View Drive Summer 2026 flipbook.
Winter 2025 Issue 17 The Conversation starts here summer 1986 Issue 17
IN THIS ISSUE page 4 & 5- Looking back at 40 years of fmg page 6 - 8 Engagement round up page 9 - who’s our secret board game developer? page 10 - three cheers for our congratulations station page 11 - knowing me knowing you... page 12 & 13 - the hottest new assistant in town page 14 & 15 - ready player one! As FMG celebrates its 40th anniversary, we caught up with three of our longest-serving colleagues, Shelley Corcoran, Kelly Gatenby and Emma Kay. Between them, they have clocked up an incredible 88 years of service, witnessed huge changes across the business and collected enough stories to fill a magazine all by themselves. From typewriters and paper files to email and AI, their careers span some remarkable chapters in FMG’s history. Where did your FMG journeys begin? Shelley: I started in May 1991, so I’ve now been here for more than 35 years. Back then, everybody managed their own customers from start to finish. We logged claims, managed repairs, handled billing, chased payments and produced month-end reports. We did absolutely everything ourselves. Kelly: I joined in 2000 in Europcar Claims. I recently found my original contract and discovered my starting salary was around £9,000. At the time, I thought I was rich! Since then, I’ve worked in vehicle rental, customer services, complaints, implementation, system testing and Risk Solutions. I’ve definitely moved around a bit. Emma: I started in 1999 after one of the most unusual interviews I’ve ever had. The MD kept moving us between rooms because people kept interrupting to ask him questions. It was very different to interviews today. I started in the ULR team before moving into Client Support Services and later becoming Team Leader. What was FMG like when you first started? Shelley: We used typewriters. If you made a mistake on an invoice, you reached for the Tipp-Ex and hoped for the best. I also remember when email was introduced. At the time it felt revolutionary, probably the same way Copilot feels to us now. Emma: When we visited customers, there were no sat navs. We’d print directions from AA Route Planner the night before and hope we didn’t miss a turning. Claims files weren’t digital either. If you needed an archived file, someone had to visit the storage building near the pickle factory to retrieve it. The smell wasn’t always pleasant, but we did get free pickles at Christmas! Kelly: We had our own version of urgent notifications. If a vehicle couldn’t be driven, you’d stand up and shout, “I’ve got a D1!” across the office so somebody could arrange recovery straight away. Imagine seeing that as a Teams notification today. What has changed the most? Shelley: Our growth. What began as a relatively small operation has developed into the business we know today, with more colleagues, more customers and more opportunities than ever before. Emma: The technology we use has changed how we work. It really has changed everything. Kelly: The buildings stand out for me. I remember when FMG House was being built and we’d go and look at the progress. It felt like such a huge deal at the time, and there was a big party to celebrate. And does anybody remember the old uniforms? Emma: I do! They were hot, uncomfortable and definitely not something we need to bring back! What has kept you here for so long? Shelley: The people. Not just colleagues, but customers and suppliers too. I’ve built relationships over the years that have lasted decades, and some former customers have become lifelong friends. Kelly: Definitely the people. I’ve made some of my closest friends here. Emma: I’d say exactly the same. The support from colleagues and the relationships I’ve built with customers are what make FMG special. Kelly: Do you remember going to the pub after work on a Friday? And Nick’s parties? Everyone went to those. It was easier when there were fewer colleagues, but it really helped create a close-knit team. Shelley: That’s true. People were always good at getting together for birthdays, celebrations or simply a catch-up. Looking back Listening to Shelley, Kelly and Emma, it’s clear that while FMG has changed enormously over the years, some things have remained constant. The systems are faster, the buildings are bigger and nobody is reaching for a typewriter anymore, but the things that have kept Shelley, Kelly and Emma here for so long haven’t changed nearly as much as the technology has. The people, the relationships and the shared experiences are still what make FMG special. I always think one of the best parts of putting Drive together is the chance to hear the stories behind the people we work alongside every day. For this special 40th anniversary edition, that’s been even more true. From typewriters, paper files and free Christmas pickles, to board game inventors, AI assistants and colleagues celebrating huge milestones, this edition is packed with reminders of just how much FMG has changed over the last four decades, and how much has stayed the same. I particula
