We've all heard of Robin Hood and his adventures in Sherwood Forest, right? At Bumper we tried to recreate that amazing experience a week ago at our corporate retreat. 

This event was not only an opportunity to disconnect and enjoy nature but also to get to know each other a little better. Read on to hear about our incredible adventure. 

This year, we set out to do something special by bringing together our teams from across Europe in one place, and what better than Center Parcs in the heart of Sherwood Forest? With its rich history and breathtaking scenery, it was the perfect setting for our team-building activities. 

The day started with an outdoor problem-solving expedition through the forest where teams had to pass various tests, including tests of dexterity, riddle solving and physical challenges. Typical of our British weather, it rained from the outset! 

Throughout the stay, we also had the opportunity to enjoy other outdoor activities that helped us to disconnect from the day-to-day: 

This retreat was a unique opportunity for all of us who were able to attend. 

The team-building activities not only helped us to develop collaborative skills but also helped us to build trust and get to know each other a little better. 

We also shared laughs and experiences during dinner, where we had the opportunity to participate in a charity raffle. The generous contributions of colleagues, family and friends, raised a massive £1,400 for the Ukraine crisis appeal. 

The Bumper Awards celebration, where the work and efforts of colleagues were recognised, rounded off the evening.

In such a relaxed and natural environment, the conversations flowed easily and many creative ideas emerged that we hope to implement in our future projects. 

In a dynamic and ever-changing industry, these events are essential in encouraging colleague collaboration. 

Our retreat at Sherwood Forest was more than just a getaway. It was an experience that allowed us to grow as a team and as individuals. We all returned home with a renewed sense of energy. 

We look forward to the next retreat and the new adventures that await us!

Bumper in Sherwood Forest: An unforgettable retreat

 and leasing have been around for years, but the concept of a car subscription is relatively new. We take a look at the ins and outs of car subscriptions, and whether they’re a useful option for those looking for a new car. 

A car subscription is when you pay a monthly fee in exchange for ‘owning’ a car. Car subscriptions simplify motoring by removing the individual expenses such as purchasing, 

, insuring and maintaining a car. These are replaced by a monthly fee agreed upon starting the subscription. 

For another way of looking at it, consider them the motoring equivalent to a content streaming service such as Netflix, where monthly payments give you access to content without further steps needed. 

 is akin to buying a BluRay player and individual movies, it may cost more initially and take more steps, but you will own the device and have the use of it indefinitely. 

Subscription term lengths generally range from one month to 3 years, but with the critical factor that most suppliers allow extra time to be added at will, meaning you don't have to be tied in to a long-term contract from the outset. 

Buyers can select from a wide range of suppliers, with many independent companies 

vehicle manufacturers offering subscriptions in the UK. Once a suitable supplier and car is selected, the term length and 

Monthly car subscription costs range from £300+/month with mileage and car type affecting the price, but contract length being the biggest factor. 

For example 2 2-year agreements can be as little as £299 per month, but if you only wanted to ‘subscribe’ for 1 month then it rises to £699 (Based on a Seat Ibiza covering 800 miles per month). 

Road tax (VED), insurance, roadside assistance and 

 is usually all covered too, but make sure to check the terms of your agreement beforehand. Any servicing that falls due during your contract will be covered, as will 

The Process of Starting a Car Subscription 

As with signing up to any contract, the vehicle provider will need proof of ID, driving licence and will run a 

. Once the formalities have been addressed you will need to select the car and mileage limits you require. 

Once these terms are agreed and the contract’s signed, you pay a monthly flat rate (assuming you stay inside the mileage cap), and get the exclusive use of a brand-new car. 

Car subscriptions are just one of the ways to get hold of a brand new car to drive, and is just one of the options that comes with monthly payments. Whereas 

 hold the possibility of buying the car, 

is the most comparable with car subscription services. 

Leasing differs in the level of service provided, generally when leasing a car, insurance, 

 and servicing falls to the lessee (the person who takes out the lease). In some cases road tax is accounted for in the lease payment, but not always. 

This partly explains why lease deals are generally cheaper than car subscriptions, but a big part of that is the contract term. Lease terms start at 24 months and can extend to 48 or more. Car subscriptions offer the option of short-term usage, from one month upwards. 

As the lease provider is guaranteeing 24 - 48 months of payments, they can afford to offer more reasonable terms, whereas a subscription provider will incur more costs from one-month subscription periods. 

The bottom line is that if you want a car for a fixed long-term arrangement, leasing is probably better, but if you’re not sure when you’ll need to hand the car back, go for a car subscription. 

If you use a car subscription for one year or more, then leasing would be the most comparable product, but for periods under that time, the traditional method would be a rental service. So how do they compare? 

