Car buyers can now have further confidence in independent Chester-based car finance provider, The Funding Corporation Limited.

The Funding Corporation Limited (TFC), based at the Chester Business Park, has become one of the latest financial organisations in the country to be awarded the coveted ‘SAF Approved’ accreditation by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA).

TFC, which is the parent company of and primary lender to the UK’s largest sub-prime car dealer ACF Car Finance Limited, has been awarded this prestigious kite mark as employees of the firm have completed and passed the rigorous testing involved. The FLA ‘Specialist Automotive Finance’ competence test is well regarded within the motor finance industry as it recognises the high levels of competence, product knowledge and professionalism shown by TFC employees in advising customers on all aspects of motor finance and associated products.

The SAF programme was introduced by the FLA - the industry body for the motor finance industry - in 2007, to raise standards across the industry and to improve consumer confidence. It is now recognised as a benchmark for motor finance product knowledge and customer service.

TFC holds a unique trading relationship with specialist car dealer ACF Car Finance as it provides finance for the dealer’s customers on an exclusive basis. This latest announcement follows on closely from ACF Car Finance’s success in seeing all of its point of sale dealership employees become fully SAF Approved in May. Now, not only is the dealer group fully accredited but its primary lender, TFC, has also become fully SAF Approved helping to reassure customers that they will receive the best possible service at every step of their journey.

The SAF Approved certification has backing from the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF).

“This is a welcome development that underlines the company’s ongoing efforts to develop a more sustainable approach to customer service,” said TFC Managing Director David Challinor.

“Customers can now approach our entire company, whether TFC’s Chester Head Office or any of the ACF Car Finance car dealerships, with an even greater degree of confidence, knowing that our teams are delivering the best standards of knowledge and expertise in a clear, consistent and reliable way.”

David added: “By completing this rigorous test, we are helping to develop customer relations even further and ensuring we give them the best possible service throughout their car buying experience.”

TFC has seen all of its employees across its relevant departments based at the Chester Head Office, including Underwriting and Customer Services, successfully complete the competence test. They join all ACF Car Finance employees nationwide who have previously completed the scheme.

Paul Harrison, Head of Motor Finance at the FLA said: “It’s great news that both TFC and ACF Car Finance are now SAF Approved. It reassures customers that the businesses are committed to high-standards of consumer information and advice.

“The SAF programme helps to improve customer confidence in motor finance. By having full SAF Approval, staff are recognised to have been correctly trained, to a high standard. SAF also encourages staff to improve their overall finance knowledge and is crucial to building trust between the company and the customer.”

David Challinor added: “The SAF Approval scheme is a very important element of our training programme within our Chester office. We want to help motivate our employees to work to the highest level by supporting them through relevant training and development that will have a positive effect on their careers.”

Ends
Notes to Editors

The Funding Corporation Limited is a privately owned, independent UK finance company, based at International House, Kingsfield Court. The company was established in 2001 by a group of former senior managers from Bank of Scotland and in 2007 I.M. Group Limited became the majority shareholder.

• Each ACF Car Finance dealership stocks pre-owned cars in a wide range of popular makes and models with something to suit every taste and budget, with Car Finance Deals starting from as little as £25 per week.
• Every car offered for sale is subject to a pre-delivery 136 point vehicle quality inspection and independent MOT.
• Customers can apply for Car Credit conveniently online via a short application form or by telephone.
• ACF Car Finance is fully SAF Approved, meaning customers can rest assured that they will receive reliable service from fully trained staff across all levels of the business.
• ACF Car Finance is an Independent Garages Association (IGA) member of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF). The company also supports automotive industry charity, BEN.

The Funding Corporation Limited. Registered in England number 4055624. Registered address: I.M. House, South Drive, Coleshill, West Midlands B46 1DF.

For further information contact Emma Bithell at deWinter PR on 01244 320 677 (email emma@dewinterpr@co.uk) or visit www.thefundingcorporation.com.