Fidelity clocks 10 years

Patrina Pink, Gleaner Writer

Fidelity Motors - local dealer for Nissan vehicles - celebrated its 10th anniversary recently with an open day at the company's 5-18 Hanover Street complex.

Major Gregory Webster, managing director of Fidelity Motors, attributed his company's success to "wise financial practices", including a system to cut back on waste.

"We haven't had one single job cut because since the onslaught of the global recession, because we have been able to find ways to cut operational costs, without endangering the livelihood of our staff members," he said.

According to Major Webster, too many companies allow their bottom line to be affected by waste. Using a pencil in hand to illustrate his point, he said:

"Imagine that this pencil was worn down to being only a few inches long. At this point, a lot of people would simply throw the pencil away, although it could still write. We would never encourage such waste here, because it is not our culture. At this organisation we believe "every mickle mek a muckle," he said.

"You would be surprised to see how much organisations spend on stationery each year," Major Webster emphasised.

Vision caught

The Fidelity Motors head said he introduced the idea of operating a green-office lifestyle to his staff some time ago and they caught the vision.

The dealership has a full-service centre for its customers, which Major Webster said has enabled Fidelity Motors to cultivate a sense of loyalty among the owners of the Nissan brand of vehicles. He noted, too, that the relation has been further enhanced through constant communication using texts and an interactive website, through which established, new and prospective customers are updated on existing projects and services offered by Fidelity Motors.

However, Major Webster is not convinced that the use of social media can benefit his organisation. He feels there is inherent danger in having a Facebook page and other such open fora because of the lack of control on what is downloaded onto such pages.

"Sure, it's interactive, but it can also create damage to a brand, as anyone is free to post anything on such a page," he explained.

"We are not sure such a posting would take place, but the possibility exists. So, as experienced managers, we must be cautious, bearing in mind that an essential part of a successful business is ensuring that its good name is protected at all times," Major Webster noted.