For terms of two to three months, car subscriptions can actually work out cheaper than high street rental stores. One caveat is that rental companies don’t usually have mileage limits on their cars. 

The cost will differ depending on the type of car, length of term and your location, so we’d suggest getting some estimates from local companies before deciding. 

What Happens if You Damage a Car on Subscription 

, car subscription services have strict guidelines on what is and is not covered, most providers will deduct from your security deposit for minor scratches, with larger dents and damage being charged at higher rates. 

Best Car Subscription Services in The UK 

There are many independent subscription providers in the UK, as well as multiple manufacturers that provide cars directly through their dealer networks. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages depending on your choice of car and other options, so we’ve listed some below to look into. 

Manufacturer Providers of Car Subscriptions 

Ideal for drivers doing lots of miles per year, 

 offers 12-month unlimited mileage subscription services. Compared to a lease or PCP deal this could really save some money if you do more than 15,000 miles per year. 

Allowing you to select from any car in the Volvo range, 

 allows a 30-day trial with no obligation, then three-month rolling contracts. Perfect for those needing a car for an uncertain amount of time. 

Whilst it is one of the most reasonably priced options, with the i10 being available for less than £250, 

 doesn’t offer the entire range of models, which may be an issue for some. 

The benefit of not taking out a car subscription with a manufacturer is you have a wide range of makes and models to choose from. My Car Direct adds to that, with both 

 and ICE vehicles, cars and vans all available with free nationwide delivery. 

is an EV specialist, meaning you won't be able to subscribe to 

 through their service. This does mean however they are experts on EV makes and models and can advise on charging types and requirements. 

Offering both EV and petrol/diesel cars, 

 doesn’t limit you on fuel type, they also offer a generous 1,000-mile-per-month cap, and insurance included across most of the cars. A rolling one-month contract is also perfect for those that can’t commit to a fixed-term deal. 

Whilst more expensive than leasing, car subscriptions do hold some overall benefits: 

Factors to Consider With Car Subscriptions 

Thankfully because most car subscriptions offer a rolling contract basis, you can sign up for a shorter period first to get a feel for the car you’ve selected, but even so there are a few things. 

Although more expensive than leasing in the short term, and with stricter limitations than owning outright, car subscriptions serve a useful purpose in short-term motoring. In some ways, they can be viewed as a long-term rental, as they offer no strings attached car usage. 

Generally speaking, car subscriptions are ideal for those looking for a car on the luxury end of the market, for a period of 1 to 12 months, and even better for people who are not familiar with or don’t have the time to sort maintenance, 

, vehicle tax and all the other aspects of motoring. 

To ascertain whether they are worth it for you, consider all of the advantages, disadvantages and points to consider above. Also, check out our blogs on other types of 

, or if you think you may need a car for a longer period of time, our guide to 

Car subscriptions are a somewhat novel but handy way to drive a new, reliable and safe car. Whilst they are more expensive than other options over the short term, they do even out when considering the costs included. 

Further to that, the convenience of being able to change or hand back the car month by month is invaluable for some. 

If you’re looking for greater flexibility with vehicle maintenance, why not try 

 you can split the cost of vehicle maintenance into interest-free monthly payments. 

Apply online in a couple of seconds and choose from 1000s of dependable retailers. 

Are Car Subscriptions Worth It?

We’re excited to announce that Best4 has been named our winner of Partner of the Month for April 2024!

Part of the Autoguard group, Best4 Warranty is a top-rated warranty provider, dedicated to providing drivers with peace of mind, helping prepare for the unexpected. Since 2022, Best4 has utilised Bumper’s pay-monthly option to offer their customers more payment flexibility with their products.

The Camberley-based team just had their best month ever, with more happy customers driving away with warranties split into manageable monthly payments than ever before. With fantastic reviews on Trustpilot, Best4 presents a stellar 4.9-star rating. 

The team have received extremely positive feedback with their customer service, with one customer sharing “Great customer service! Lara Norris was really helpful and couldn’t do more to help!” Another added, “Excellent professional service from Shaneil, very detailed and thorough.”

A previous Best4 customer who used Bumper through Best4 Warranty stated, “Took out a 3-year warranty for my Citroen and the finance was handled by Bumper. It was easy to set up, giving me peace of mind with my new car.”

We extend a huge congratulations to Callum and the entire Best4 team for an outstanding month!

Best4 awarded partner of the month

When you look outside, you can probably only see regular cars. Maybe you’ll spot a few luxury or high-performance vehicles, but you won’t see anything too out of the ordinary.

We’re all guilty of a little car modification. Phone holders, new speakers, and air fresheners can make driving more comfortable. And why not? It’s fun to drive something unique. 