fmg at 40: built on relationships Four decades of change, growth and innovation - but one thing has remained constant: the relation- ships at the heart of FMG. Forty years is a significant milestone. But for FMG, reaching 40 is about much more than the number. It is a celebration of the people, partnerships and shared experiences that have shaped the business since it began. From changing technology and evolving customer expectations to an industry that looks very different from four decades ago, FMG has continually adapted. Yet throughout that change, some things have remained constant: trust, doing what you say you will do, understanding customers and their business- es, and having people willing to pick up the phone and work through a problem together. That is the real story of FMG at 40: 40 years of relationships. Built one relationship at a time Over the years, FMG has grown, evolved and faced its share of challenges. But some of the most important moments have not necessarily been the biggest milestones. They have been the difficult projects that came good. The conversations that changed a decision. The opportunities created because someone put their trust in FMG. The customers who gave the business another chance. The people who challenged FMG to think differently. That is how businesses are built over four decades. The people behind the milestone A 40th anniversary is also an opportunity to recognise everyone who has played a part in FMG’s story. The colleagues who have built their careers here. The customers who have trusted FMG with important parts of their operations. The partners who have challenged the business to improve. The leaders who have built on what came before them. And the new generation now taking the business forward. Looking back. Looking forward. There is plenty to celebrate in 40 years. Thousands of conversations. Millions of interactions. New ideas. Challenges. Mistakes. Successes. Change. Growth. And relationships that have lasted. That’s the rich history we’re proud to boast. Yet the world continues to change at pace, bringing new challenges and opportunities. The next chapter will require the same curiosity, adaptability and commitment to customers that have helped FMG reach this milestone. The foundations are already there. And if the first 40 years have taught us anything, it is that strong relationships are built over time - through trust, consistency, challenge and a shared determination to find a way forward. Here’s to the first 40 - and everything still to come. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the FMG journey. FMG through a leadership lens “Businesses change. People change. Markets change. But if you look after your customers, keep your promises, stay curious and don’t lose sight of the people behind the contracts, you give yourself a very good chance of being around for a long time.” Andrew Chandler, Managing Director. Few people are better placed to reflect on FMG’s journey than former Managing Director and current ZIGUP UK&I CEO, Harvey Stead, who first joined FMG in 2001. “The business and industry have evolved. Technology has transformed almost beyond recognition. Customer expectations have shifted. Even the vehicles FMG works with today bear little resemblance to those of the early 2000s. But the importance of relationships has remained constant. “You don’t get to 40 by having one brilliant strategy, or one brilliant leader. You get there because people keep building on what came before them - and, ultimately, because customers keep choosing to come back.”
YEARs OF EXCELLENC Four Decades of People, Partnerships and Success! Four Decades of People, Partnerships and Success! A Milestone Worth Celebrating There is something special about reaching a milestone year. It gives us a reason to pause, look back at how far we have come and recognise the people, partnerships and moments that have shaped the journey along the way. This year, FMG celebrates its 40th anniversary. Four decades is a significant achievement for any business, but what makes it particularly meaningful is that our story has always been about people. From those who were here in the early days to colleagues who have joined more recently, every individual has played a part in helping FMG become the business it is today. When FMG first opened its doors in 1986, the world looked very different. Mobile phones were far from pocket-sized, Top Gun was filling cinemas and cassette tapes were still a household staple. For some colleagues, those memories may feel like yesterday. For others, 1986 feels like ancient history. Either way, it marks the beginning of an incredible FMG journey. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing memories, stories and reflections from across the business. Whether it’s photographs from years gone by, recollections from long-serving colleagues or milestones that have shaped our growth, we want to celebrate the people behind the business. After all, FMG’s history isn’t just a timeline of achievements, it’s the story of the people who have worked hard, supported one another and helped us succeed. Join the 40th Anniversary Celebrations To mark this special occasion, we’ll be celebrating with a week of activities, memories and opportunities on the lead up to our 40th Anniversary Party on Friday 23rd October. These events are aimed at bringing colleagues from across the business together to recognise everything we’ve achieved over the last four decades. If you haven’t secured your place yet, there’s still time. Simply email people@fmg.co.uk to get your ticket and join the celebrations. Whether you’ve been with FMG for years or are relatively new to the business, it’s a chance to be