Our 2017 Highlights
Article Published - 22/12/2017
Following our ethos of Customer First, every year we look to continually improve our products and services towards the aim of being first in number plates. This year, we’ve launched a new website and number plate designing software and seen growth in new product ranges; it’s been exciting and fantastic to look back at some of this year’s highlights.
Launching Our Website
With over 120 years of experience in building relationships with our customers, we listened to their needs and this year, we launched our new website, fully equipped with an e-commerce ordering system for buying number plate components online. The website is built around two main customer needs; getting help and support and placing an order. Our Help & Support section provides advice and guidance on a variety of different topics, ensuring our customers are in the know and get the best out of the service we provide.
Releasing Industry Leading Software
A major breakthrough this year was the launch of our advanced number plate designing software, PlateSync®. With connection to the internet, the software automatically uploads the records of every plate registration printed to a secure cloud, which makes this compliant with DVLA’s rules and regulations. For authorised personnel, it provides easy access to records, multiple sites and reports, which means data can be accessed at any time, in any place. This ensures you have complete control over your data, and it will always be secure.
In May 2018, stringent new regulation on data processing known as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force in the UK and EU. PlateSync® is ahead of the game and is already fully compliant with all the requirements of GDPR, including protections of individuals’ rights around processing of DVLA-mandated records. A privacy notice on how PlateSync®, and Jepson & Co, processes data is available on the PlateSync® Software page of our website.
Approval to supply into France
In September, Jepson & Co received approval, known formally as homologation, to supply number plates into the French market. The homologation process involves extensive testing on colourimetry, reflectivity and printing tolerances all to the exacting standards outlined in French law. Getting homologated is a significant milestone for us as it provides access to a major worldwide market for number plates. When we got approved, the team here celebrated with lots of fromage and tri-colour flags!
Receiving the Platinum Award for customer satisfaction
We aim to be the best number plate manufacturer in the UK as defined by our customers. We are, therefore, proud to have earned the Platinum Award for customer satisfaction as part of the ISO:9001 quality management standards for the fourth-year running. Thirty of our customers were telephoned by an external auditor and asked about their experience of Jepson & Co; on everything from products, to staff, to response times. We are pleased to have achieved an overall score of 92% satisfaction.
Being highly customer-centric is the start of the journey whose destination is exceeding the expectations of all of our customers. We continue to work to this end and thank all our customers for their support.
Growing Our Vintage Signs Brand
Appearances at trade shows, such as the British Craft Trade Fair, has supported the growth of our Vintage signs range, 1894 Sign Co. These unique embossed signs are handmade employing the same traditional methods used to make aluminium number plates during the 19th century, with enamels that have been carefully selected to create our unique Sheffield-inspired colour palette.
As each sign is individually crafted, no minimum order quantity is required, which makes them just that little bit extra special. When we say handmade, we do mean handmade. No two are identical but all meet our exacting quality standards! With a lifetime manufacturing guarantee, these signs are sure to last.
The brand continues to grow and evolve by introducing new shapes, sizes and colours, including our matt selection. We are excited to see this fantastic new venture expand by supplying customers all around the country and supporting their businesses through the 1894 Sign Co. website, which will launch in early 2018. In April, we will be again exhibiting at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate and look forward to seeing you there!
Attending a Range of Fantastic Shows
We have exhibited at many trade shows this year, including the Alliance Automotive Group Motor Factor Show, A1 Trade Show and the UK's largest classic car and accessories show, the Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Birmingham. Although, it must be said, one of our personal highlights was meeting TV presenter and motoring journalist, Quentin Willson, at London’s Classic Car Show who gave us this glowing accolade:
“You are simply the best vintage and classic number plate supplier in the country. Praise where praise is deserved.”
We’ll take that! Attending these shows is a wonderful opportunity to meet enthusiasts and customers alike. It’s also a chance for you to meet our team, put a face to a name, and see the wide variety of products that we have available. We’re looking forward to doing it all again (and more!) next year!
Giving Back to Charitable Causes
This year, we have raised over £2,000 for worthy causes, locally and nationally. We have supported a variety of charities, including Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, Sheffield Mind, Cathedral Archer Project, MS Society, Save the Children and the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. Over the year staff have organised raffles and sweepstakes, with every opportunity raising funds for worthy causes. Staff have also raised money through participating in several activities including a Muddy Dog Challenge, hiking the Yorkshire Three Peaks and of course the essential Christmas Jumper Day in support of Save the Children.
Thank you!
It’s been a fantastic year for us at Jepson & Co and hope it’s been enjoyable for you too. We wouldn’t be where we are now without your support. To our customers, thank you for your business this year and we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!