RAC bolsters telematics team

RAC Business has appointed Phil Barnes as strategic sales and development manager, a newly created role by the business to support the continued growth of RAC’s telematics offer.

Based in Northern Ireland, but operating in a field-based capacity, Phil’s responsibilities will include increasing sales activity, supporting existing customers and partners as well as raising the RAC’s telematics profile throughout the province.

Recent RAC research has shown that businesses take-up of telematics systems in Northern Ireland is among the lowest in the UK, with only 27% of businesses utilising the technology. This compares with 45% in London and 38% on average in the UK as a whole.

Speaking about his new role, Phil said, ‘I’ve been working in the fleet sector for more than 10 years and specifically with telematics for more than six, covering the territory of Ireland (north and south). It’s an area I know extremely well and I’m passionate about the impact the technology can make on a business. The innovation of the RAC technology and insight into vehicle health, faults and crash detection, propels the RAC’s telematics technology to a whole new level.

‘The business recognises that adoption rates are lower in Northern Ireland, which presents a brilliant opportunity for us. I’m excited to hit the ground running and to get out and understand first-hand from businesses the challenges that they face.’

RAC Telematics managing director Nick Walker, said, ‘We’ve always had customers in Northern Ireland but not a presence on the ground until now, and it is a key appointment due to the growth of the sector and demand for the technology.’