DVLA Wins at The National Business Awards

The Driver and Vehicle licensing Agency (DVLA) has won The bigmouthmedia Marketing Strategy of the Year Award category of The National Business Awards. The winner was announced at a ceremony hosted by Andrew Marr at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

DVLA, one of only two public sector organisations in the final ten for this category, won because of its work in promoting its Electronic Vehicle Licensing (EVL) service, an online facility that allows motorists to renew their vehicle licence online and by telephone. There were over 2000 applications for the award, including many from the big names in the private sector.

DVLA Director of Products and Services, Andrew Rhodes, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the Best Marketing Strategy Award at the Orange National Business Awards.  This award recognises the really hard work done by so many people at the agency to make DVLA the home of one of Britain’s most successful and popular electronic services.”

The EVL system allows motorists to renew their vehicle licence online or by phone.  DVLA issues a reminder to all motorists when their licence is due to expire, containing a reference number which motorists quote online, or over the phone.  DVLA electronically checks insurance and MoT validity via external databases, and the tax disc is issued via the post.  

Substantial growth in uptake was achieved from the first stages of the strategy and the use of a prize draw to raise awareness of the service was a first for a Government Agency. Over 1.5 million customers are using the online or automated phone channels each month and SEAT provides 3 free low emission cars each month as prizes.
-ends-

Notes to Editors:

1. For further information about The National Business Awards please contact nbapressoffice@cmpi.biz or visit www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk
2. The companies DVLA were up against in this category were Companies House; comparethemarket.com; Wow! Stuff; Premier Inn; Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets; Lloyds TSB; GD Environmental; Procter & Gamble UK and Stockport Council.
3. The National Business Awards, sponsored by Orange, is widely recognised as the highest accolade that British businesses can aspire to achieve.  Its aim is to reward, recognise and promote excellence, best practice and innovation throughout the UK business community.  Judges were looking for evidence of three key guiding principles in all categories: commercial success; innovation in performance improvement, and ethics in respect of legislation, regulation, the environment and the rights of all stakeholders.
4. Any company within the UK, whether public or private, can enter the Awards – regardless of size or industry. The National Business Awards attracts entries from a wide variety of successful organisations; from FTSE 250’s through to thriving entrepreunerial businesses.
5. Andrew Rhodes is available for interview if required.

All press enquiries should be directed to:

DVLA Press Office
01792 782318
press.dvla@gtnet.gov.uk
www.dvla.gov.uk