s 6 empty cans of Red Bull of boxes of Pro Plus, keep aware!

8) AT/ET companies rely on their vehicles running constantly on a ‘shift’ basis, which not only racks the miles up, but gives little time for maintenance, servicing etc. Based on a ‘standard’ airport outbound/inbound transfer being 100 miles, on a servicing schedule of 10,000 miles, with 5 jobs a day, most vehicles should be getting serviced every 20 days - are they?

9) As AT/ET vehicles are effectively constantly running, they’re often not routinely valeted or cleaned - perhaps only rudimentarily at the end of a shift, such as any rubbish removed.

10) Arguably the most important part of an airport transfer is the return, as it’s the last part of the journey and everyone wants to get home to their own bed, or that much-desired cup of tea. Sadly, most AT/ET consider these the ‘dog jobs’ as their best drivers usually do the ‘departure’ to collect the cash, leaving the junior, inexperienced, least-favoured or unmotivated drivers to collect the passengers.

11) Communication - once your booking has been made, that’s probably the last time you will deal with the manager/operator/coordinator. At best, the driver that’s picking you up MAY have your contact details, but probably won’t be motivated to communicate with you - unless there’s an emergency. IF you need to ring the ET/AT company, they may not ‘man’ the phones out of hours, or have access to your booking, or be in a position to deal with your query.

12) Punctuality and reliability are often abstract concepts for AT/ET, as they are often just effectively ‘shuttle runs’ that will ‘get there when they get there’. IF the previous trip is delayed for any reason, there’s a high chance yours will be too.

13) AT/ET often allow 30-45 mins from flight landing for baggage collection, and only then move into position for ‘rendezvous’ with passengers. IF you’ve no hold baggage, or flight lands early, you may be waiting around if you’re out before this time. Conversely, AT/ET

14) Whoever is picking you up should proactively check the flight status, ideally using SMS or mobile internet, so that they will have updated information and be at airport on time whatever the flight situation. Some AT/ET don’t even check at all, and have the view they will only be at the airport for scheduled time, and often leave if you’re not out within a set time - then expect you to pay twice for them to return.

15) As most airports charge for car parking costs, some AT/ET companies look to pass this cost on - either at time of payment, or by the driver asking you to pay the machine on leaving the terminal. Alternatively, some AT/ET look to avoid parking costs by expecting you to walk or meet them in unofficial places, such as petrol stations, roadside etc. In addition to being illegal and unsafe, this is also totally unreliable as most airports are now aware of this and move them on - which could further add to your inconvenience and delay.

Three golden rules

1) Understand exactly what you’re paying for, and what exactly you will be getting in return - be wary of ‘extras’.

2) Ask what guarantees the provider offers, and what measurables they are judged by.

3) Check their website, brochures and sales literature. Ask for testimonials, check for ‘word of mouth’, enquire if they are registered with any trade, regulatory or statutory bodies (FSB, Chambers of Commerce, local Councils).

Airport Transfers - suggested tips for peace of mind

Written confirmation of booking by Email.
Any special needs or requests are confirmed - e.g. Childseats, larger vehicle for additional baggage etc.
Online calendar link, to reassure you of your booking.
Dedicated contact - 24 hours, 7 days a week - for the manager/operator AND driver.
Reminder call/contact prior to pickup.
Confirm process for collection, inc. :-
- a) Will driver meet in terminal?
- b) How will they contact you?
- c) What happens if flight is delayed, or early?
- d) Will they be there for flight landing, or will they allow an indeterminate time?
- e) Maximum time they will wait to collect you - in case of contingencies such as baggage problems, customs, passport control.
Clarify price includes all disbursements, such as parking costs, pickups etc.
Ascertain process for complaints, refunds etc.

Templar Modern Chauffeurs

If you would like to contact Templar Modern Chauffeurs for a quote, or make an Enquiry or booking, please click here.

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Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Guaranteed Airport Transfers

2009-07-26T17:04:00.001+01:00

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Guaranteed Airport Transfers

We offer GUARANTEED Business and Luxury Class Airport Transfers.

Please do not confuse this with 'executive travel' airport transfers, or the so-called 'airport specialists' you may see advertised.

Have a read of this article "The problem with Airport Transfers and Executive Travel" before you book your airport transfer with one of them.

IF your holiday or business travel is important, shouldn't you get the airport transfer service you deserve?

Benefits of our Airport Transfer service:-

Clarity of pricing and details of journey
Dedicated vehicle – no shared journeys, nor ‘run ons’ to other jobs
Outstanding levels of service and quality
Business Class vehicle (leather, aircon, privacy glass) – e.g. saloon (Chrysler 300) or MPV (Mercedes Benz Viano)
Guaranteed – punctuality, reliability, no waiting on return/arrival

We GUARANTEE our airport transfers, including the following :-

Confirmation of booking by Email.
(optional) link to online calendar to check your booking, for peace of mind.
No hidden extra costs (parking costs, diversions, additional luggage etc.)
Chauffeur will be at airport for when you land - even if your flight is early, or delayed - no matter how long it takes to get your bags.
Your journey will never ever be shared with other customers, nor will it be 'run on' to suit another job. You pay us for a dedicated service, and that's exactly what you get.
Chauffeur will contact you directly on arrival so that you have his mobile number, and liaise to arrange collection/rendezvous, or 'Meet and Greet' in terminal (for additional charge, paid at booking stage).

IF our airport transfers are ever less than 100% satisfactory or below your expectations, we will refund the price of your journey - NO QUIBBLES *

We're not cheap, just cheerful!

* 100% satisfaction guarantee applies subject to our Standard Conditions of Carriage, and Booking Terms and Conditions.

If you would like to contact Templar Modern Chauffeurs for a quote, or make an Enquiry or booking, please click here.

Bmi extends chauffeur service to UK's regional airports | The Times

2009-07-13T10:25:00.000+01:00

We wrote in an earlier article about Emirates extending their chauffeur service from Newcastle, and how these 'provided chauffeur' services aren't the great deal they seem to be at first glance.

We suggest you check the terms of conditions of any of these ‘provided chauffeur’ services. We recently scrutinised the BMI terms and conditions and found the following proved worrying (unless they have changed the terms since we read them!)

In some cases, the chauffeur service is only applicable on certain destinations, certain classes of travel, and at certain times.
The chauffeur company ring you back to confirm your details, anytime in a 12 hour window, and if you miss the call then the service is cancelled without any further engagement.
The chauffeur company will only wait for 45 minutes from the flight landing before leaving, without any further contact with yourself.
The provided chauffeur is restricted to a time/distance that may (or may not) be within your pickup/drop off location. If this is the case, additional charges will be applied THAT MAY NOT BE notified at time of booking.