part of a memorable moment in our history. Taking on a Challenge for The Kirkwood The number 40 is inspiring more than just our anniversary celebrations. Through FMGive, we’re also supporting The Kirkwood as it approaches its own 40th anniversary next year. To help raise money for this fantastic local charity, we’ll be launching a friendly challenge between West Wing and East Wing to see which team can collectively walk 40km first. The challenge is simple, fun and designed to get everyone involved. Better still, every kilometre completed will make a difference, with FMG donating £4 per kilometre walked to support The Kirkwood’s vital work. The challenge also links to an exciting opportunity for one adventurous colleague. The Kirkwood is inviting 40 trekkers to take on the incredible challenge of trekking the Great Wall of China. Give a cause for good causes YEARs OF EXCELLENCE
Following Jat Sandhu’s upcoming trek along the Inca Trail in support of Overgate Hospice, we’re once again looking for someone who would love the opportunity to represent FMG and support a fantastic cause. There will be an application process, but if this sounds like something you would be interested in, you can register your interest by emailing fmgive@fmg.co.uk. Whether you’re taking part in the step challenge, cheering on your wing or expressing interest in the trek, there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved over the coming months. A Focus on Wellbeing This Autumn Alongside our celebrations and fundraising activities, autumn also provides an opportunity to focus on wellbeing. After a busy year, it’s a good time to check in with ourselves and think about the small things that can have a positive impact. Wellbeing isn’t always about making dramatic changes. Often, it’s about taking a proper lunch break, getting outside for some fresh air, speaking to someone when things feel difficult or simply taking a moment to yourself. Throughout September, October and November we’ll be supporting a range of awareness campaigns designed to encourage conversations, increase understanding and remind us that wellbeing isn’t always visible. One of the highlights will be the arrival of Rohan, who will be delivering his Resilience with Rohan keynote session. Through personal experiences and practical advice, Rohan will explore how we can build resilience, overcome challenges and find opportunities for growth during difficult times. Resilience is a word we hear often, but it’s not about never experiencing challenges. It’s about having the tools, support and confidence to keep moving forward when life becomes difficult. Whether you’re navigating pressures at work, personal challenges or everyday stresses, the session promises to offer practical takeaways for everyone. Supporting Each Other Autumn also brings a number of important awareness campaigns, including World Menopause Awareness Day, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fertility Awareness Week and Stress Awareness Day. While these topics are very different, they share an important message, many of the challenges people face aren’t always visible. By increasing awareness and encouraging conversations, we can create a culture where colleagues feel supported, understood and comfortable seeking help when they need it. Sometimes the most valuable thing we can do is simply listen, show empathy and remember that everyone’s experiences are different. We’ve already seen the positive impact that wellbeing initiatives can have. Last year, colleagues took part in free health and wellbeing checks delivered onsite by students from the University of Huddersfield. More than 120 health checks were completed, alongside strength and balance assessments, providing colleagues with practical advice, reassurance and access to further support where needed. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and we’re hoping to bring similar opportunities back again this year. Looking Forward Together When you look at everything happening across the coming months, from anniversary celebrations and charity challenges to wellbeing initiatives, there’s a common thread running through it all: people. Our 40th anniversary is a chance to celebrate the people who have shaped FMG. Our fundraising efforts help us support the communities around us. And our wellbeing activity reminds us to look after ourselves and one another. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, but moments like these give us the opportunity to reflect, reconnect and celebrate what makes FMG special. Forty years on, we have plenty to be proud of. More importantly, we have plenty to look forward to. FMG Turns 40; Four Incredible Decades of People, Partnerships and Success! This year marks a very special milestone as FMG celebrates its 40th anniversary. For four decades, we’ve grown, evolved and achieved remarkable success, all thanks to the people who have made FMG what it is today. From our earliest days to becoming the business we know now, our story has been shaped by dedicated colleagues, trusted partnerships and a commitment to delivering outstanding service. What Were You Doing in 1986? When FMG began its journey in 1986, the world looked very different. Mobile phones were the size of bricks, Top Gun was lighting up cinema screens, and chart- toppers included Madonna and Whitney Houston. While some of us weren’t even born yet, others may remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when FMG first opened its doors. Here’s some of your memories of 1986 and what life looked like for you 40 years ago… To follow when some have come through – think it would be good to include. A Week of Celebrations To mark this milestone occasion, we’ll be celebrating throughout the week with activities, memories and opportunities to reflect on everything we’ve achieved together as a business. The celebrations will conclude with our 40
