Client Stories

DEKRA Automotive provides consultancy, training, and outsourcing services to franchise dealer networks. Many of these services are underpinned by innovative bespoke software solutions, a key part of DEKRA’s unique position in the market.

As these software solutions became more complex, DEKRA needed an IT Director to oversee software development roadmaps and the appointing and management of suppliers.

Alex Underwood, DEKRA’s Operations Director, explained:

“Freeman Clarke provided a highly experienced IT Director, Pippa Thomas, who was quickly able to understand our business, work at our pace, and make things happen.”

The initial engagement was to oversee the replacement of some of the custom software products to improve functionality and ensure compliance. This was a particularly complex task, as DEKRA already had applications live with a number of clients.

Over this period, DEKRA enjoyed significant growth and change, with new staff and new overseas owners. Pippa helped merge new business units and took on responsibility for their technology. She delineated a new strategic roadmap and discovered potential synergies with the new owner’s existing group.

Pippa also helped build up DEKRA’s in-house IT team to take on an increasing amount of clients’ technology requirements. DEKRA’s capable internal team has also been key to successfully delivering high-quality custom software month in, month out. Specification to build-to-live is now a seven-week cycle, repeated twelve times per year.

Alex Underwood continued:

“During the period we have been working with Freeman Clarke, we have invested in IT products to bring ever higher levels of value and service to our clients. This has paid off in our market expansion and diversification. Pippa has provided expert input and support, has helped to deliver critical aspects of this growth, and ensured that our IT was ready for the company growth strategy.”