Ultimately, the most concerning aspect seems to be that the airline/chauffeur company have provided a service that suits their processes, rather than a bespoke, individual and dedicated solution focussed on the customer.

As ever, there is no such thing as ‘free’ – you will pay for this service somewhere along the line, increased cost of flight, missed transfer, additional chauffeur charges etc.

Bmi extends chauffeur service to UK's regional airports | The Times

Business travellers at Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester can now benefit from free transfers

Bmi has extended its free chauffeur service to the UK’s regional airports.

The service, originally limited to Heathrow passengers, can now be used by passengers flying from Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester as well as Dublin in Ireland on fully-flexible business class tickets.

Chauffeurs are available at both ends of the journey for passengers flying to Almaty, Amman, Azerbaijan, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Kyrgyzstan, Moscow, Saudi Arabia, Tel Aviv and Yerevan. The service is also available at the UK end only for those travelling to Tehran and Tbilisi.

In the UK, the service will be operated using E-Class Mercedes Benz cars. Passengers will be dropped off at London Heathrow’s Terminal 1 where they will be met by a Bmi concierge, who will collect their bags and transfer them to Bmi’s Premium check-in zone in the terminal.

Free ironing the latest perk in the business hotel war | The Times

2009-07-13T10:22:00.000+01:00

Free ironing the latest perk in the business hotel war | The Times

Mark Frary

exec-u-travel.co.uk

If you would like to contact Templar Modern Chauffeurs for a quote, or make an Enquiry or booking, please click here.

Virgin Atlantic cuts bag allowance for premium passengers | The Times

2009-07-13T10:21:00.000+01:00

Virgin Atlantic cuts bag allowance for premium passengers | The Times

Airline will reduce maximum weight for each bag from 32kg to 23kg from 23 September

Virgin Atlantic is to follow British Airways in reducing the total weight of baggage that passengers in its premium classes can check into the hold free of charge. Virgin Atlantic will introduce a new baggage policy from 23 September 2009 across its network that will see the maximum weight of each bag reduced from 32kg to 23kg to be carried free of charge.

Passengers in Premium Economy will still be able to take two bags while those in Upper Class will still be allowed to take three items.

Bags weighing more than 23kg but less than 32kg will attract excess baggage charges of £35 in all classes. Additional bags will be charged at £90 apiece. Bags weighing more than 32kg will have to be sent via freight.

The airline said: “Currently Virgin Atlantic have a number of different polices for both baggage allowances and excess charges. It has become increasingly difficult for our passengers to understand these. The change is being introduced to simplify our existing policies.

Barrow mayor's chauffeur broke disabled parking rules | North West Evening Mail

2009-07-13T10:19:00.000+01:00

Barrow mayor's chauffeur broke disabled parking rules | North West Evening Mail

A MEMBER of the public caught Barrow mayor’s chauffeur red-handed when he parked in a disabled bay to collect his fish and chip supper.

WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN: Eagle-eyed reader Kevin Fox snapped this photo of the mayoral vehicle parked in a disabled bay

Motorist Kevin Fox was parked in Dalton Road at 7pm on Friday June 19 when he saw the mayor’s Jaguar S type drive into a disabled bay.

Mr Fox then watched the driver, Paul West, walk off and return 15 minutes later with a carrier bag containing his fish and chip supper. Mr Fox said: “I just couldn’t believe that someone in his position would do that, what with being a representative of the council and more specifically the mayor’s driver.

“Worse was to follow as a disabled driver pulled up to park and had to park outside of the disabled bay markings as the mayor’s car was in the way. How can Barrow Borough Council expect to implement and regulate their own parking regulations when they have such a blatant disregard for the rules themselves?

“It really makes me angry when able-bodied people take advantage of easily-situated disabled parking bays, because they can’t be bothered to walk the extra few hundred yards.”

Barrow mayor, Dorothy Dawes, said: “I know the circumstances, he didn’t realise he was parking in a disabled spot and only popped in to get his tea – fish and chips.”

Chief executive of the council, Tom Campbell, was informed of the parking discrepancy after the Evening Mail forwarded him a copy of Mr Fox’s picture.

Mr Campbell said: “The mayor’s car is not exempt from on-street parking restrictions but can park free of charge in any council car park. The driver was between official duties and the mayor was not present.

“The driver had no right to park there and if he had been observed by a warden a fine would have been issued and he would have had to pay it as does the driver of any vehicle whether they are the owner or not.

“Parking offences are not normally grounds for disciplinary action however given that the mayor’s car carries personalised number plates and is well-known I have issued a verbal warning to the driver for improper behaviour in charge of the mayor’s car.”

Margaret Burrow, honorary secretary of Barrow and District Disability Association, said the council needed to be firmer with unscrupulous motorists.

She said: “A lot of people park where they shouldn’t be parking and it makes it very difficult for the people who do have severe disabilities.

“One of thing things we have been pushing for is for the council to fine somebody the maximum penalty of £1,000, if they do enforce the maximum it might have more of an effect.”

Mr Fox, of Princewood Drive, Barrow, said he was glad to see the driver had been reprimanded.

He said: “It can’t be one rule for them and one for us, so I am glad he’s been given a warning and I hope this sends out the message that the rules apply to everyone.

“Surely him using the car to pick up his fish and chips is a misuse of public funding and property?”

exec-u-travel.co.uk

If you would like to contact Templar Modern Chauffeurs for a quote, or make an Enquiry or booking, please click here.

Worse than babies on plane? Businessmen | The Times

2009-07-12T18:04:00.004+01:00

Worse than babies on plane? Businessmen

Following our article on flying with infants, some readers called for families to be banned from planes. Matt Rudd thinks differently

Last week, I wrote an article for this section about babies on a plane - and how, if anyone had seen the movie Snakes on a Plane, in which people are attacked by snakes (on a plane), it was nothing; babies are worse.

I explained how I’d ended up trying to change a nappy in a galley on a British Airways flight, at the suggestion of an attendant so compassionate, I could have kissed her (not the right time).

I then went on to advise parents to travel with babies as little as possible, and offered other, more practical advice if they ignored me.

The response was, ahem, polarised. Many disagreed with my premise that you should never fly anywhere for fun if you have children under three. Some added their own excellent tips (eucalyptus oil, breastfeeding on takeoff and so on).

