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“White van man” tickled pink!


April 2007

Budget Van Insurance has given pink re-sprays to 100 vans in a bid to banish their aggressive ‘bad boy image’. This follows research exploring the negative perception of the van man and its effects on drivers. The findings expose how many feel discriminated against by being branded the biggest menace on roads in the UK.

Van drivers reported unfair treatment and unnecessary abuse when behind the wheel of their van and many believe that this is taking a toll on their stress levels and ability to do the job. 

Strengthening the findings, more research published this month showed that 74 per cent of van drivers felt that the phrase “white van man” was an insulting term or that it doesn’t apply to them personally.

Ben Morrison, Plymouth said:
“The change in people’s attitudes since my re-spray is unbelievable; instead of the two fingers and clenched fists I usually receive, I now get a smile and a wave when I’m out and about. The girls seem to love it too!”

Ricky White, London said:
“I think it is a great idea, and don’t know why van dealers don’t manufacture vans like this in the first place. People on the road are much more polite and let me out at junctions now my van is a lovely shade of pink.”

Matthew Gledhill, director, Budget Van Insurance said:
“It is important for us to know how our customers feel behind the wheel, and if there is anything we can do to support them and improve their image then we are more than happy to do so.”
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For further information please contact:
Roland Cross/Nicola Pierce
Broadgate                                                                               020 7726 6111

The BGL Group

The Budget Group of Companies was established in 1992 and has grown to be the UK’s third largest personal lines insurance intermediary, through a combination of organic growth and a series of major strategic acquisitions.

It now arranges and administers insurance for around 1.5 million customers, has contact centre operations in Peterborough, Coventry, Sunderland, Peterlee and Cape Town, South Africa, and a number of websites, including – www.budgetvaninsurance.com.  It currently employs over 1500 people, and its head office is in Peterborough.

As an intermediary, Budget is able to access a wide range of underwriters, making it highly competitive in the marketplace.

Budget’s core products are motor, home, commercial vehicle and motorcycle insurance. The Group also offers a wide range of supplementary products, which include breakdown cover, legal protection, travel insurance and mortgage payment protection insurance.

In 2003, Budget launched Junction, its affinity arm, which provides insurance outsourcing services for major UK brands including Bradford & Bingley plc, Marks & Spencer Money, Debenhams and the Post Office.

Budget’s motorcycle division, Bennetts, is a leading player in the motorcycle insurance market. 

Budget is a trading style of BISL Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Registered Address: Pegasus House, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, PE2 6YS. Registered in England no 3231094