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12 January 2010 Paragon Fleet Solutions’ Secures Long Term Future at Heyford Park COMMON SENSE PREVAILS’ AS PARAGON IS GRANTED PERMANENT PLANNING CONSENT FOR HEYFORD PARK, OXFORDSHIRE Paragon Fleet Solutions, the UK’s leading press demonstration and captive fleet management company is celebrating the news that the Planning Inspectorate has granted the firm permanent planning consent for its operations at Heyford Park, Oxfordshire. The decision safeguards over 500 highly skilled permanent jobs at the site. If consent was not granted, Paragon would have been forced to consider its future at the site, casting this employment in Oxfordshire into serious doubt. The planning consent allows Paragon to continue to use the hardened aircraft hangars – previously used to house American Cold War jets and bombers – converted into highly specialised bodyshop and vehicle repair buildings. The news also provides the company with a springboard for the future and gives the long term certainty to invest in new infrastructure at the site. Steve Maltby, Managing Director, Paragon Fleet Solutions says: “We are absolutely delighted with the Planning Inspectorate’s decision and relieved that common sense has prevailed. This means we can carry on with confidence at Heyford Park and continue to invest in our infrastructure at the site to ensure that we can offer our customers outstanding levels service. There are some conditions to the consent and we are fully confident that we have expertise and flexibility to manage this.” “Heyford Park is a geographically centrally located, with excellent links to the M40 and all the major motoring hubs in the UK. The existing infrastructure at the site, combined with a highly skilled workforce, meaning we have the largest concentration of mechanical and bodywork refurbishment expertise, apart from motor manufacturers, in the UK. The planning decision means we can continue to provide the best possible service to our customers. In 2007, Paragon Fleet Solutions submitted plans to Cherwell District Council for the permanent use of 40 acres of the former RAF airbase, near Bicester. The plans were not registered by the Council and therefore we submitted an appeal to the Department of Communities and Local Government. The application was passed to the Planning Inspectorate, which considered the submission, ahead of making a decision. Paragon Fleet Solutions’ clients include some of the UK’s largest and leading motor manufacturers and daily rental companies. Part of the Paragon Group, Paragon Fleet Solutions supports manufacturers in managing press demonstrator vehicles for journalists’ road tests and media launches. Paragon Fleet Solutions also manages demonstrator fleets, a sales tool for manufacturers.
Experienced industry figure joins Paragon’s Senior Management Team Paragon Group has today confirmed that it is strengthening its senior management team by recruiting Neil Burrows as Business Development Director. This new group wide role will include taking overall responsibility for all account management and client relations. Its creation reflects Paragon’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement of the service offered to all clients across its three businesses – Paragon Automotive, Paragon Fleet Solutions and Paragon Remarketing. Neil will also take responsibility for delivering a coordinated marketing, new business and corporate communications strategy for the group. His role will strengthen the senior team of directors, working alongside Stephen Hucklesby, Steve Maltby and Andrew Hetzel. Neil brings over 25 years of automotive experience, most recently as Managing Director of Goodyear Dunlop’s HiQ Fast Fit Franchise. He has previously held senior sales and marketing positions with Audi UK, Nissan Europe and with Goodyear Dunlop. Discussing the appointment, Stephen Hucklesby said: “This is an extremely strong appointment for Paragon Group. Neil has an outstanding automotive industry pedigree and his recruitment represents our commitment to continuously improving the service that we can offer all our clients. Paragon Group has performed extremely well in recent years and this recruitment is another significant improvement to the strength of our top team.” Commenting on his appointment, Neil Burrows said: “This is an extremely exciting opportunity to join a company at the heart of the automotive industry. I am keen to work alongside Paragon Group’s talented team, helping to build strong relationships with customers over the coming years.”
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