Taxi war looms at Heathrow over minicab plan | The Times

2009-07-12T15:49:00.000+01:00

BAA has incurred the wrath of black cab drivers in London by striking a deal to allow a minicab company to pick up passengers at Heathrow.

The deal will allow Addison Lee and One Transport to operate a booking service directly from the airport, prompting cabbies to threaten a blockade of Heathrow over what they call an unacceptable encroachment of minicabs on to their lucrative turf.

Cab drivers, who gridlocked Central London in February to protest over a similar minicab issue, said that the move would be “disastrous” for their trade.

The airports operator confirmed that a six-month trial would take place at terminals 3 and 5 this year, with Addison Lee operating a booth from the car park at each of the terminals.

Emirates extends Newcastle chauffeur option to include Edinburgh | Business Traveller

2009-07-12T15:35:00.001+01:00

The problem with these 'provided' chauffeur services is that they are often quite onerous, and the 'deal' doesn't always stand up to closer scrutiny.

Why would you pay more for your flight to be provided a chauffeur - albeit one with restrictive conditions that expect you to oblige them, rather than the other way round - when you could provide a better value, bespoke solution yourself?

We suggest you check the terms of conditions of any of these 'provided chauffeur' services. We recently scrutinised the BMI deal and found the following proved worrying.

In some cases, the chauffeur service is only applicable on certain destinations, certain classes of travel, and at certain times.
The chauffeur company ring you back to confirm your details, anytime in a 12 hour window, and if you miss the call then the service is cancelled without any further engagement.
The chauffeur company will only wait for 45 minutes from the flight landing before leaving, without any further contact with yourself.
The provided chauffeur is restricted to a time/distance that may (or may not) be within your pickup/drop off location. If this is the case, additional charges will be applied THAT MAY NOT BE notified at time of booking.

As ever, there is no such thing as 'free' - you will pay for this service somewhere along the line, increased cost of flight, missed transfer, additional chauffeur charges etc.

Business Traveller - Emirates expands Newcastle chauffeur option to include Edinburgh | Business Traveller

Edinburgh-based premium passengers looking to fly on Emirates’ service from Newcastle to Dubai can now take advantage of the free chauffeur drive option.

The service has now been extended to business class passengers living or working within “EH” Edinburgh postcodes.

Said Laurie Berryman, Emirates’ area manager UK north: “Customer feedback has shown that some of our Edinburgh-based passengers prefer to travel on our service from Newcastle [rather than on the carrier's service from Glasgow], so we are pleased to extend our chauffeur service to enable them to travel in comfort from their home or office directly to and from Newcastle International Airport.”

The extension of the service to Edinburgh postcodes (around 100 miles drive from Newcastle) is significantly above the standard 70-mile radius offered to business class passengers travelling to / from Newcastle airport. There is no mileage restriction for first class passengers.

Emirates operates daily flights from both Glasgow and Newcastle to Dubai. For more information visit emirates.com.

exec-u-travel.co.uk

If you would like to contact Templar Modern Chauffeurs for a quote, or make an Enquiry or booking, please click here.

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Bespoke prestige travel for discerning businesses and individuals | Ribble Valley chauffeur | Manchester | Ribble Valley | Lancashire | Blackburn | Pennine Lancashire | Burnley | Preston

Templar Modern Chauffeurs, Ribble Valley chauffeur, executive travel, airport transfer, airport transfers, Lancashire, Ribble Valley, Blackburn, Manchester, business travel, corporate travel, group transport, Pennine Lancashire, Burnley, Preston, luxury event travel, limobus, luxury 16 seater, minibus hire

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - links

2009-06-30T16:50:00.000+01:00

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - Social Media links

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - Blog

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - Blogger

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - Facebook

Some of the many wonderful companies and individuals we have been lucky to work with, please check out their websites:-

Blackburn Rovers Football Club

Bootstrap Enterprises

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce

SPOCS Sports Consultants

Stanley House

Triumpha - HR Consulting and Executive Coaching

Vertex

Will Martin

exec-u-travel.co.uk

http://stanleyhouse.co.uk/

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – contact us – mailing list

2009-06-30T16:02:00.000+01:00

If you would like to be kept updated of our special offers and promotions, or to news about Templar Modern Chauffeurs before anyone else, or just to read our articles, please subscribe to our FREE mailing list.

We won't let anyone else have your details, and you will only be sent information relative to the information you provide on the signup form.

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – contact us – customer feedback

2009-06-30T16:00:00.002+01:00

To enable Templar Modern Chauffeurs to fulfil our – and your – expectations, we rely on customer and client feedback – negative or positive.

We aim to continually improve our service, to exceed your expectations, so we would ask that if you are happy with our service, please tell us what we did well.

If you are unhappy with our service, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact us and we will do all we can to resolve the issue expeditiously.

If you would like to give us a testimonial, or simply some honest feedback, please click the link below.

Customer Feedback Form – please click here

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – quotes and enquiries

2009-06-30T15:56:00.003+01:00

We welcome all enquiries from anywhere, and will travel accordingly. Please bear in mind though, we are based in North West England so to make our prices realistic, any journeys should ideally be from/to this area on at least one 'leg' to be commercially viable for all parties.

If you would like to contact Templar Modern Chauffeurs for a quote, or make an Enquiry or booking, please click here.

Enquiries

If you would like to enquire as to how we can assist you, or for further information on any of our services, please Email us directly by clicking here info@exec-u-travel.co.uk

Quotes (private - leisure - single event)

If you would like a quote for a particular journey, or service, please Email us directly by clicking here

info@exec-u-travel.co.uk

Please note - the more information you provide, the more accurate and definitive our price will be. Suggested info we would request would be:-

Date/s of travel

Number of people

Pickup location

Additional pickups/stops

Destination location

Any special instructions?

Quotes (business - account - invoiced)

If you would like a quote for your business, we would prefer you partake in our 'free business review' scheme, even if it is for one journey.

To request a free, no-obligation business consultation, please Email us directly by clicking here

info@exec-u-travel.co.uk

If however, you would prefer a quote for a single journey, or service, please Email us directly by clicking here

info@exec-u-travel.co.uk

Please note - the more information you provide, the more accurate and definitive our price will be. Suggested info we would request would be:-

Date/s of travel

Number of people

Pickup location

Additional pickups/stops

Destination location

Any special instructions?

If you would like to contact Templar Modern Chauffeurs for a quote, or make an Enquiry or booking, please click here.

