JCT600 awarded SAF approved status

JCT600 is the latest dealer group to be recognised by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) as SAF Approved following the company’s commitment to improving the quality of information provided to customers on motor finance.  

All 36 JCT600 dealerships have become SAF (Specialist Automotive Finance) Approved, which has led to the FLA awarding the status to the entire group. JCT600 is in good company with Vertu Motors, Mercedes-Benz Retail, Collier Motor Group,  Parks of Hamilton and Springfield Cars all having achieved the voluntary standard.

SAF was launched by the FLA to raise standards and improve knowledge in showrooms and to increase customer confidence in motor finance. SAF certification has been available since October 2007 to individual dealership employees and is provided free-of-charge by the finance industry. SAF Approved was introduced on 1 August 2009 to reward companies who have voluntarily improved their staff’s financial know-how. All of a dealership’s staff who discuss finance with customers must have passed the online test for the company to become SAF Approved. The dealer principal must sign a compliance statement stating the company will treat finance customers fairly and responsibly. Records are audited by the FLA.    

Paul Harrison, Head of Motor Finance at the FLA, said: “I am pleased that JCT600, another of the UK’s top dealer groups, has embraced SAF Approved and recognised the benefits it will provide to their staff and finance customers. The momentum behind SAF Approved continues to grow and we are in discussion with all majority groups about their participation. This is great news for buyers when considering the best way to pay for their next car.”

Simon Barras, Group F&I Director of JCT600 Ltd said: “I am delighted that JCT600 is now SAF Approved. This is an important initiative by the FLA and will give car buyers the confidence and peace of mind that when visiting a JCT600 dealership they will be dealing with a professional who can give impartial advice on which finance product is right for them.

“At JCT600 we are committed to training and the SAF program is a positive step to ensure that our key sales staff are fully competent in the sale of motor finance. I believe that being an SAF Approved dealer group will attract more customers to our showrooms as customers seek out those dealerships committed to raising standards and who have been certified by the FLA.”