The stereotypical 'white van man' has a new, more upmarket rival according to leading high street insurance retailer Swinton. It has identified a new generation of self-employed professionals, both male and female, who are investing in top of the range commercial vehicles with which to ply their trade. Swinton has dubbed them the 'white vin man' and 'white vin woman.
This new breed are linked to the creative industries
No - you cannot be serious?
Such sophisticated and expensive vehicles include the Mercedes Vito and VW Transporter Sportline. What for? Well, the type of work undertaken by 'white vin' men and women is a very different from that of plasterer, plumber and builder.
This new breed are linked to the creative industries - with occupations such as landscape gardener, interior designer, organic grocer and gourmet caterer being submitted on insurance applications. Of these applications, 35% come from female van owners seeking insurance.
The contents are different too. Rather than power drills and stepladders, Swinton is being asked to quote for top-end laptops, DAB car radios and very high value 'tools of the trade' amassing to the average value of £25,000.
Well, I have one thing to say to the 35% of females joining the white vin brigade. Don’t you dare turn into one of those original white van drivers who terrorise us on a daily basis!
FemaleFirst - Jackie Violet