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – Testimonial 1 – luxury event travel

2009-06-30T15:55:00.001+01:00

“Six 16 year olds with a problem: how do we get to the Leeds Festival and back in one piece without going bankrupt and worrying our parents to death?

Templar Modern Chauffeurs to the rescue!

Before half of us had even met up, the luxurious Templar Modern Chauffeurs Chrysler minibus was awaiting us. WOW. It was really impressive, with blacked out windows, DVD Player, and stereo system with surround sound. No shabby coaches for us!

As we were about to get comfy on the leather seats, we realised my friend had left her ticket at her house, which was a good twenty minutes drive away. But Shaun, our chauffeur, didn’t mind and went to pick it up before pursuing our original route (with a little help from Satellite Navigation).

Shaun was a really friendly, relaxed guy who wanted us to have a good time, and the atmosphere wasn’t awkward whatsoever. He had a music collection on offer that pleased even us picky teenagers!

When we arrived at Bramham Park, we were thought to be VIPs, our minibus was that flash! We stuck our wellies on, exchanged mobile numbers with Shaun, and made flexible arrangements for our pick up some time that evening – or early the next morning

We had a brilliant day rocking out to all the bands without a care of how we’d get home – everything was sorted easily, through the odd text.

When we’d finally had our festival fill (around 1:30 AM), we rang Shaun, who was already nearby. We managed to find our way back to our drop-off point and there was Shaun, completely cool about everything. My heated passenger seat was a real treat after a long day, and I happily nodded off in its warmth.

In conclusion, my friends, parents and I would like to highly recommend Templar Modern Chauffeurs for any special occasion. The journeys and arrangements were absolutely perfect, and meant that we could fully enjoy our unforgettable day out.

Cheers Shaun!!!”

Charlotte and friends, Bury, Manchester

footnote – Just before we dropped the last passenger off (some 1hr 15 mins after Charlotte called), one of their friends rang saying they were still stuck at Bramham Park waiting for their ‘executive travel’ minibus.

Due to a combination of planning, venue reconnaissance, research, experience, initiative and communication, Templar Modern Chauffeurs’s passengers were all snug in bed before their friends had been even picked up.

Moral of the story – you get what you pay for, would you rather be driven by cost or value?

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – Jaguar X type

2009-06-30T15:54:00.000+01:00

Combining the sports heritage of Jaguar with traditional English refinement and class, the Jaguar X type is the ideal vehicle to be chauffeured around in.

Class: Business

Body: Compact saloon

Passengers: 3

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Jaguar X Type

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – Chrysler Grand Voyager MPV

2009-06-30T15:53:00.000+01:00

Do you watch BBC TV’s “The Apprentice”? Ever wish you could be driven around in a luxury class MPV like the contestants on there? We can help, without you ever needing to meet Sir Alan Sugar, Nick or Margaret.

With electric sliding doors and tailgate, privacy glass, DVD players (c/w wireless headphones), power sockets, unique ‘Stow and Go’ hideaway seating, we can take you to that special event, business meeting, golf trip etc. in true style and class.

Class: Prestige – Luxury

Body: MPV

Passengers: 6

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Chrysler Grand Voyager 1

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Chrysler Grand Voyager 2

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – Mercedes Benz Vito MPV

2009-06-30T15:50:00.000+01:00

The Vito is the minibus/MPV from Mercedes Benz, and seats 8 people in comfort.

Ideal for airport transfers, sports events, days out, excursions and group travel.

Class: Business

Body: MPV

Passengers: 8

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – Volvo V70

2009-06-30T15:48:00.000+01:00

Combining comfort, safety, and practicality, the Volvo V70 is simply ‘top of the the class’ in the estate market.

Class: Business

Body: Estate

Passengers: 4

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Volvo V70 1

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Volvo V70 2

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – Chrysler 300

2009-06-30T15:46:00.001+01:00

Ever dreamed of the footballer’s lifestyle? We may not be able to help with you with the WAG, the watch, or the clothes, but we certainly can give you the car.

Our Chrysler 300 is the famed ‘Baby Bentley’ so popular amongst Premier League footballers, in fact we actually own a customised one we acquired off a Premier League player!

This vehicle has every single conceivable extra – sports suspension, Kahn low profile wheels, Harmon-Kardon premium sound system, rear DVD etc.

Class: Business

Body: Mid-Size saloon

Passengers: 4

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Chrysler 300

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – Mercedes Benz Viano MPV – mobile office

2009-06-30T15:45:00.000+01:00

The Viano is the prestige version of the Vito minibus/MPV from Mercedes Benz, and seats 5 or 7 passengers in extreme luxury.

These vehicles are the flagship of our fleet, as they continually exceed every expectations of our customers, in a variety of different roles. High Specification including leather captain’s chairs, Air Conditioning, Privacy Glass, power sockets, DVD player, cup holders, folding tables, etc.

Need to conduct a business meeting, or viewing trip? No problem – use our 5 passenger layout, fold out the table and plug your laptops, phones etc. into our power sockets.

Need to treat your significant other to that special trip/day out? No problem – let us supply you with champagne, whilst you travel in true VIP style, perhaps watching a DVD while you travel?

Perhaps a few of you need to travel, but want something nicer than a conventional minibus? No problem – we will send our 7 passenger Viano with leather seats, privacy glass, Air Conditioning, power points etc.

Also ideal for airport transfers, sports events, days out, excursions and group travel.

Class: Prestige – Luxury

Body: MPV

Passengers: 5 or 7

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Mercedes Benz Viano MPV mobile office 1

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Mercedes Benz Viano MPV mobile office 2

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Mercedes Benz Viano MPV mobile office 3

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – Mercedes Benz E class

2009-06-30T15:43:00.000+01:00

The ubiquitous E Class from Mercedes Benz simply ticks all the boxes – comfort, luxury, elegance, refinement, and safety.

Due to the E-Class’ size and durability, the cars also frequently serve as taxis in European countries, and Mercedes-Benz offers a taxi specification as well as other special-purpose vehicles (e.g. police or ambulance modifications) from the factory.

Launched in 2002, the W211 E Class was another evolution of the previous model and was considered by the motoring media as an even more competitive offering to the long term rival BMW 5 series (which previously was the preferred choice of the motoring media).

Before North American sales began, the car was shown in the 2002 movie “Men In Black 2”.

Class: Prestige – Luxury

Body: Mid-size saloon

Passengers: 4

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Mercedes Benz E class

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – Mercedes Benz CLS

2009-06-30T15:41:00.000+01:00

According to a Mercedes Benz press release, the CLS-class was produced to combine the “strong, emotive charisma” of a coupe with the “comfort and practicality” of a saloon, and was marketed as a “four door coupe”.

