Latest news with #cost pressures
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Experienced Vehicle Security Firm, Eydens, Advises Commercial Fleet Owners of Easy Ways to Monitor Running Costs
07/14/2025, Coventry Midlands // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Eydens Auto Locksmiths, a long-established specialist in vehicle security, has shared insights to help business owners and transport managers maintain continuous oversight over the costs of running their fleets, in light of sustained cost pressures that, in many cases, can be mitigated with strategic management. The company, which offers advanced vehicle trackers, immobilisers and security systems, alongside key replacement and emergency callout services, has noted a lack of awareness of the value and accuracy that tracking solutions offer. Cost Pressures Experienced By UK Companies With Commercial Fleets It is no secret that operational costs have risen for almost every business in every sector, with issues surrounding a higher minimum wage, steep increases in national insurance contributions, and general running costs, as utilities and water bills have soared over recent months. Businesses reliant on fleets of vehicles, including the millions that offer home or B2B delivery services, have seen further impacts, with some of the many challenges including: All these factors mean that fleet managers and transport supervisors are increasingly looking for ways to optimise efficiency, while simultaneously reducing exposure to serious risks such as vehicle thefts and break-ins to steal equipment, tools and components. Insights Into How Advanced GPS Trackers Mitigate Business Risks for Fleet Managers Vehicle trackers are a common feature within business fleets, not least because HGVs over 3.5 tonnes in the UK that are used commercially must be equipped with a tachograph. These now largely electronic systems track driving times and rest periods to ensure companies are complying with safe working regulations. While digital tachographs can transmit data to central databases and often integrate with live tracking data that shows fleet managers exactly where each driver is, they have limitations. Rob Eyden from Eydens says, ' Cutting-edge vehicle trackers and immobilisers are a gold standard way to ensure no vehicle, whether a company car or a fully loaded HGV, can be driven away without the driver present, using secure chips embedded into a card that prevent the engine from starting without the correct access permissions. They're also in sustained demand from fleet owners who are worried about reports of rising vehicle and tool thefts, and who rely on their fleets as an integral part of their business models. GPS trackers not only deter thieves and can pair with immobilisers but also mean in the rare instance of a successful theft, the police are significantly more likely to recover the vehicle, since you'll know exactly where it is.' Exploring the Usage of Fleet Tracking Systems to Monitor and Reduce Running Costs Rob goes onto add that, ' One of the often overlooked features of a next-gen solution, like the S7 Tracker, or the S5+ Imob Tracker, both insurance approved, is that the data they transmit relates to far more than where a vehicle is, how long it has been stationary, or how close the driver is to their next drop. They can gather intelligence about: All this information is incredibly valuable, whether deciding which vehicles should manage which routes, providing additional training for drivers who spend excessive time idling, or proactively monitoring fuel usage to ensure servicing and maintenance is carried out in a timely manner.' Eydens Auto Locksmiths provides access to the vehicle tracking systems mentioned here alongside a broader range of devices, immobilisers, GPS systems and security solutions, with mobile and on-site services available throughout Coventry and the wider West Midlands area. Fleet managers and business owners interested in learning more about fleet monitoring, the specific devices highlighted above, or the most appropriate systems for their requirements are welcome to contact the company directly for more personalised guidance. Read more about Eydens Auto Locksmiths and Vehicle Security - Experts at Eydens Auto Locksmiths Recommend Tips to Reduce the Cost of Car Insurance Media Contact Rob Eyden 024 7699 7703
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Much-loved pet shop forced to close after more than 60 years ‘amid cost pressures'
A BELOVED family-owned pet shop has been forced to shut down after 66 years of business, due to "cost pressures". Dabners pet shop in Croydon is set to close for the last time on Saturday, August 16. 1 It first opened on Surrey Street in 1959, and was inherited by Mark who took over the business from his father. Rising costs and decreasing footfall to the store has lead to the store shutting down, which Mark says was exacerbated by the government's autumn budget last year. In one month, Dabners experienced a 30 per cent fall in customers walking through its doors, the greatest drop the store has seen in the 40 years Mark has worked there. He said to BPM Media: 'It's so sad and very disheartening. 'I've worked on this my whole life and to see it go down this way is horrible." With the closure, Mark is now looking to open up another pet shop, likely out of Croydon town centre. Rampant crime and antisocial behaviour in the area has made him concerned about continuing business in the area. The pet shop owner is therefore looking to set up another store in Horsham, West Sussex. Mark told MyLondon: 'Croydon feels a bit lawless. " Shoplifting is worse than ever but we're not getting any support. Last year, the businessowner had a knife pulled on him in the middle of Surrey Street as he tried to stop a shoplifter from stealing a dog harness. Despite allegedly capturing the incident on video by a member of the public, Scotland Yard claimed they did not have enough evidence to prosecute the suspect. Mark added: "If we catch one [shoplifter] we're just told to email the police who never do much about it." The Metropolitan Police in response have said they are focusing on the most profilic offender s. They also contend that shoplifting in Croydon town centre has dropped by 31 per cent over the past six months. Metropolitan Police's neighbourhood policing lead for Croydon, Superintendent Mitch Carr, added: "Croydon is one of 20 town centres and high streets across London that will see enhanced police and partner activity this summer. "There will be increased police patrols, intelligence-led plain-clothed operations in hotspot areas, and officers will relentlessly target wanted and prolific offenders who commit offences, particularly shoplifting and anti-social behaviour." Mark also thinks Croydon Council could do more to support independent traders, and return the area a top shopping location. He said: 'Ten years ago people used to travel here from other areas, now we're only serving locals - and some of them even go to Bromley or other parts of South London for better shops." Croydon Council has described the closure of Dabners "disappointing", and recognised the contribution it has made to the community over the past six decades. A spokesperson from the council said: "We understand these are challenging times for retailers nationally, particularly independent businesses. "That's why Croydon Council continues to deliver a range of business support programmes, funded by external grants." They have planned to invest £4.4 million into an "Amplifying Surrey Street programme" which hopes to improve market infrastructure and greenery in the area, as well as deliver a programme of events that can help drive footfall.
