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Transport consultants offer value for money at inquiry
Page 28
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AS ESTABLISHED and respected transport consultants, we were dismayed to receive a mailshot from a leading firm of solicitors based in the NorthEast.The letter was addressed to one of our clients called to public inquiry, and was sent with the view to representing the client at the hearing.
We are sure many of your readers will have received a similar letter in which, over two and a half pages, the writer compares the services on offer to those of transport consultantsthe gist being that transport consultants are significantly cheaper because the service provided is second-rate.
According to the solicitor, transport consultants deal only with the issues being addressed by the Traffic Commissioner and typically only meet the client on the morning of the hearing allowing an hour to review the documents and discuss matters.
While we would agree there are undoubtedly some unscrupulous and inexperienced consultants around, it seems extremely unprofessional to tout for business in this manner and we can hardly imagine that this firm needs to stoop to this level. Although we may not be as cheap as the figure mentioned (around £350),our fees do not approach those of the firm in question (1,O00£1,500 plus travel and VAT).
However, our service is similar we offer consultation prior to the inquiry, case preparation and advice on systems and methods of work with full audits and reports if required. Our consultants are all highly qualified within their particular field of expertise and our success rate at inquiry is extremely high.
The solicitor concludes his letter as follows: "While a transport consultant will undoubtedly charge less, is it not worth paying more to ensure the quality of service to provide the best possible chance of success?"
For most operators called to inquiry we would say "No"not when you can get the same from established, respected, experienced and qualified consultants for a lot less.
Gill Ward Ward International Consulting Fareham, Hampshire