This superbly-refined vehicle offers the luxury of the S Class with the sleekness of the SLR and other Mercedes Benz coupes.

Ideal to create a distinctive, long-lasting impression of elegance.

Class: Prestige – Luxury

Body: Large

Passengers: 4

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – Mercedes Benz limobus luxury 16 seater limousine coach

2009-06-30T15:36:00.000+01:00

For that special event, why not try our Mercedes Benz limobus luxury 16 Seater Limousine Coach?

This vehicle has had no expense spared in its creation, from the futuristic exterior styling to the luxurious leather interior.

Key Features include :-

Wide-Bodied Reclining soft Leather Hide Seats with Tables
Air-Conditioning
Air-Suspension
Double Glazed Windows
Fully Stocked Bar with Hot/Cold Refreshment Service
Superior Multi-Media on-board Entertainment System
240v Electricity Sockets
Hostess / Courier / Tour Guide as required

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Mercedes Benz limobus luxury 16 seater 1

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Mercedes Benz limobus luxury 16 seater 2

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Mercedes Benz limobus luxury 16 seater 3

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – our fleet

2009-06-30T15:32:00.002+01:00

We have a wide range of high specification, prestige vehicles to cover every possible request, including…

Business – Corporate

Luxury – Prestige

Group transport

Mercedes Benz 16 seater limousine coach (including bar)
Mercedes Benz CLS saloon
Mercedes E class saloon
Mercedes Benz Viano MPV
Mercedes Benz Vito MPV
Chrysler Grand Voyager MPV
Chrysler 300 saloon
Jaguar X type saloon
Volvo V70 estate

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Mercedes Benz CLS

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Chrysler 300

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Mercedes Benz Viano MPV mobile office 1

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Mercedes Benz Viano MPV mobile office 2

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Mercedes Benz limobus luxury 16 seater 1

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Mercedes Benz limobus luxury 16 seater 2

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Mercedes Benz E class

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Chrysler Grand Voyager 1

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Jaguar X Type

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Volvo V70 1

Templar Modern Chauffers - Grand Voyager and Volvo S60

Templar Modern Chauffeurs – celebrities and special guests

2009-06-30T15:25:00.001+01:00

We work closely with local hotels, Chambers of Commerce, museums, and other event venues who entrust us to transport their special guests inc:-

journalists
writers
businessmen
speakers
actors
executives
broadcasters
artists
models
entrepreneurs
politicians

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - special occasions - award ceremonies

2009-06-30T15:23:00.001+01:00

One of our valued clients is a national award winning hotel and restaurant; we regularly chauffeur their staff, guests & owners to ceremonies throughout Lancashire, the North West, and London.

We also work closely with Chambers of Commerce, and networking groups, enterprise venture schemes for corporate travel and chauffeur services of their guests, speakers and groups.

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - airport transfers - chaperones

2009-06-30T15:21:00.001+01:00

We provide a turnkey package for all incoming triallists/players for a Premiership football club, including their Academy.

In some cases international players as young as 13 travel unaccompanied, in which case we provide a full chaperone service (including language support) from plane to destination to ensure every potential eventuality is covered, not least security & reassurance.

Sometimes we’ve had to pay excess baggage services, wait for customs/passport clearance, wait at airport as principal has missed the plane, avoid the media, anything – it’s all part of the service!

Perhaps Manchester United & Dimitar Berbatov should have used us to avoid the glare of publicity?

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - wedding services - special events

2009-06-30T15:18:00.001+01:00

Why trust your special event to chance? Whether it is for leisure or business, such as:

birthday
anniversary
wedding
conference
christening
shopping trip
spa or pamper day
intimate night out
weekend away
celebratory meal
concert or festival
sports day out
conference
trade meeting
viewing trip
working lunch
breakfast club
networking
client meeting

We offer a truly bespoke service, covering attention to detail at EVERY level – planning, liaison, coordination on the day, booking, itinerary, concierge services etc. as well as sumptuous vehicles.

For example, we are regularly retained to provide full turnkey wedding services, whereby we provided bespoke packages, including:

appointed coordinator and ‘on the day’ management services, to liaise with best man, photographer, catering etc.
group transport for the stag and hen parties, nights or events
shuttle transport for all the guests (between church, reception and accommodation)
bridal party transport
groom party transport – prestige or supercar
airport transfers

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - business continuity - fleet replacement

2009-06-30T08:50:00.005+01:00

Another forte of ours is to supply our vehicles/drivers on a ‘turnkey solution’, especially for Business to Business (B2B) contracts. We can deliver a vast & wide range of services, to cover transportation of temporary staff, scheduled transfers – basically everything to keep your business moving and profitable.

One of our select contracts is for Network Rail, whereby we are entrusted to move both their passengers and train staff between stations throughout the country to an exceptionally high punctuality, reliability and service level.

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - chauffeur services - mobile office

2009-06-30T08:47:00.002+01:00

Our core service – all the luxury, convenience, discretion, & comfort you deserve in a cost-effective, flexible solution tailored to your specific needs. We regularly transport CEOs, directors, high net-worth individuals all over the country in style, be it for business or leisure.

Our ‘Mobile Office’ solution is ideal for today’s busy businessperson – the equivalent of first-class travel but with the convenience of door-to-door service; no luggage, changing trains, planes etc.

Typical of this service is a Director who uses their time in the vehicle to relax, conduct conference calls, computer work in a discrete, calm environment. We provide power sockets for laptops, Blackberries, iPods, tables, drinks, reading material – in fact anything that will make your journey more valuable, comfortable and productive.

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - Mercedes Benz mobile office 1

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - Mercedes Benz mobile office 2

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - Mercedes Benz mobile office 3

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - our services

2009-06-30T08:46:00.001+01:00

Our range of services covers several sectors, including:-

Chauffeur services
Business continuity – fleet replacement – contingency management
Prestige private hire
Wedding services
Luxury Group transport
Mobile offices
Same-day courier service (legal documentation/tenders etc.)

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - free business review

2009-06-30T08:44:00.003+01:00

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - FREE business review (CLICK HERE).

Our core business is providing bespoke transport solutions to companies to increase their profitability and productivity, save time & reduce stress.

By applying our unique operational model, whereby we conduct a ‘needs analysis’ and then customise our logistics, processes and experience to create an individual Service Level Agreement, we create unique, individual solutions for a variety of niches.

