31/01/2012
Paragon Group adopts 'Total Quality Management' principles
Paragon, the UK's leading fleet vehicle processing and specialist fleet management company, has announced it is implementing the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM) as part of its aim to continue to provide customers with the best quality of service.
TQM, a set of management practices geared to ensure customer requirements are consistently exceeded, strives to ensure quality in all aspects of the company's operations, with customer satisfaction seen as the highest priority. The approach focuses on continuous improvement in all aspects of the company's operations and process, and as a result, consistent quality of product – a key aspect of achieving customer satisfaction.
The process also aims for an increased throughput of vehicles and a decreased delivery lead time for customers, as well as striving for zero defects through a ‘right first time’ ethos.
Discussing the important aspects of TQM, Steve Stanger, Group Operations Director at Paragon comments: "TQM places strong focus on continuous improvement of our processes and in turn, improves quality of product- generating customer satisfaction. Setting the high standards of the TQM process will not only help ensure quality for our customers, but also cost and production efficiency for Paragon.”
A feature of TQM is the implementation of Quality Assurance (QA) checkpoints, as well as a sophisticated reporting and feedback process. Paragon has installed QA checks at several points of process at its workshops including panel preparation, paint preparation, polish, trim re-fit and final workshop check. Important data is collected and analysed from these areas so errors can be identified and then corrected, helping to find ways for improvement.
This reporting and feedback process involves delegating different responsibilities to all members of staff at Paragon to ensure accurate data is collected, as well as their participation and dedication to ensure errors are rectified in future.
Steve Stanger continues: “It’s not simply a management philosophy to us. A successful TQM environment requires a committed and well-trained work force that participates fully in quality improvement activities, education and training. Establishing continuous improvement as a way of life within the business will help drive the ethos that quality is everyone’s responsibility.”
12/12/2011
Paragon Group to continue sponsorship of Olympic hopeful
Paragon Group has announced its continued support of Junior World Champion and Olympic hopeful, John Paul.
One of the UK's most promising track sprint cyclists, John Paul has recently been accepted into the Great British Olympic Academy for track sprint - a programme for Olympic hopeful athletes.
After spotting the Oxfordshire Junior Sportsperson of 2010, Paragon began supporting the future Velodrome star early this year, boosting his training fund in a sponsorship deal that was due to last 12 months. However, after witnessing the most successful year in the 18-year-olds career, and having no doubt they are supporting Britain’s next biggest sporting star, Paragon has announced it will extend its support throughout 2012.
Commenting on the relationship between Paragon and John Paul, Neil Burrows, Group Sales & Marketing Director, Paragon said: “We are extremely proud to continue supporting John Paul in the run up to the 2012 Olympics. John Paul’s achievements this year prove he has the potential to be selected to compete for Great Britain in London 2012 and ultimately bring home the medals.”
John made his way home to Wantage, Oxfordshire in August as the new Junior World Champion, after setting a new British sprint record in the 200m time trial of 10.175 seconds in Moscow – for which he was awarded the coveted Rainbow Jersey, worn by the reigning world champion of every cycling discipline in all future races. Additionally, he also won National and European titles this summer. Most recently, John has been short-listed for the Scottish Junior Sportsperson of the year and Oxfordshire’s Sportsman of the year – both of which are due to be announced later this month.
John was accepted on to the British Cycling Olympic Talent Team programme in 2007 before progressing to the Olympic Development Programme for track sprint in 2009 and the Great Britain Olympic Academy last month, where he has become a full-time professional with tough training twice a day.
John Paul comments: “I am delighted that Paragon is continuing to support in 2012. I covered approximately 30,000 miles in the UK last year travelling to and from races and the continued support will certainly enable me to continue to do this. I am grateful for the support shown by Paragon and for recognising my potential – which has certainly increased by confidence and enabled me to concentrate on achieving my dream of becoming an Olympic champion.”
Paragon is the UK’s leading fleet vehicle processing and captive fleet management company, providing an integral part of sales support to many vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators.
05/12/2011
Paragon launches Electric Vehicle Centre of Excellence
Paragon, the UK's leading fleet vehicle processing and specialist fleet management company, has announced the launch of its new Centre of Excellence. Run exclusively from Paragon's site in Upper Heyford, the facility will be a dedicated electric vehicle centre capable of managing and processing electric vehicle fleets.
The Centre of Excellence will benefit from workshop and bodyshop technicians who specialise in electric vehicles along with specialist workshop bays. Additionally, the Centre will include a dedicated storage facility for electric vehicles along with a range of charging points – with the option to install bespoke charging points for individual manufacturer specifications.
Neil Burrows, Group Sales & Marketing Director comments: “This year, more manufacturers are bringing electric vehicles into their press and demonstration fleets and their presence in the sector will increase as fleet managers and business buyers need to evaluate new products as they come onto the market. Because of this, Paragon is investing in specialist training and facilities to embrace emerging technologies so that these vehicles can be effectively managed on behalf of fleet owners. We want to demonstrate that, with the right technical expertise, electric vehicles can be maintained and remarketed as easily as traditional vehicles.”
Andrew Hetzel, Managing Director at Paragon Fleet Solutions continues: “We are extremely pleased to announce the launch our new Centre of Excellence at Upper Heyford and look forward to managing and processing electric vehicles in the future – encouraging clean, green vehicles as a step in the right direction for UK fleet.”
Paragon is the UK’s leading fleet vehicle processing and captive fleet management company, providing an integral part of sales support to many vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators.
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