But what about when people take it too far? From banana cars and snow ploughs to the it's-so-bad-it-should-be-illegal, some people take modifications to the next level. Scroll down to see a round-up of the strangest cars ever. 

It looks like this owner took their love for Liam Neeson to the next level. Introducing Liam Nissan, the first contender for the weirdest car in the world prize! Would you show your support for your favourite celebrity like this?

The banana car is a strong contender for one of the craziest cars ever. Unlike some other entries on this list, the banana mobile has a unique shape and an ultra-cool convertible style. It’s like something straight out of a cartoon!

We’re not sure when you’d need a snow plough on the front of a caravan. But we guess it’s always nice to have the option. This older caravan has seen better days, but its snow plough modification puts it in the running for one of the strangest cars in the world.

It looks like Doctor Who’s broken down again. This pick-up truck seems to have a Tardis onboard. Don’t look too closely, though. It’ll ruin the optical illusion!

Have you ever seen a big car with minuscule wheels? Well, now you have! This is one of the craziest cars in the world, for sure. Don’t ask us why, but this has the same energy as a T-Rex, and we’re here for it.

Good news everyone, with the Planet Express car, you can now make deliveries powered by an internal combustion engine along a pre-constructed pathway designed for vehicular traffic in the third dimension. If you’re a Futurama fan, you’ll be impressed. If not, keep scrolling! 

The next car on our craziest cars ever list has made the 7th spot due to its special design. Like a mullet, it’s business in the front and kooky design in the back. Alternatively, you could say it’s like a child’s drawing of a car has come to life. Either way, it’s strange!

At first glance, this sleek car looks like something out of a sci-fi film. With a smooth aesthetic and an alien-green hue, we’re curious as to where it came from. Let’s hope the driver comes in peace!

Motorhomes are already unique cars, but this one’s unique shape takes the biscuit. It also cements it on the 

strangest cars ever list. Congratulations to the driver!

Meet the driving home for Christmas final boss. You can’t question this driver’s festive spirit! However, you will curse them if you get stuck behind this bright monstrosity on the motorway. Sunglasses, anyone?

A car bed might sound like a dream for road trips, but this one actually looks like a hotel you’d leave a 1-star review at. With no protection from the elements, no comfortable pillows or bed sheets, and no privacy, we won’t be checking in here. However, we will be placing this on the weirdest cars in the world list!

Have you seen a grass-covered car before? Well, now you have! We don’t know if this car is as eco as it looks, but we love the green theme. It might not be the craziest car ever, but it’s definitely one that would make you double-take!

Next on the strange car list is the Post-it car. Underneath these neon office supplies lies a Jaguar. But you wouldn’t have been able to tell from first glance! This isn’t one to drive on a windy day.

Ever wished you could drive a car on tarmac 

 water? The Amphicar Model 770 could be your dream match. This model has four wheels, two propellers, and a watertight design. Sadly, only 3,878 were manufactured, and they're no longer in supply.

We’re ending the list of strangest cars in the world with the famous General Motors Firebird. This aviation-inspired car is powered by a large gas turbine engine — just like a real fighter jet. However, the cars were so unstable (due to the high power) that they were rarely tested or driven. 

There are almost too many strange cars to choose from. However, we think the banana car is pretty wacky. Do you agree? Or has another car on the list caught your attention?

The ultimate list of strangest cars - Final thoughts

Hopefully, the list of strange cars has given you something to giggle about at work. Who knows? Perhaps it even inspired you to modify your car so you can make the craziest cars in the world list. If we’ve missed any iconic cars, send them our way!

 is here to help you split the cost of car repairs and services. 

Search for a reliable garage in your area by entering your registration and postcode with 

15 of the Strangest Cars in the World

Congratulations to Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds for being named Dealership of the Month. 

Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds use Bumper’s PayLater to split their customers’ aftersales invoices into interest-free monthly payments and PayNow for customers to make instant, digital payments from their device. 

Having joined the network in 2015, the team at Drive have gone from strength to strength using Bumper’s digital payment methods to improve customer satisfaction and retention. 

Flexible payment options have proved to be popular with Drive customers. One said, “So straightforward to use. It's a big help with budgeting and makes the difference between having all the work done at the same time, rather than postponing some, which is less than ideal. No interest charged either.” 

With a near-perfect 4.3 out of 5 stars, customers have also praised the staff at the site. One driver said, “It was so straight forward, the service advisor, Stephen Eboma, helped us as we are elderly. He kept us in tea and coffees in the waiting area while they fixed the car. 

“We are on a pension so splitting the payments was perfect for us like Stephen explained. We would recommend Bumper and Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds to everyone.” 

Part of the site’s success can be attributed to the team’s streamlined process. Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds use the Bumper and CDK integration enabling Bumper applications to be completed within their DMS. 

