This is a question we get asked quite often. Essentially there are three levels of chauffeur:
- Chauffeur – A professional driver, in a nice suit, in a nice car
- Executive Chauffeur – As above, but also a mobile concierge and specialist first-aider
- Close Protection Chauffeur – All of the above, but with private security and evasive driving skills.
The Summit are executive chauffeurs. Yes, your car will arrive on time with an impeccably turned-out driver, and you’ll get to your event in style and comfort, but there’s so much more we offer you…
Do you or your assistants need to know more about the best route to take, or the best hotel in the area, with the best service?
If you need other services such as dry-cleaning collection, dinner reservations or to collect someone along the way, just ask.
Reacting to last minute changes such as traffic issues, social restrictions is all part of the service. All the while, you’re stress free and able to work or relax, hold meetings, stay in touch with your executive assistant, staff or family from the comfort of our cars.
You need a car service that liaises with executive assistants and event managers and acts as a mobile concierge, we open doors, literally and figuratively. You can rely on us to make your whole day go smoothly to exacting standards, not just during the time you’re with us in the vehicle.
Executive chauffeur training
The Guild of Professional Chauffeurs is our governance and consists of a set of challenging assessments to ensure we meet the criteria,
“All aspects of a chauffeur’s skill set are checked upon, including dress, deportment, communication, car preparation and presentation, defensive safe driving, and how an individual deals with various incidents and dilemmas.” The Guild
Before the scenario day, we must take an online course as written by The Guild, which includes aspects of The Highway Code, route planning exercises and first aid, specific to professional drivers.
A scenario is then staged in person where we meet a demanding principal guest. We are assessed on our demeanour and how we react to challenging behaviour, whilst providing un-planned stops and additional in-car needs.
The first aid training is designed specifically for chauffeurs due to the restricted room in the back of a car. An emergency can occur anywhere, even at the side of a motorway and we are trained to take extra care of our prestigious guests when they are at their most vulnerable. Your condition is continually monitored, as the situation develops with the emergency services. As part of our booking process, we always ask if there are any medical conditions which would be pertinent to our journey, including dietary needs in case of allergies.
This is all followed by a practical driving test with RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) trained instructors.
Part of our journey planning includes identifying Accident and Emergency departments, pharmacies, and defibrillator stations along the route.
Guild membership is an annual assessment to ensure your chauffeur services are top notch and all our drivers who join the team are asked to go through the Guild course before they are allocated executive clients.
We are currently working towards close protection chauffeur services as our goal for 2022.
The person behind the certificate
We know you appreciate a cool, calm and collected manner, even under enormous pressure. The personality of the chauffeur and their conduct towards our principals and their guests is of equal importance to driver training.
We’re driving exceptional people, and our chauffeurs must meet the standards expected of them, so we always follow your event with an opportunity to give us your feedback.
Before becoming an executive level chauffeur with The Summit, all our drivers began their career as a chauffeur, and most of our team will be working towards their close protection level next year, but all will have passed their Guild of Professional Chauffeurs assessments.
What can you expect from our drivers? Well groomed, well dressed, with outstanding personal hygiene, and immaculate, fully maintained vehicles at all times. Never a hair out of place and permanently shiny shoes!
Do you have a question, or want to find out more about our executive chauffeur services? Call +44 (0)1865 686 105 or email hello@thesummitchauffeurs.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.