ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
Looking back at the past decade, Gary picks out key moments. In 2016 it won a major contract with a large engineering and infrastructure group, which he describes as a “major turning point”.
Covid also had an impact on the business, changing the landscape dramatically. Gary says: “We saw a massive increase in our business during the pandemic as people realised that they had to carry out things remotely.
“Essential services had to keep their vehicles on the road and that meant carrying out checks using our system.”
Last year saw CheckedSafe enter into a strategic partnership with Accrington based managed transport specialist CMAC Group. Gary says it is a good fit that will help the business in its future growth plans, including offering more specialised services to the taxi and private hire sector.
TOP OF THE CHECKS LIST
From the roadworthiness of vehicles and machinery to the state of ski chalets in France, Gary Hawthorne’s proud boast is “We’ll check anything.”
It is a mantra that has served CheckedSafe, the business he co-founded with Darran Harris 10 years ago, well.
What began as a vehicle check app for the commercial vehicle industry has grown to become a fleet compliance tool and much more.
Gary, who had a long career in the bus industry, and Darran, a solicitor specialising in litigation who spent a lot of time on credit hire claims – he introduced the Bump Card to the fleet market – pooled their expertise to create the business after seeing a gap in the market.
The result of their hard work and investment is an inexpensive SaaS platform for any type of digital compliance. It replaces cumbersome and archaic paper-based checklists with a digital version using existing equipment, namely smartphones.
The Burnley headquartered business continues to grow at pace. Between 2015 and 2018 it carried out one million checks. Between 2018 and 2023 that figure had grown to 20m.
Gary says: “We keep developing new products and new services. We’ve got more than 1,000 companies now using us, from a man with a van to businesses with more than 10,000 vehicles.”
Compliance is at the heart of the business.
Gary explains: “We offer organisations a complete solution.
“What we deliver gives clients the digital tools to manage and protect their workforce and to comply with regulatory compliance requirements. We can also help to reduce costs.”
Looking at that expansion, Gary talks of huge opportunities. CheckedSafe is well placed to take advantage, the contract to check ski chalets in France came about through an introduction from one of its fleet clients operating in Europe.
Gary says: “It shows just how flexible our products are and the many ways they can be used.
“We realised early on in our journey that we needed them to be dynamic. We also strive to simplify everything.”
We keep developing new products and new services. We’ve got more than 1,000 companies
now using us, from a man with a van to businesses with more than 10,000 vehicles
With access to real-time data and valuable insights into their fleets, users are able to ditch the paperwork, generate data reports, quickly identify defects, and schedule maintenance work – all through CheckedSafe’s industry leading app and portal.
Drivers are also able to swiftly carry out daily walk-round checks, report vehicle defects and comply with regulations, maintaining vehicle safety and make sure they are roadworthy.
CheckedSafe also offers its services to workshop operators, fork-lift truck operators and deliverers of building maintenance, utilities and highways.
Today the business has a 10-strong team, picked for their legal or transport background, and a £2.5m turnover.
Simple and inexpensive compliance solutions tailored to any industry, from just £1 per week.
Customer service remains important to the business. Gary says: “We’re very proud of our systems and what they deliver but you have also got to look after your customers. We’re also proud of the relationships we’ve built over the past decade.”
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