Easi-Drive's Community Giving Campaign

Leading accident management specialist, Easi-Drive, have pledged their support to fund 20 young drivers wanting to improve their skills on the road as part of their community giving campaign WheelsForGood.

The company has linked up with the IAM & Stockport Advanced Motorists to invite applications for fully funded places on the IAM ‘Skill For Life’ driving course, which covers all types of road situations including motorway driving and helping students to develop driver skills in anticipating and dealing with a potential accident situation.

Research by the road safety charity has shown that young drivers aged between 17 and 26, were the most ‘at risk’ group behind the wheel, but financial constraints on them meant that there was a poor sign up rate for their ‘Skill for life’ courses.

So when charity bosses saw the launch of Easi-Drive’s WheelForGood campaign – a £60,000 bursary fund created by co-founder Simon Bellamy to give something back to the community in which the business operates - in the local press, they applied for funding.

Simon Bellamy said: “We are keen to promote road safety and good driving practice, so this was an ideal opportunity to help young people’s skills behind the wheel in the town where I was born and grew up. And as wheels are at the heart of what we do, it seems fitting that our corporate giving strategy should be based around this theme.”

Perry Freeman, Chairman of Stockport Advanced Motorists, said: “We are really pleased of the support Simon and the money he is donating on behalf of Easi-Drive to put 20 young drivers through the course, especially as his business centres on cars and driving.

“The course gives younger drivers a valuable insight into driving at a much higher skill level. Advanced Driving gives the driver a great deal of extra knowledge about how to deal with difficult road situations.

“For example, maybe, you’ve even been driving for a little while, but do you know all the hidden hazards on the motorway? Would you know how to deal with a ‘tailgater’ in a safe and efficient manner so as not to be pushed into making an unsafe manoeuvre? How would you react after the incident?”

Places on the course, which normally costs £139 each, are now available on a first come first served basis.

In addition, after passing the IAM Skill for life course, most insurance companies will offer young drivers upto 25 per cent off their insurance.

Applicants must be aged between 17 and 26 and hold a full UK driving licence, have had a minimum of three months driving experience and have regular access to a car during the week and at weekends. The car must be taxed, MoTd and insured and the driver must have a license appropriate to that class of vehicle.

Courses are run from the Old Rectory in Stockport (Home of Stockport Advanced Motorists) for approximately six sessions. Practical on the road sessions are done in the students own car with a qualified ‘Observer’ (Driving Coach).

Anyone wishing to apply for a place on the course should apply in writing to info@stockportadvancedmotorists.org.uk including their name, age, address, and why they want to do the course.

Easi-Drive Recognised in Sunday Times’ Fast Track 100

Manchester based accident management firm Easi-Drive has received national recognition for its impressive growth, making it onto the Sunday Times’ Fast Track 100 list.
The business came in at number 51 in the Fast Track 100 league table. The annual list, compiled in association with the Sunday Times, ranks Britain's 100 fastest-growing private companies, based on sales growth over a three year period.


The firm which handles all aspects of non fault motor claims, has seen its turnover rocket from less than £750,000 in 2003 to an expected £25million for 2009/10. Staff levels have almost doubled in the last 12 months and the company now employs over 120 people including a UK-wide sales force across its HQ on Sharston Industrial Estate and its depots in Luton and Bristol.

Founder and managing director, Simon Bellamy, said: “It is an honour to receive this national recognition. The business has grown significantly over the last few years and it is testament to the hardwork and dedication of the team who provide a trusted and quality service to our customers.”

Today, Simon runs the firm with his brother Daniel Bellamy and co-director Gareth Berry who joined the helm in 2005. Simon has significant ambitions for the Wythenshawe-based company. Despite the recent economic downturn, business is booming for Easi-Drive. It is bucking all the trends, increasing its workforce, moving premises and investing in new infrastructure.

During the last 12 months Easi-Drive has dealt with over 10,000 accidents, assisting clients back on the road and into replacement vehicles. Handling all aspects of non-fault claim work including credit repair, replacement hire (with an unrivalled range of domestic and commercial vehicles) and claims for compensation and injury. Easi-Drive has worked tirelessly to establish an excellent and trusted reputation with the industry. Its vehicle portfolio includes everything from taxis and ambulances to quad bikes and supercars including an Aston Martin.