Therefore, we can confidently predict that we can radically improve your business travel, often above your expectations – in some cases, we’ve solved problems before clients even realised they had any!

Unlike most ‘executive travel’, taxi, or private hire companies, we work completely opposite by providing a bespoke transport solution to suit the client, rather than ‘one size fits all’.

To illustrate this, here’s a couple of scenarios.

Conract 1 – we supply drivers and vehicles to companies on a contract basis, whereby our drivers are effectively outsourced to them as subcontractors. This allows the company to outsource all their staff movements to our company, thus reducing capital expenditure, vehicle costs, and down-time costs. Added to this, by supplying motivated, professional drivers in high specification, impeccable vehicles there is also increased reliability and productivity.

Contract 2 – is to transport a HR Director around all their company offices, throughout the country. Given that meetings run on, plans change, and train travel is so unreliable, we provide a chauffeur for door-to-door transport. Consequently, her travel time is more productive, completely stress-free, and far more comfortable, all creating added value to her and the company.

Contract 3 – is a client that has a high number of international travellers, some who are under 16 and maybe do not speak a lot of English. They faced problems in reliability whilst using ‘executive travel’ or ‘airport transfer’ companies, as these suppliers could generally not afford the passenger the time or the attention to do the job correctly. We reviewed the situation, and created a Service Level Agreement that ensured (amongst other things) our driver would always be in the terminal for when the flight landed, we would escort the passengers into check-in and take care of any issues that may arise, and even provided ‘welcome packs’ in their native language. Added to this, we ensured complete attention to detail by providing a dedicated vehicle and driver, that would only ’stand down’ once the job was completed, however long that took. In some instances, e.g. passport control, baggage collection, missed flights etc., this focus ensured our driver would always be available to complete the job, as opposed to needing to be elsewhere.

Consequently, we are happy to offer free no-obligation consultations to businesses, to review if we can be of service. With our experience, resources and innovative thinking, we are confident enough to propose that if your business involves vehicles or travel, we can save you money, time and stress.

Why not contact us to test us, what have you got to lose? Or, more to the point, can you afford not to?

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - FREE business review (CLICK HERE).

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - our values

2009-06-30T08:43:00.001+01:00

Our company values are extremely important to us, and in every dealing with us you can expect:-

Honesty
Discretion
Reliability
Flexibility
Integrity
Professionalism
Imitative
Exceptional service
Unique
Individual – attention to detail is crucial
Efficiency & organisation
Commercially aware

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - our drivers

2009-06-30T08:42:00.001+01:00

Each of our drivers is extremely highly trained for your reassurance, including: -

Criminal Records Bureau clearance
Continued Driving Development
Local Authority licensed
Confidentiality assured
Superlative ‘people skills’
Customer-focused
Local knowledge – sightseeing, guides, culture, history
Company Operations Manual
Fully uniformed at all times (unless specifically requested to ‘dress down’)

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - why we are different

2009-06-30T08:41:00.002+01:00

With conventional taxis, private hire or ‘executive travel’ companies, ALL you are getting is a vehicle.

With Templar Modern Chauffeurs, the vehicle is simply one aspect – Templar Modern Chauffeurs offer bespoke prestige travel for discerning businesses & individuals.

For instance, ever had the feeling your driver can’t wait to get to the next job?

Or is too late off his previous run, making you late for that meeting?

Perhaps the kamikaze driver drives in such a way you don’t even think you’ll make it to your destination?

Does the driver still get lost, despite having a SatNav?

Ever been stuck at the airport waiting for your driver, only to find out he’s “just round the corner”, or “5 minutes away”, when really he’s still not finished his present job?

Suppose your ‘airport transfer specialists’ have possibly taken down your flight details wrong, or make you wait to pick up another set of passengers to share the trip home?

Do you often wonder which ‘executives’ would want to be seen picked up in a battered Transit minibus, by a shell-suit attired extra from Shameless?

Still, you’ve got a vehicle though, right (aside from the above)?

Here’s the deal – any companies you may have experienced the above with are only bothered about the next job, NOT your one. It’s all a question of volume, maximum capacity for low quality.

So why are Templar Modern Chaffeurs different?

Simply put, each job we take on for you is unique, as we provide bespoke services to suit YOUR needs, not ours, and certainly not the ‘one size fits all’ mentality of taxis, private hire or ‘executive travel’.

We don’t do ‘right now’ jobs, we do jobs properly, every single time. Our work will ALWAYS be consistent, uniform and reliable – GUARANTEED.

We don’t do ‘one off’ jobs – we enquire what your needs are, and tailor a service to suit accordingly.

We specialise in long-term relationships, with the individual touch. Each job we do is planned, set out against agreed standards and measured accordingly.

Our core business is the opposite of ‘traditional’, in that instead of hiring one vehicle out many times across a day, to many customers, we prefer to work instead to work for a ‘vital few’ clients on a reciprocal basis, on bespoke contracts based on their need.

Basically, we prefer not to work for cost-driven, short-term customers, instead focussing on long-term value-driven clients that appreciate greater levels of service & offer reciprocity.

This doesn’t mean we’re averse to ‘one off’ jobs, providing the customer appreciates we are a premium quality service, and one only ever gets what they pay for after all!

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chaffeurs - what we do, and for who

2009-06-30T08:40:00.001+01:00

What

Chauffeur services
Business continuity – fleet replacement – contingency management
Prestige private hire
Wedding services
Luxury Group transport
Mobile offices
Same-day courier service (legal documentation/tenders etc.)

Who

Award-winning hotels & restaurants
Stars of the stage and screen
Models – artists – celebrities
Business leaders, CEOs, directors & executives
Speakers & special guests – business lunches, presentations
Premier league football clubs
Network Rail & associated rails companies – inc. Arrival Trains, West Coast, Cross Country, Northern Rail, Trans Pennine Express
Airlines – Flybe, VLM

Why?

Prestige work – impress a new client
Exhibitions – business lunches – speakers
Days out – golf days, shopping trips
Mobile office for busy executives & directors
Discretion/security work – chaperone service for unaccompanied minors (e.g. to airports, handover to cabin crew etc.)

exec-u-travel.co.uk

Templar Modern Chauffeurs - about us

2009-06-30T08:34:00.003+01:00

Driven by distinction

We are an exceptional prestige corporate travel & chauffeur service, offering bespoke ground travel management solutions.

We are based in Pennine Lancashire & the Ribble Valley, but regularly cover Manchester, Liverpool, and further afield nationally (and internationally).

