This interview is a result of some phone calls made over the past couple of days and, in this format, I think it offers a better insight into the ideas and workings of the tasks charged to the team.
An interview with the Network-DASA team
UKWG Its 5 days since this went public, what sort of response have you had and is it what you expected?
N-D Team There has been tremendous interest with nearly 100 reads off the front page article, numerous points raised by repairers, a steady flow of completed applications and even some from none DASA members. It is what we expected as we have been in tune with the mood of the industry for some time now.
UKWG For non DASA members is there a benefit in applying?
N-D Team Certainly, all applications will be considered but only those that meet the DASA criteria and Code of Practice and successfully join DASA will be eligible to be part of the project. There is plenty of time to join DASA so start today The project will not start this year.
UKWG Why not, what stops the launch of Network- DASA this year?
N-D Team Its a mammoth task to bring this to fruition and one that has to done correctly. We need to address the concerns of small companies as well as large and most importantly the inclusion of one-man operations. Another major issue is to avoid the problems of past experiences with networks, especially over the issue of the completed call rate being in line with expectations.
UKWG Could you explain that or give an example?
N-D Team At present the admin fee associated with a completed call soaks away too much of the monies available to pay for the call. The admin fee could easily represent 22% of the money available, which is to high from the point of view of the repairer. A major objective is to reduce the admin fee and inject into the completed call rate the savings.
UKWG How can you achieve this?
N-D Team That would be telling and at this stage the answer has to be kept under wraps. Let us say that all service companies already do the admin required to get the job to “pay” status then lets A. N. Other present it for payment. We will do it more efficiently and introduce the required savings.
UKWG What happens next?
N-D Team We are now collecting in information and planning various stages. The DASA AGM is the time when proposals will be open for discussion and plans opened for all to see. Much is being done to ready the presentation and we would ask all who have not replied to do so at their earliest convenience, we are also about to mailshot all DASA members who have not as yet replied. The DASA AGM is an important meeting within a DASA year and we encourage all members to attend.
UKWG Thanks very much.
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Do you have a question you would like our reporter to put to the Network-DASA team. We intend to make this a weekly interview and to report the progress and answers back to you.
Please e-mail questions@network-dasa.co.uk