Taylor Winterbottom, Learning and Development Trainer and Jake Greenwood, RRRM CSR, who recently got engaged How long have you been together? 5 years and 5 months! Did you meet at FMG? No, we met during Covid through mutual gaming friends. We spent months chatting and FaceTiming while living in different countries, and after finally meeting in person, I moved in with him shortly afterwards. And the best bit - how did the proposal happen? We were on holiday in Skiathos, Greece, on our first summer trip as a couple. Jake arranged what he told me was a couples’ photoshoot at Kastro Skiathos Castle. While we were taking photos and enjoying the scenery, he got down on one knee and proposed. Extra brownie points because he planned it for exactly five years after we started living together! Congratulations to our fabulous long service heroes! 5 years: Anna Wrench, Alex Rye, Mathew Price, Ian Sutcliffe, Tracey Faux, Martin Hilton, Eleanor Mason, Chloe Baldry, James Stringer, Eleanor Sweeney, Ali Hussain, and Kay Hindby. 10 years: David Clegg, Kapil Patel, Rue Elvy, Ryan Gibson, Michael Starkey, Charlotte Taylor and Deborah instone 20 years: Simon Spong, Rob Kirby, Richard Blackburn, Tracy Fitzjohn and Pooja Bali Luke Macrae What’s something people at FMG would be surprised to learn about you? I have a double barrel first name that I shorten to Luke, but I know I am in trouble with close friends and family if I get the full name sternly said to me “Luke Ross”, it propels me back to my childhood. If you could instantly become an expert in one thing, what would it be? History, I love learning about the past, but there is so much to know that I barely scratch the surface through reading. I do tend to know a bit too much about Stalin though, but it doesn’t influence my management style, honest. Haha. What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy day? Its probably not a surprise to most who know me, but at the end of the day I put in my earphones, listen to a book, and go for a walk. If you could have dinner with any three people, past or present, who would they be? It would be Sir James the Black Douglas, he is one of my most favourite people from the past, he fought in the wars of independence alongside Robert the Bruce, Jock Stein the legendary Celtic manager who led us to a European Cup and thirdly it would be my great great grandfather Ramsay Brown who died at the Somme in 1916, it would be interesting to know more about his life. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? If you wouldn’t take advice from them, don’t accept criticism from them, and if you forget that, read No Enemies by Charles Mackay. What’s one thing on your bucket list that you still want to tick off? To go to the Masters in Augusta National. Its such an iconic event and to go there for the full week and see it play out one year would be great. What was your favourite TV show, film or band growing up? As a child of the 90s its Oasis for me, thankfully I got to go and see them in Edinburgh last year, meaning I have now seen them in each of the capital cities of the UK, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and London. If you could bring back one thing from your childhood, what would it be and why? My ability to eat what I want and never put on weight, why does your metabolism leave you in the lurch when you get older?
If you were working in the 1980s, the height of office technology might have been a fax machine, a chunky desktop computer, or perhaps a pager if you were particularly cutting edge. Fast forward to today, and we’ve got something that would have looked like pure science fiction back then: Microsoft Copilot. Think of Copilot as your very own digital office sidekick. It won’t make you a cup of tea or organise your floppy disks, but it can help you draft emails, summarise documents, generate ideas, answer questions and save valuable time throughout the working day. From the First pc to AI Assistants Just as the 80s introduced game-changing technology that transformed the workplace, AI is doing the same today. Copilot is designed to help us work smarter, reduce repetitive tasks and free up time for the things that really need human creativity, judgement and expertise. Whether you’re drafting an email, reviewing a lengthy document or looking for fresh ideas, Copilot can help. Rather than replacing people, it’s there to support them, acting as the Goose to your Maverick* (IYKYK). Not All Copilots are the same Much like cassette players evolved into Walkmans and then CD players, there are a few different versions of Copilot available across Microsoft 365. Copilot 365 is the basic version, providing AI-powered chat and assistance. Copilot 365 Premium is the enhanced version. It can work across apps like Outlook, Teams, Word and PowerPoint, helping with everyday tasks and making use of information you already have access