We specialize is providing tailored ground travel solutions, primarily for the business sector but also for leisure and special events in a wide range of executive & luxury vehicles.

We work with some of Britain’s biggest companies, offering an expansive range of services. We aim to make every journey special. Our forte is to listen to your requirements, then to exceed your expectations – every single time.

Please feel free to browse our website and contact us for a specific, no-obligation enquiry. We guarantee we can do something special for you!

“Our philosophy is simple. We deliver the best for people who expect the best.”

exec-u-travel.co.uk

News of the World | BBC deputy director has £58,000 a year chauffeur for 6 mile daily journey

2009-06-29T15:48:00.000+01:00

Limobscene

BBC boss's £58k chauffeur

By Guy Basnett, 19/04/2009

BEEB BEEP! Make way for the latest BBC cash scandal!

We can reveal a Corporation boss has a £58,000-A-YEAR chauffeur-driven limo to take him just SIX MILES to work every day.

Deputy director general Mark Byford, who earned £513,000 last year-can't be bothered to catch the Tube like millions of hard-up BBC licence-payers.

So he orders his chauffeur to pick him up at London's Waterloo Station for a return journey that works out at £240 A DAY.

"There is no clearer sign that BBC fatcats have lost touch with TV licence payers," said a Corporation insider.

"He could use the Underground, get a bus or hail a cab. Why does he think he needs to be treated like royalty at the public's expense?"

The scandal is revealed in documents released under the Freedom of Information Act.

The BBC limo reserved for bosses cost £174,148 over the last three years as the corporation axed thousands of staff and froze wages to cut costs. But Byford, 50-whose pension pot is worth £2.7 million- has no intention of helping save money by taking a £2.20 Tube ride, or a £1 bus journey to White City after his train journey from posh Winchester in Hants.

A BBC spokeswoman told us the car allows Mr Byford "to maintain office telephone contact throughout, while also enabling him to work on papers required for the day ahead".

But as any Londoner could tell her, he could do all that in a black cab which would cost licence-payers TWO HUNDRED QUID a day less at £40 there and back.

BBC News | Passengers asked to balance plane

2009-06-24T16:22:00.001+01:00

BBC News | Passengers asked to balance plane

Dozens of holidaymakers returning to Newcastle refused to fly after they were asked to act as human ballast.

A jammed hold door meant luggage could only be loaded into the front of the Thomas Cook plane at Mallorca airport.

Passengers were asked to move seats to distribute the weight, but 71 left the plane, fearing for their safety.

Thomas Cook said it was standard procedure for airlines to ensure cargo and passengers were evenly distributed, and there was no safety risk.

Those who refused to fly on Saturday had to arrange alternative transport for themselves.

Safety concerns

Rowen Laybourne, 17, from Cramlington in Northumberland, was with a group of five teenagers.

She said: "People were refusing to fly.

"They were saying it was not safe enough if we had to move about to balance the plane.

"The pilot came out to speak to us and told us it was perfectly safe.

"When someone asked if the hold door could open when we were in the air at 20,000ft, he couldn't understand and walked away."

Her group were among those who left the plane. They spent the night in the airport before catching another flight.

A Thomas Cook spokeswoman said: "It is standard for all airlines to ensure cargo and passengers are evenly distributed on an aircraft and there will be times when passengers will be asked to move to the front or back of a plane.

"This is a routine industry procedure and poses no safety issue.

"We are disappointed that despite reassurances from the captain and crew, a number of passengers decided not to travel."

Yorkshire Post | Hull City boss's ban lifted over hardship claims

2009-06-17T19:07:00.002+01:00

Yorkshire Post | Hull City boss's ban lifted over hardship claims

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Hull-City-bosss-ban-lifted.5372314.jp

HULL City chairman Paul Duffen has had a driving ban lifted because it would cause "exceptional hardship" to the club and charities he supports.

The Tigers supremo, who already had nine points on his licence for speeding, was given a six-month ban after being clocked in his Aston Martin travelling at 55mph in a 40mph zone on December 6 last year, about an hour after the club had beaten Middlesbrough at the KC Stadium.

The ban was revoked at an appeal at Hull Crown Court yesterday.

His earlier £500 fine was increased to £900, however.

Mr Duffen, 50, told the court: "It is very simply a matter of fact I cannot do my job without my driving licence and the impact of that, I believe, could be severe to the business I run and its employees."

Mr Duffen said he was unable to employ chauffeurs, as had been suggested by the magistrates who sentenced him on May 11, as he had to deal with highly sensitive and confidential information relating to transfer deals.

He said: "I have made no attempt to say I can't afford a chauffeur, or even two chauffeurs. But it is not possible.

"The flexibility demanded by my schedule means it will not work."

The married father-of-five, who lives in Surrey, had admitted speeding at an earlier hearing but had pleaded with magistrates to spare him the ban, saying it would make his life "very difficult".

Mr Duffen had told the court that in addition to his professional responsibilities in Hull, he had 13 commitments to charities and community groups.

He said a ban would also cause "great hardship" in relation to his children.

Mr Duffen had rejected suggestions that he could hire a driver to overcome the difficulties of a ban, saying he could not house them after journeys from Yorkshire to Surrey.

He said the ban would force him to rethink his commitments to the club.

Mr Duffen led a consortium which bought the club from Adam Pearson in June 2007.

He has overseen a meteoric rise in its fortunes since, both on and off the pitch.

In the 2007/08 season Hull were promoted to the top flight in English football for the first time in the club's history.

After a breathtaking start which saw the Tigers storm into a European qualification spot in the opening weeks, the campaign faltered with a string of poor results.

The clubs was finally left having to rely on other results to survive on the last day of the season.

Times Online | Twenty reasons never to fly RyanAir

2009-06-17T11:21:00.003+01:00

Times Online: Twenty reasons never to fly RyanAir

http://timesbusiness.typepad.com/money_weblog/2009/03/20-reasons-not-to-fly-ryanair.html

You have to admire the audacity of everyone’s favourite love-to-hate chief executive Michael O’Leary.

His latest stunt, to cause outrage by suggesting that Ryanair might start charging holidaymakers “a pound to spend a penny” onboard, made it on to the cover of The Daily Express. In the process, one imagines, reminding several hundred thousand hard up Britons to take advantage of the airline’s spring seat sale.

This week The Sun reports: “A saucy stewardess is putting the thrills in no-frills airline Ryanair.”

The “34B Czech stunner” , it alleges, has been given her bosses’ blessing to moonlight as a porn star.

