WHEN TAKING GROUPs to social or sporting events, it seems you cannot do enough planning. Many things can result in the late drop off of a passenger at the match, concert or show. It may not be your fault but the customer does not always see it that way.

Following a few basic tips could be the difference between distinction and disaster.

1. Work out in advance the best spots to park. Check with the venue to see if there are any restrictions. Special temporary measures may be in place for particular events meaning that cars are diverted or roads are closed.
2. You want to get your customer as near as possible to the venue but if everyone has the same idea then you may end up in a traffic queue. Ask yourself if there is an alternative to ‘route one’ and if the ‘front door’ is the only way in or out of the venue.
3. Ask the customer. They may be a regular visitor to the venue and may prefer you to take a certain route or drop off at a specific spot.
4. Appoint an event co-ordinator to ensure that the service matches the client needs and that everything runs smoothly.
5. Remember who is the face of your company. Drivers will have to deal with issues such as traffic, anxious passengers and uncooperative security staff. This is where their training, knowledge of London and client skills will be put to the test.
6. If you are taking groups in several vehicles, try to stay in convoy. As a back up, agree a suitable meeting point at which all your drivers can drop off and all passengers can meet.
7. Double check pick up and drop off times and locations with the client beforehand.
8. Make sure you have your passengers mobile phone numbers so that you can inform them of any alterations. People can cope with delays but they hate not being told.
9. Treat every passenger as if they were your only passenger. Better still treat them as if they were royalty. Even better still treat them as if they were your mother!