to. You may also hear about Copilot Studio, which is used to build custom AI assistants and automated workflows. It’s a specialist tool and not something most FMG colleagues need to worry about. Regardless of which version you’re using, the same security and permission rules apply. How Does Copilot Know What to Use? One of the most common questions people ask is: “How does Copilot find information?” The answer is fairly simple. Copilot can only work with information that you already have permission to access. Copilot uses the same permissions that apply when you access information yourself. If you can’t access a document, Copilot can’t use it either. Why SharePoint Organisation Matters When files are saved in the correct SharePoint locations, given meaningful names and categorised appropriately, they’re much easier for both colleagues and Copilot to find. Well-organised information helps produce better search results, more accurate answers and a smoother experience for everyone. If documents are stored incorrectly, poorly named or saved across multiple locations, it becomes harder for people and technology alike to identify the most useful information. Sensitivity Labels FMG uses four sensitivity labels: Publc: Information that can be shared externally and is generally already in the public domain. Private: Day-to-day business information intended for colleagues. Restricted Personal: Sensitive business, customer or personal information. Restricted Commercial: Highly sensitive commercial information with limited access requirements. The important thing to remember is that anything labelled Restricted Personal or Restricted Commercial cannot be accessed by Copilot. This helps protect sensitive information while ensuring colleagues can still benefit from AI when working with appropriate content. Safety First! While Copilot is incredibly useful, it’s important to remember that AI isn’t perfect.Like any tool, Copilot can occasionally make mistakes, so always review its output before using it. A good rule of thumb is to treat Copilot like a capable new colleague. It can do some amazing things, but you’d still sense-check its work before sending an important email or publishing a document. Microsoft has built Copilot with security in mind. It respects the permissions, compliance controls and data protection measures already in place across Microsoft 365. What Copilot Can’t Do Despite what The Terminator might have suggested, Copilot isn’t an all-knowing supercomputer. There’s no Weird Science here. It can’t access documents you don’t have permission to view. It can’t read random files from outside approved systems. It can’t bypass sensitivity labels. It can’t make decisions on your behalf. And it shouldn’t be relied upon as the sole source of truth for critical business decisions. In other words, it’s more Knight Rider’s KITT than Skynet. Give It a Go! If you’ve never used Copilot before, now is the perfect time to try it. Start small. Ask it to summarise a document, help draft an email, brainstorm ideas for a project or explain a process you’re unfamiliar with. You don’t need to be Bill Gates to get value from it. Some of the best discoveries come simply from giving it a try. Just remember: organise your documents, apply the correct sensitivity labels, check Copilot’s work, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Unlike trying to programme your VHS recorder, getting started with AI is much easier than it loo
games! LET’S PLAY! Guess the celeb!Guess the celeb! Blast from the PastBlast from the Past The biggest names of the 80s but how many do you know? 1. Which song was the UK’s best-selling single of 1986? A. The Final Countdown B. Don’t Leave Me This Way C. Papa Don’t Preach D. True Blue Answer: B. Don’t Leave Me This Way (The Communards) 2. Which football legend scored the famous “Hand of God” goal during the 1986 World Cup? A. Pelé B. Gary Lineker C. Diego Maradona D. Michel Platini Answer: C. Diego Maradona 3. Which long-running BBC soap celebrated its first birthday in 1986? A. Coronation Street B. Brookside C. EastEnders D. Emmerdale Answer: C. EastEnders 4. What was the name of the space shuttle that tragically broke apart shortly after launch in January 1986? A. Discovery B. Challenger C. Atlantis D. Endeavour Answer: B. Challenger 5. Which iconic film starring Tom Cruise was released in 1986? A. Cocktail B. Risky Business C. Days of Thunder D. Top Gun Answer: D. Top Gun 6. What was the average price of a litre of petrol in the UK closest to in 1986? A. 18p B. 38p C. 58p D. 78p Answer: B. 38p 7. Which children’s animated series featuring a blue elephant aired for the first time in 1986? A. Babar B. Danger Mouse C. The Wombles D. Button Moon Answer: A. Babar 8. Which home video game console was hugely popular in UK households during 1986? A. PlayStation B. Sega Mega Drive C. Nintendo Wii D. Commodore 64 Answer: D. Commodore 64 9. What was the UK number one toy craze in many playgrounds during the mid-1980s? A. Tamagotchi B. Rubik’s Cube C. Beyblades D. Furbies Answer: B. Rubik’s Cube 10. Which famous car first rolled off the production line in 1986? A. Ford Mondeo B. Peugeot 106 C. Nissan Micra (K10) D. Vauxhall Astra Answer: C. Nissan Micra
From then to now, what a crew, So many faces, old and new. Take a moment, have a browse, Can you spot yourself amongst the crowds? Blast from the Past Blast from the Past