Product Code Database
Addison Lee has achieved both the ISO 9002 and the Investors in People accreditation.
John Griffin said the firm would "indemnify any fines or payments" that the firm's drivers would incur. In April 2012 the High court ruled that Addison Lee could not encourage or instruct its driver to use bus lanes. TfL's high court injunction prevents Addison Lee from instructing its drivers to use bus lanes Transport for London 26 April 2012
In the April 2012 edition of Addison Lee's corporate magazine Add Lib, John Griffin used his editorial piece to voice his opinion that collisions with cyclists were unavoidable, and not the fault of his drivers. He concluded: “ It is time for us to say to cyclists, ‘You want to join our gang, get trained and pay up’.” This has caused a reaction from London's cycling community, including the London Cycling Campaign, CTC, Levenes Cycle and the London Fixed-Gear and Single-Speed forum, who have started taking action boycotting Addison Lee cabs by leaving negative reviews on the company's iPhone app, organizing protests, and calling for people to lobby their companies to stop their Addison Lee accounts.
Dr. Belinda Webb started an e-petition with HM Government to have Addison Lee's license withdrawn. This caused a reaction from London's cycling community, including the London Cycling Campaign.
On 26 April 2012, the Chief Procurement Officer confirmed that the UK Government contract with Addison Lee would be terminated at the end of April 2012.
In 2015, following reports that a small number of Addison Lee drivers had allegedly kicked same-sex couples out of their cars, the company introduced a diploma for its drivers, which includes equality training.
Takeover
In April 2013 it was announced that the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm, would be purchasing the company for an undisclosed sum, reported to be £300m. John Griffin initially remained as chairman with son Liam replacing Daryl Foster as CEO (see below). The Carlyle Group intend to grow the firm nationally and internationally.
John Griffin departs, new senior hires
During 2014 Addison Lee announced several senior hires including Peter Boucher (CCO), Catherine Faiers (Ops Director), Gary Cust (Chief Council), Nick Kotsis (Data Scientist) and Nick Constantinou (Head of Marketing)
. In media interviews in October 2014 it was announced that founder John Griffin had stepped down earlier that year and is no longer involved with the company
Technology
Addison Lee relies heavily on information technology to automate and streamline the process of managing the large number of drivers and jobs, through the use of driver , GPS tracking and text messaging. The company annually spends £1.5m on IT, employing 24 programmers.
Controversy
In April 2012, Addison Lee's chairman John Griffin instructed all its drivers to begin using bus lanes, against the will of Transport for London. Griffin argued that allowing only licensed black taxis to use the lanes was "unfair discrimination". Griffin also secured a judicial review against Hackney Carriage legislation saying it was archaic.
Accessibility
On October 19, 2015, Addison Lee introduced CycleCab, a new service allowing up to two passengers to travel in a taxi with one bicycle. The service launched alongside the Six Day London track event at Lee Valley VeloPark.
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