Page 16 - RB-99-2021-4

UNITED KINGDOM
Bandvulc Celebrates 50 Years of Retreading with Community Contribution Project
When the UK-based retreader Bandvulc looked to mark its 50th anniversary recently, they remembered the old adage that charity begins at home and decided to use the milestone
to give back to the local community,” commented Operations Director Tony Mailling. “We already have a charity team at Bandvulc which meet frequently and hold
fundraising events throughout the year to raise money.
“This year is different because we decided to give 20 good causes £250 each. We’ve had a great response from it, and it’s been really
interesting to find out about the different charities and groups from our local area that applied – some we didn’t know anything about.”
Charities and community groups which received the grants range from the Ivybridge Foodbank to crafting groups and a sustainability project which is building up woodlands with more trees and wildflowers, aligned with Bandvulc’s sustainability
culture. Julia Bertram who entered the community contribution on behalf of Yealm to Moor commened; "The YEM project is a legacy project. People connect with rivers, woodland and meadows and fresh air and green spaces are feel good motivators. Given funds and a good local
stor y, volunteer recruitment should be easier for our projects and ongoing work - thank you Bandvulc for supporting not only the local community but our environment too."
Recipients of the £250 grants
include a mum and toddler group, two local primary schools, the Rotary Club and a couple of local sports clubs along with the Ivybridge branch of the Royal British Legion who are going to spend the money on maintaining the local memorial garden in Ivybridge.
"The original plan was to hand out 20 grants,” explained Mailling, “but two additional groups applied which made deciding difficult so in total 22 groups have received a Bandvulc donation.”
birthday as an opportunity to say thank you to its local community. The company, which began retreading around 30 tyres a week in 1971, and is now owned by Continental Tyres, has given away a series of £250 grants to charities and community groups that shared the same Devon postcode – PL21.
“Bandvulc has been in Devon for 50 years and it’s nice to have the opportunity to do this project and
Vaculug Launches New Dealer Network Strategy
Following a year of investment and growth, UK based retreader Vaculug has announced the launch of a new dealer network strategy aimed at leveraging the company’s relationships with its dealers by delivering product and marketing support in a locally focused approach to assist retail partners to develop sales opportunities.
According to Sales and Marketing Manager Megan Campion, the new sales initiative, scheduled for official roll out from August 1st, will include the release of new bespoke products for regional and localised markets.
The unique and specific Utilities tyre range which we have will be a key focus,” explained Campion. “The target market will be spread and varied across the specialised sectors including OTR and regional and national fleet business where the end user's specific needs in relation to tyre management and environmental
impacts play a part in the decision-making process.” Meanwhile, in recognition of the importance of dealers in their network, Vaculug have created a specific role within the company focusing on building and maintaining these relationships. Simon Philpotts will be moving away from his role as Operations Manager and will be taking on a new role as a dedicated Dealer Sales Manager. Philpotts will be focusing on strengthening Vaculug’s relationship throughout the network and will be a direct contact for all dealers moving forward.
As part of the strategy of developing relationships with its dealers Vacu-lug has introduced a new programme called the Vaculug Independent Partner (ViP) Awards. Early recipients of this award include Tanvic Tyres, whose Commercial Director Adrian Bourke received a plaque from Simon Philpotts, and North
Devon Tyres, whose Director Trevor Veysey was presented with an award by Vaculug Operations Manager Marcus Kirkness.
“The implementation of a central contact and single point of control for all matters LGV will form a key part of the new programme,” said Megan
Campion. “Initially, to offer the products in a controlled manner with marketing support will be a key part of the programme. Our new dealer sales initiative is essential to our future growth and a journey we are looking forward to sharing with the network.”
16 Retreading Business