Viking International is dedicated to meeting the needs of its customers by providing an unparalleled level of service and support, helping customers to develop their business and maximise profit potential.
Kevin Parker, Group Managing Director for Viking, has implemented a number of important initiatives designed to streamline efficiency and improve customer service. Kevin also heads up sister company, National Fleet, and his vision to drive the business forward encompasses partnership between the companies to provide a complete service to customers, from wholesale tyres and automotive parts, right the way though to fleet solutions for its dealers and independent partners, providing a unique one-stop-shop for all automotive needs.
Viking’s business is supported by its industry leading online e-commerce site, VI Online, which offers customers a comprehensive range of tyres, exhausts, cats, batteries and consumables at the touch of a button. VI Online provides real time stocking information, pricing and a full suite of account management services to its rapidly growing user base.
Rewarding customer loyalty has long been a cornerstone of Viking’s business strategy and this has been further enhanced with the introduction of ‘Viking Rewards’, an online loyalty programme which rewards customers’ purchases of equipment and consumables with points that can be redeemed against a comprehensive catalogue of prizes.
Significant improvements have also been made to Viking’s operational processes culminating in the introduction of a one hour ‘Express Delivery’ service. Following a successful trial and very positive customer feedback, the new service has now been rolled out to additional warehouses across the country including Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester, Gateshead and Preston.
Recognising that customer contact and in turn service are of primary importance, there has been major investment into a new sales and contact management system throughout the company, allowing Viking customers to receive an even faster and more efficient front end service.
Viking continues to recognise the importance of investing in its most valuable assets; its staff, with an increased focus on staff training and development. Employees across the company have completed a Level 2 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ), a well recognised industry qualification, enabling them to access further opportunities for development within the company whilst providing improved service to customers.
Kevin Parker commented “Over the last year, we have embarked on a period of change within Viking that is unparalleled in its history. With particular attention on improving the efficiency of our business’ operations, coupled with a considerable focus on providing exceptional levels of customer service, we are confident that our customers will have experienced many positive changes which we will continue to build on in 2010 and beyond.”