| Following
the announcement in last month’s Call Sign that Sovereign
Capital had withdrawn their offer, we sent a reporter out onto
the streets to randomly gauge subscribers’ opinions. This is
by no means a comprehensive or scientific analysis, just a small
cross-section of the membership that may or may not reflect the
general feelings of our drivers…
Gerry Webber (E11): Obviously
Sovereign do not think we’re worth it and I’m happy they are
not moving in.
Ivor Belkin (C97):
I was disappointed. I believe that our business would have been
enhanced and that it would have given us the opportunity of
getting several different forms of transportation systems under
our umbrella. Lose long rides? We’ve lost those
anyway, so we could at least have made another part of the
transport market into ours, controlled it and earned money from
it…
Mike Bures (B01):
I was against Sovereign buying in and I was relieved when I read
of their withdrawal. I saw our livelihood as being in jeopardy.
|
Sovereign
Pullout - DaC Drivers Have Their Say… |
Jery Craig (C07):
I was tempted, but it could have been suicide for the younger
subscribers. It’s not a wholly bad idea in the light of
changing circumstances in the licensed taxi trade and the
competition from private hire that will certainly cause our
trade a great deal of problems in the future.
Ronnie Marlow (L81):
I was against the Sovereign deal and
relieved when they pulled out. This way, drivers retain
their individuality. Let’s not forget that it was the drivers
who built up Dial-a- Cab to what it is today and without them
Sovereign would not have had the opportunity to become a
potential investor. Drivers shouldn’t forget that…
Geoff Lewis (C93):
I do not have strong feelings either way, but I was disappointed
when they pulled out because with greater resources, it’s
possible to do much more to further the company. My real concern
was whether it would bring more work into the Society… |
Sid Nathan (K88):
I believe that the Society would have benefited by having
outside funds made available to improve our business. I was also
looking forward to the £9500 I would have received. I am one of
those who helped build the company into the success it has
become and I see no reason why I and others should not be
rewarded for those efforts. If I thought we would suffer by
selling, then I’d have said no despite the money…
Barry Caplan (H11):
The drivers should run the company, it should not go to
outsiders. They are just asset strippers.
Chris Westbrook (D80):
I was disappointed that Sovereign
pulled out because I could do with a new cab! But I agree with
our BoM that Sovereign should have been liable for all the fees
involved. I believe that Sovereign acted very unprofessionally.
Alan Gold (L05):
I’m happy they pulled out. Drivers
have sweated to build up this Society and then Sovereign come
along! Why give over all our hard work? If Sovereign then sold
on to, let’s say, Addison Lee, where would that leave our
existing drivers? Worthless… |
