Merrill Lynch is one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies. Maintaining operations in 37 countries and safeguarding assets of approximately $1.6 trillion, Merrill Lynch offers a broad range of services to private clients, small businesses and major institutions.
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Merrill Lynch ’s UK headquarters is located in the City of London. The Merrill Lynch Financial Centre features two of the largest trading floors in Europe, a 150-seat auditorium and numerous amenities for 4,000 employees based in offices across the capital.
Business Issues
nternational travel is essential for business leaders. Senior executives entrusted with major responsibilities and running to tight schedules must have complete trust in ground transportation arrangements.Prior to 2004, Merrill Lynch were largely reliant on black cabs in London. At the suggestion of UK colleagues impressed with the level of service provided by Radio Taxis, a representative of the New York office attended a meeting that give rise to an entirely new proposition.
Executive First is a luxury car service that meets the exclusive needs of senior staff arriving from the US. A first class, highly personalised service is tailored to the specific needs of each individual, blending unparalleled levels of comfort, professionalism and attention to detail.
About Executive First
Executive First maintains a rigorous driver recruitment policy. No-one other than black cab drivers with a minimum of 10 years experience is accepted for interview. All potential recruits must be smart, self-disciplined, customer focussed and demonstrate strong communication skills
Executive First drivers must also look the part. All chauffeurs wear a standard uniform of grey suit, white shirt, burgundy tie and cufflinks.
Adaptability is part of the service. Transporting guests to a variety of locations around the capital, Executive First appreciates that arrangements for senior staff may involve a lengthy schedule of meetings followed by a programme of evening entertainment. Drivers understand that support services must be provided around the clock and will stay overnight at hotels near clients if required.
The service extends to other forms of travel. Executive First has forged relationships with helicopter and coach companies in addition to creating a network of international partners. To accommodate the needs of clients travelling around the globe, Executive First will arrange cars for the entire duration of their visit and organise airport collection.
Working Together
At the core of the success of Executive First is a unique emphasis on personal relationships. Whenever possible, visitors from Merrill Lynch are provided with the same driver on each visit to London.All drivers are equipped with a minute-by-minute itinerary for the duration of their passenger’s stay. However, beyond prompt delivery to business destinations, hotels and restaurants, consistency enables drivers to accommodate the personal preferences and specific requirements of each passenger. Such a relationship that cannot be achieved by random drivers drawn from a pool.
Merrill Lynch provide regular feedback on levels of service. Dialogue is open, honest and constructive. Executive First strives to implement client recommendations or propose alternatives that may deliver a superior solution.
Detailed management information is critical for business clients. Executive First supplies Merrill Lynch with a comprehensive breakdown of services for each individual. Management data can also be provided online in accordance with the increasing emphasis on a paperless environment.
Merrill Lynch demands a level of performance from suppliers that complements the way they do business. Dynamic, responsive and adaptable, Executive First is fully committed to meeting the transportation needs of Merrill Lynch’s transatlantic executives.
Testimonial
‘Merrill Lynch has high expectations. Our senior people require attention to detail, punctuality and comfort. Executive First does a great job on all these scores.
‘I personally use Executive First whenever I travel to London. The cars are always immaculate, the drivers are always smartly dressed and everyone is polite and professional. Having one driver assigned specifically to you makes such a difference. I never have the slightest concern whether they will be on time which for a businessman is fundamentally important’.
‘Everyone in our office agrees this is the most professional service in London. It’s a great achievement to make something that is clearly so difficult appear so easy and Executive First do this superbly’.
Daniel Cochran, Senior Vice President, Merrill Lynch.
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