Bluestone Cars, north Wales

Bluestone Cars was formed in late 2002 to compete directly against Airport Black Cab Taxis found outside an airport terminal building. We knew that the service they offered could be improved upon immensely. At the same time, other factors also had to be considered; In today's modern World, passengers arriving in the UK for their first time are increasingly security conscious; the Internet is becoming ever more popular and effective communication with a customer on International time zones is essential to conduct business.

Licensed Drivers for Increased Security

At the beginning, we looked at becoming a traditional chauffeur firm (which relies on payments being given to a driver 28 days after a journey,) but decided against this as there was no guarantee to our passengers that a driver was free of criminal convictions. We wanted to ensure our customers could not find a safer way to travel. Therefore, we opted to be a private hire company. This meant all of our drivers underwent a complete police disclosure procedure before joining us. This is exactly the same as a school teacher, doctor or police officer. This procedure is repeated every 12 months to check for criminal convictions or patterns of allegations. This offers females travelling alone greater reassurance that we genuinely care about their security. Additionally, Our drivers are all registered with Wrexham County Borough Council and hold an official photographic licence with a unique driver identification number.

Licensed Cars for Peace of Mind

Along with each and every driver being licensed, private hire conditions mean every vehicle must also be licensed individually. In compliance with these regulations, the vehicles are rigorously tested independently by our regulating authority, twice a year. Additionally, as a company, we must prove that we are fit and proper and must also obtain a license, renewed annually as an operator. As part of an operators licensing conditions, every journey completed is recorded along with the vehicle and driver details. These details are available for inspection by enforcement officers at any time. Chauffeur firms in the UK do not have to be registered with any authority or answer to any regulating body.

Luxury and Comfort Guaranteed

We knew from the start that our position in the market place should be at an executive level. This was because Airport Black Cab Taxis are slow, uncomfortable and unsuitable for long-distance journeys. A large executive saloon offers much higher levels of comfort which prevents vibration or rattle that leads to fatigue. The lower centre of gravity also means the car will handle much more safely and is better balanced at speed to deal with the UK's roads that can twist and turn continuously. Combine with this the full leather seats, class leading head and leg room, climate control, plus your favourite music and you can begin to relax on the final leg of your journey in total comfort.

Defined Niche

As a company it was evident from the start that we would have to find our niche in an already overcrowded market place. This wasn't decided so specifically by the type of journey we would complete but more by the type of customer we would transport. Our typical customer is now aged 30 to 65, professional and very appreciative of customer service. Sometimes they like to chat, other times they prefer to rest or concentrate on a meeting. Either way, we always offer a newspaper of choice in the vehicle. This allows our clients to catch up on the latest news or simply get an idea of British culture. An inverter can be supplied in-car to power a laptop or phone charger. This converts the vehicles 12 volt power supply in to a 240 volt alternating current.

Belief in Technology

Once we had defined our market place, we set about making ourselves the leaders. Why would anybody book our service before anybody else? Bluestone Cars decided it would need to provide information to its customers, as and when they needed it. We had to satisfy their demands, curiosity or lifestyle. The solution was to provide information at their finger tips at home, work or while mobile on all areas of our service. We had to be easily contacted day or night (regardless of time zones) and be transparent in every area of our business. The answer was to embrace technology as a pure Internet company. In the process we became the UK's first, 100% Internet licensed, private hire company.

Realisation of Technology

Once we had built our web site in its first incarnation, we realised e-mail could also be used to communicate very effectively. After a booking had been made and a driver allocated, we could supply customers with the driver's picture, phone number and vehicle they would be using. We could also ask what newspaper and music to provide in the vehicle.

Bluestone Cars growth

From our first e-mail, to our meet and greet service inside an airport terminal building, the security and service we offer our customers is second to none. Our philosophy is to stay focussed on our customers while flexible and adaptable as a business. While technology moves on and we embrace it, Bluestone Cars know that to listen is the most tried and tested technique known to man. Our goal is to constantly improve not just with technology but with a sincere and genuine, approach to customer interaction that leaves us way ahead of any rival.