Gridserve launches fuelService assistance

Gridserve has launched fuelService assistance at Electric Forecourts, with the inclusion of Electric Forecourts on the fuelService app.

The fuelService app allows disabled drivers to find and receive assistance for recharging their cars. The assistance will be available at both Braintree and Norwich Electric Forecourts.

Gridserve said Electric Forecourt designs include disabled parking, access ramps, accessible washrooms, lifts to access all areas and braille throughout the interior of the building.

Toddington Harper, chief executive officer (CEO) of Gridserve, said: “Accessibility is key to ensuring that the transition to electric is inclusive for all.

“As we break new ground in electric vehicle (EV) charging, access is at the forefront of the design and construction of our flagship products, the award-winning Electric Forecourts, and our advanced Electric Hubs.

“We recognise the need to consider how we provide drivers with the right information to make an informed decision about charging on their journeys. We welcome any feedback from drivers on how we can make the charging experience as easy and accessible as possible.”

Gridserve said the design of the latest Electric Hubs includes accessible wide bays with chevrons to ensure space on all sides of the vehicle.

Living with an electric car focus of Fleet Evolution webinar

Fleet Evolution is hosting a webinar on the practicalities of living with an electric car.

The webinar will be hosted by Andrew Leech, Fleet Evolution founder and managing director (MD), who has more than a decade’s experience of running an electric car.

The latest in a series of webinars begins on February 3 at 1.00pm and continues Tuesday evenings at 7.00pm before repeating on subsequent Fridays at 1.00pm.

“While we estimate 70% of drivers can make the move to electric very easily right now, for some it may not be the right time. This session explores the practicalities of going electric and as live sessions, there will be plenty of time for questions and answers,” said Leech.

The ‘Living with an Electric Car’ webinar, one in a trio of new events, continues until April 28.

In the same webinar series is another session: ‘Electrifying Your Business’ - a 30-minute broadcast at 10.0am on a Monday morning that aims to explore the real-world pros and cons of electric cars and the capabilities of electric vans.

“We will also demonstrate how you can introduce EVs to all employees where relevant, plus future technologies and advances we expect to see in the coming years,” Leech added.

Completing the trio on alternate Monday mornings at 10.00am is ‘Salary Sacrifice Cars’ a 30-minute session which examines salary sacrifice cars.

Shell Recharge Solutions and Motor Fuel Group sign new agreement

Shell Recharge Solutions has signed a new e-mobility agreement with Motor Fuel Group (MFG), providing its customers access to more than 240 additional rapid charge points across the UK.

The new roaming agreement will give Shell Recharge customers access to MFG’s network of high-powered EV chargers via the Shell Recharge app.

“This example of collaboration across EV charging networks helps build a more cohesive and flexible public network in the UK, “said Euan Moir, regional manager for the UK & Nordics at Shell Recharge Solutions.

“A more accessible network provides a higher level of confidence, and a far more consistent and better customer experience, encouraging more drivers and businesses to accelerate their transition to e-mobility.”

Shell Recharge Solutions customers have access to more than 14,000 charge points via 25 roaming partners throughout the UK.

VRA announces mental health and wellbeing partnership

The Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) has announced a partnership with automotive industry mental health and wellbeing social enterprise Menable.

The move is designed to promote the subject of mental health across the VRA’s member organisations, said chair Philip Nothard, by creating awareness and enabling easier access to its services.

He added: “This is a subject that has been moving up the automotive agenda for some time and we have done recent work in this area, such as holding a mental health webinar during the pandemic.

“Following the formation of several VRA advisory positions with relevant organisations over the last year, now seems like the right time to forge an official relationship with a recognised expert in mental health.

“Our view is very much that this is a subject that should be taken seriously across the whole of the motor industry and is frequently not given the attention it merits. The VRA had a close relationship with James Davis and many people here were very much affected by his death in 2021, so this has definite resonance for us.”

The VRA is planning to include Menable in its regular member meetings as well as adding content to its website and issuing regular mental health bulletins to members.

Local MP promotes career opportunities at FMG Repair Services

FMG Repair Services welcomed local MP Sara Britcliffe for a tour of its Accrington vehicle repair site.

The visit was planned to demonstrate the career opportunities available at the bodyshop for young people in the local area, FMG said.

FMG Repair Services said it provides employees with full training programmes via its training academy in Goole, along with apprenticeship schemes, and staff mentoring.

Speaking after the visit, Britcliffe said: “Hyndburn is an attractive place to operate as a business and this is something I am always banging the drum about. Visiting FMG Repair Services I saw the skilled work undertaken and was informed about the great opportunities for local people they offer.

“I am a big champion of alternative routes to university and believe we need an economy focussed on skilled work. This is what FMG Repair Services offers, and it is fantastic to have an expanding employer like this in Hyndburn and Haslingden.”

Claire Owens, MD at FMG Repair Services, said, “In recent years our vehicles have become more technically advanced, safer, and cleaner than ever before, and we hope to leverage these developments within the industry to promote automotive repair as an exciting career pathway for today’s tech-savvy younger generation.

“We have a number of apprenticeship and employment opportunities at our Accrington site and other sites across the UK and we are keen to attract hard-working talent from local communities.”

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