Depressingly, all publicity is good publicity when you are the world’s leading budget airline and Ryanair doesn’t give a damn whether you like it or not. O’Leary knows that when it comes to the crunch, especially this credit one, you will still turn to him for a cheap weekend jolly.

But while the airline can be cheap, the customer service truly sucks. So, here are 20 things to remember next time you are led into temptation by those 1p flights.

1. 1p flights are never 1p

Even if you strike it lucky and find a 1p flight you actually want to take, Ryanair charge you for the pleasure of paying for it. To the tune of £4.75. For each passenger. Each way.

And that doesn’t even include…

2. The check-in charge

If you want to book a bag into the aircraft hold you must check in at the airport, which will cost you £4.75 per passenger, per way, if you book online and a whopping £10 per passenger, per way if you pay at the airport or over the phone. And it doesn’t matter if only one person in your party takes a bag, everyone else still has to pay to check in at the airport too.

This week Ryanair announced that it’s all change from May when airport check in will rocket to £20 per person, per way. That is a grand total of £160 for a return flight as a family of four.

All without factoring in…

3. The baggage charge

Which is an extortionate £9.50 per bag, per flight. Or £19 if you book at the airport or over the phone.

4. The sneaky weight limit

Ryanair set its weight limit for hold luggage at 15kg catching the majority of passengers off guard.

You’re not allowed to pool bags either so, even if you have a party of four sharing luggage, if the bag weighs 16kg you will be charged£14 per additional kilo. Nevermind that it makes not a jot of difference to the weight of the aeroplane.

5. Queues glorious queues

If you’re still talking to your partner following the inevitable blazing row about why you shouldn’t just pay the bloody charges listed above, you won’t be after being told to join the back of the enormous queue at the ‘payments’ desk.

6. The additional baggage charge

Probably best to wear all of your clothes at once on the flight if you are travelling somewhere for more than a couple of days (until Ryanair start charging passengers for excess body weight that is). Check more than one bag in and it will cost you another £19 per extra piece of luggage, per way.

7. The website is rubbish. On purpose.

You have no choice but to book a Ryanair flight through its website so the airline may as well make it as stressful an experience as possible. The website is ugly for starters, and it crashes. All the time.

Because you can’t easily browse for dates when cheap flights are available you have to dedicate at least five precious hours of your life to sitting in front of the screen and laboriously trying different combinations to find a good deal.

And if you don’t understand what the hell you’ve just pressed there is no one to e-mail. Because Ryanair want you to spend more money and phone its…

8. Premium rate internet helpline

Calls cost £1 a minute to speak to someone in a call centre. Be amazed if you can explain what your problem is for under a fiver.

9. You can only fly cheap mid week

To get the bargains that make the pain of Ryanair worth the gain you have to be prepared to fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, which can rule out the bargain European weekend break. Kind of why you wanted to book with Ryanair in the first place.

10. You have to travel at obscene hours.

Not only are you travelling on a Tuesday you also have to be prepared to wake up at 2am to get to the airport two hours ahead of your 6.55am flight. Or, if you choose a more civilised evening departure time, arrive in your destination at midnight with no where to stay because…

11. The destination airports are in the middle of nowhere.

Don’t expect to fly to Frankfurt if you book a flight to Frankfurt, to name one of many examples. Frankfurt Hahn airport where Ryanair land is 120 km from the city centre.

12. A bottle of water on board costs £3

I know the moral of this story is to buy a drink from WH Smith before you board, but it’s still annoying.

13. Sweaty, plasticky seats

Whatever you do, don’t wear shorts or you might be stuck to your seat forever and forced to listen to…

14. The in-flight musak

Pray that your flight is not delayed before it takes off or you’ll have to put up with the bleepy, computer-game inspired musak that is played on loop as your board, over, and over.

15. The fanfare

Do we really need the shrill fanfare that sounds when/if the flight lands on time? Or does it just ruin the first three minutes of each passenger's holiday?

16. You can’t book a seat

As if the British holiday ritual of crowding round the baggage carousel isn’t enough to warrant the use of blood-thinning medication, Ryanair invite you to partake in the extreme sport that is racing across the tarmac to get a seat next to your companion. Flip flops are a distinct disadvantage.

17. No refunds, ever

Unless you have a spare few days to waste do not even bother trying.

18. Poor compensation

A report by the UK’s Air Transport Users Council has found that the world’s airlines lost more than one million bags in 2007 and more than 42 million pieces of luggage were mishandled worldwide.

Guess who it named as the worst airline for compensation if your bag goes missing or is damaged?

19. You are always being flogged stuff

No we don't want your ridiculously overpriced travel insurance, car hire or Ryanair tea-towels. Go away.

20. Michael O’Leary himself

Don't tell me you can bear to make him any more smug?

By Laura Whateley

Templar Modern Chauffeurs

The problems with Airport Transfers and Executive Travel | Templar Modern Chauffeurs

The problems with Airport Transfers and Executive Travel

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Guaranteed Airport Transfers

Templar Modern Chauffeurs | Guaranteed Airport Transfers

Bmi extends chauffeur service to UK's regional airports | The Times

Bmi extends chauffeur service to UK's regional airports | The Times

Business travellers at Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester can now benefit from free transfers

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Free ironing the latest perk in the business hotel war | The Times

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Virgin Atlantic cuts bag allowance for premium passengers | The Times

Airline will reduce maximum weight for each bag from 32kg to 23kg from 23 September

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Barrow mayor's chauffeur broke disabled parking rules | North West Evening Mail

Worse than babies on plane? Businessmen | The Times

Worse than babies on plane? Businessmen

Following our article on flying with infants, some readers called for families to be banned from planes. Matt Rudd thinks differently

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Taxi war looms at Heathrow over minicab plan | The Times

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Emirates extends Newcastle chauffeur option to include Edinburgh | Business Traveller

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Some of the many wonderful companies and individuals we have been lucky to work with, please check out their websites:-

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Templar Modern Chauffeurs – Testimonial 1 – luxury event travel

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What

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Templar Modern Chauffeurs - about us

Driven by distinction

“Our philosophy is simple. We deliver the best for people who expect the best.”

News of the World | BBC deputy director has £58,000 a year chauffeur for 6 mile daily journey

Limobscene

BBC boss's £58k chauffeur

BEEB BEEP! Make way for the latest BBC cash scandal!

BBC News | Passengers asked to balance plane

Yorkshire Post | Hull City boss's ban lifted over hardship claims

Times Online | Twenty reasons never to fly RyanAir