As we celebrate our 40th anniversary as a private registrations business, it was inevitable that we'd find ourselves looking back at how Regtransfers has grown over the years. It's also been a time to reflect on what kind of company we have grown into.
A family affair
As always, some things change and some remain the same. Regtransfers started as a family firm: the first person recruited by Tony Brown after he had established his personal plates business was his brother, Paul. Forty years later, it is still very much a family business but in a more complex way, as we will see.
Ours is also a surprisingly traditional company. Our commitment to customer service is foremost amongst Regtransfers' values. Of course, it is in our interests to think that way as reputation is everything in our industry, and reputations these days are summarised in a company's online reviews. When it is so easy for a disappointed customer to raise their complaint publicly, a wholehearted effort to satisfy is the only sensible way to go.
Doing time
Another traditional aspect to Regtransfers is the trend towards long service amongst our team members: we think that's an increasingly rare thing. In times past, it was common for generations of families to find employment with local firms, and often for them to expect to remain with the same employer until retirement. However, the UK's shift from manufacturing to service industries saw that change. Sales environments are notorious for their high staff turnover rates and short tenure is often the norm. It seems that someone forgot to tell our staff that.
Our team strength hovers around a fairly stable total of 100 or so employees. Of those, fully 50% have been with the company for over 10 years, and 20% for 20 years or more. And you remember that traditional thing I mentioned, where generations of families would join the same company? Well, that still happens here: we count assorted mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, siblings, nephews, nieces, cousins and all sorts amongst our number. The Browns are still strongly represented by MD Tony, brother Paul and Tony's daughter, Chynna; however, a quick scan of our staff list shows plenty of other repeated surnames.
What I love about your brand is that you’ve built up a name that is really synonymous with giving good customer service. You always have the best plates and you’ve been in the industry so long that you’re the trusted name.
We asked a few of our long-serving teammates from all areas of the business why they thought employees tend to stay with Regtransfers and, of course, why they personally became part of the proverbial furniture.
RT is renowned for looking after their staff and value their team members immensely..Come and join us, you won't be disappointed!
I enjoy the work, doing my best for the customer to make sure they have a good experience. Everyone here is like an extended family and we all have a lovely relationship working together, sharing and caring. I wouldn't have been working here so long if I didn't enjoy everything about it.
I've really enjoyed working alongside my team members and enjoyed the social interaction over the years outside of the workplace. I've also enjoyed nurturing various clients. "I've never had a sick day since joining in 2011. Must be good to never have a sick day!
When I started at Regtransfers, the IT department consisted of just me. Since then, the company has grown and, there are now 11 people in the IT department alone! The main reasons I have stayed so long are, firstly, that Regtransfers is a family business with the owner and his brother running things. They have lots of drive to grow the business and to improve our customers' experiences. Secondly, they are not afraid to invest in the latest technologies which means that my team and I are always learning new things to keep the company on the cutting edge.
Working for the market leader in a particular industry is great! It's nice to know that you are the 'best of the best'. There is a strong family feel to the company and this comes from the very top. Tony has always been very down to earth, and always makes the effort to get to know all of his staff. If I was to pick three inspirational businessmen, the first people that come to mind would be Tony Brown, Richard Branson and Alan Sugar!
When I started working at Regtransfers, I never expected to be here for this long! "I work with a great team, many who have been here for 10 years or more and who are friends rather than just colleagues. I love that Regtransfers has always prided itself on doing the right thing for both staff and customers, and it's fascinating to hear the many reasons people have for buying their number plates.
Regtransfers has never hesitated to give me support when I've really needed it. Team members here are friends and people, not just names on a payroll. Oh, and they pay me to do a job I like.
There's a good, friendly, 'family' vibe. New staff are made to feel welcome from the outset. We work well as a team • members may have individual roles but are willing to help each other and pull together. A happy working environment and people with a positive attitude means coming to work never feels like a chore. The wide mixture of personalities, each bringing their own qualities to the pot, makes RT the perfect blend!
Gosh, that's a tough one!! For me, I think it's the people I work with and love (and others over the years that have been and gone) that has kept me here so long. I don't think I'd have found that anywhere else. Our working environment here is quite a relaxed vibe really, which is also nice and possibly a reason why people do stay. And my favourite part of being here for 20yrs would be that I ended up meeting my now husband!
I enjoy coming to work every day and have made some amazing friends. We are a close-knit group who will help each other out if need be. The work is varied and interesting and always a topic of conversation when you tell people what you do for a living. The office is a converted old house so it's like working with your second family. We have great Christmas parties!
I’ve worked at Registration Transfers for over 11 years and can honestly say I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. To me, RT is more than just a job, it’s a family. The loyalty and flexibility the company has shown to me over the years is second to none and I will continue to repay that faith through my dedication to work.
