Virgin Trains and Dial-a-Cab
During the past few weeks, David Adelman and I have been negotiating with Virgin Trains to compliment a new Inter-City Business Class Service with our premier taxi service. The new service will be launched at the end of January 2001.
   All journeys by taxi will start from Euston Station from a taxi rank designated for Dial-a-Cab drivers only. At this time, it is envisaged that the rank will be at the rear of the general drop of point (down the slope). This should make for easy access for both drivers and passengers.
   The structure of the Virgin Train account will be set up somewhat differently to the normal customer account and will include special driver incentives initiated by the Virgin organisation. Further details will be given nearer the launch date.
   The partnership between Dial-a-Cab and Virgin Trains will be promoted within 500 retailers. We have been invited to join with Virgin in the promotional activity of this new service at the Business Travel Exhibition 2001 at Olympia. It is important to know that with your enthusiastic support, I have know doubt that this new account could lead to even more financially rewarding associations within the Virgin Group. The account structure, promotional activity and costs will be reviewed in June 2001. We look forward to your support

40 Job Rule
There are still some drivers who persist in not adhering to the minimum of 40 jobs per month rule, although I am pleased to say that most drivers are taking advantage of the increased work and the drivers incentives.
   I have to inform those who are persistently breaking the rule that you will be contacted and in certain instances, asked to answer a complaint. It would be a great shame for those drivers, considering Dial-a-Cab is now the market leader and the most 

profitable and sophisticated technological company within the Licensed London radio taxi service industry.

New Drivers
Another brief that I have been given during the past few weeks is to increase the fleet to cope with the ever-increasing demand by our customers. I am pleased to say that with help from Shelagh Adkins of Drivers Operations and Peter Thurston with his team at Roman Way, we have increased the fleet. Always mindful of driver's needs, I must add to this report that it is not the Boards intention to increase the fleet in excess of the work we take on.

ExCeL Exhibition Centre
A few days ago I was invited to visit the new ExCeL Exhibition and Events Centre in London's Docklands.
   The 100-acre site overlooks the Royal Victoria Dock and I must say the first part of the initial structure of the Exhibition and Conference Centre is very impressive.
   The total complex will consist of the Exhibition and Conference Centre, 33 meeting rooms, six hotels, a nightclub, restaurants plus lots more. Unlike the Dome, there will be parking for 5,000 vehicles.
   The project is on schedule and is due for completion in 2003.
It is important to know that the ExCeL project is the largest development in East London since the actual start of the Canary Wharf construction in 1988. Although, as you can imagine, there is so much work being undertaken, none the less the first part of the Exhibition Centre is now open for business and the first event was held on Tuesday 21st Nov 2000. A calendar of future events is available.
   Naturally, one of the reasons that I was invited was the concern by ExCeL re the need for taxis. I am pleased to tell you

that the initial contact was made with Dial-a-Cab because of our experience and knowledge of the needs of customers and drivers. During my visit, we spoke about taxi ranks including easy access for drivers and taxi indicator illuminated signs. There were many suggestions discussed I will keep you informed of the progress being made.

Why Are They Digging Up Holborn Looking For Pearls?
Well, one pearl to be precise! London's newest luxury hotel complex is about to open its doors in the spot along High Holborn where the Pearl Assurance building has been housed ever since its design by Percy Moncton in 1912. It closed in 1989 and will be reopening in January 2001 as the London flagship of the Renaissance hotel group, the Renaissance London Chancery Court Hotel.
   Following on from the advice given them by English Heritage, the group has decided not to restore the superficial shrapnel damage caused by the bomb which hit the famous Holborn Empire during the Blitz in WW2. However, that will not detract from the luxurious outlook of the hotel, which will feature seven different types of marble and have 359 rooms.
   The building work has so far taken over two years and will no doubt be one of London's top hotels.
   The manager, Mr K.Heinz Volland, will be looking to the licensed taxi trade to provide a service for the hotel's clients from next month. I'm sure that we will do our best

Christmas
As this is the last issue before the festive period, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, a healthy and happy new year and I would also like to thank the members, the staff the Chairman, my fellow Board Members for the encouragement and support given during the past year.

Mike Son