Congratulations to Harry, Stephen, Sam, and the whole team at Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds for winning this award! 

Drive Vauxhall Bury St Edmunds celebrated as Dealership of the Month 

We're thrilled to have been awarded the Overall Judges' Award at the Northern Tech Awards 2024.

Held at Manchester Central and hosted by GP Bullhound, the awards celebrate the top 100 fastest-growing companies in Northern England, with categories such as Fastest Growing Company of the Year, the Innovation Award and the Entrepreneur Award. A Northern Stars category shines a spotlight on younger companies with potential for growth in tech.

The Overall Judges' Award recognises the company with the highest achievements for growth, innovation, global ambition, cultural excellence and leadership. 

GP Bullhound's ranking of fastest-growing companies comes at a remarkable time for Bumper, having recently closed a $50m Series B funding round. The funding will aid further growth of Bumper's automotive payment platform across Europe. 

Managing Director of GP Bullhound Javed Huq, said, “Congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 Northern Tech Awards. Their success is a testament to the remarkable determination and entrepreneurship, which have enabled their businesses to thrive in a challenging market landscape. 

"We are immensely proud of the dedication and innovation within the Northern tech ecosystem and believe it is important to celebrate these achievements at tonight’s awards. We are honoured to champion these leading tech businesses, and look forward to their continued growth and contribution to the UK economy.”

Over the course of the evening, a wide range of tech companies were recognised, from leading industry experts in AI to digital product development agencies. Amongst those recognised were xDesign, Opencast, Cassie, ProofID, IDHL Easyfundraising, Robiquity and Answer Digital. 

We'd like to say a big thank you GP Bullhound for recognising Bumper with this prestigious award and congratulations to all the other winners.

Bumper Wins Overall Judges' Award at Northern Tech Awards 2024

Bumper gana el premio del jurado en los Northern Tech Awards 2024

The Golden Gate Bridge is an American Icon. Stretching 1.7 miles long, the San Francisco-based suspension bridge has appeared in countless films – Godzilla, Pacific Rim, and even DreamWorks’ Monsters vs. Aliens. 

If these movies are anything to go off one thing’s for sure, if you’re a would-be, Earth-destroying, giant monster from outer space you simply must make a stop to destroy the Golden Gate Bridge. Possibly on your way to the Eiffel Tower or Sydney Opera House. 

However, despite its limited luck on the silver screen, the Golden Gate Bridge has endured the years. 

But it hasn’t always been plain sailing. During the bridge’s construction in 1935, terrified workers clung to the top as an earthquake caused the bridge to sway up to 16 feet. 

You might be surprised to learn, given the period in which the bridge was built, that there were some safety precautions in place.

A giant safety net had been deployed to catch anyone who accidentally slipped. The net saved the lives of 19 workers during the construction of the suspension bridge. 

In an iconic orange, the US Navy had originally demanded the bridge be painted in blue and yellow to increase its visibility. 

However, when the steel arrived in the now-familiar orange the architect decided it looked better as it was. Sorry, US Navy, your concerns over visibility and safety will have to wait! 

But what about the bridge sagging? Well, I won’t keep you in “suspense” any longer. 

 anniversary of the bridge was celebrated. To mark the momentous occasion, San Francisco organised a bridge walk. 

Thousands showed up to take part in the walk with an estimated 300,000 pedestrians marching across in celebration. 

Then, what seemed like a big success suddenly turned into a big concern for safety. 

With so many people on the bridge, the structure began to sag, dipping in the middle so much that the bridge's iconic curve flattened out.

As well as the bridge beginning to dip, organisers were concerned about people becoming trapped in the middle. If there had been an emergency there would have been no escape.

Organisers decided to cancel the event, preventing a further 600,000 pedestrians from marching onto the bridge and perhaps stopping what could have been a very big catastrophe. 

Luckily, nobody was hurt and engineers said the bridge had never been under threat of collapse, with the weight exerted on it only being a small fraction of the load it had been designed to hold. 

Even if the weight had been too much, suspension bridges are designed to dip in the middle rather than completely collapse. 

I wonder what they have planned for this surprisingly bendy bridge’s upcoming 90

 anniversary? Whatever it is, I think I might “dip” out of that one.

That time the Golden Gate Bridge sagged 7 feet 

We’re pleased to announce we’ve raised a further £2 million in a Series B extension round, with Suzuki Global Ventures and Marubeni Ventures joining as investors.

With Suzuki’s strong European dealer network and Marubeni’s RRG Group, HPL Motors Group and Norton Way Motors in the UK, the new investors are strategically important for further accelerating Bumper’s scaled growth across the UK and Europe. 

Suzuki’s UK dealer operation recently ranked as the top-performing automotive brand in the Institute of Customer Service’s 2024 UK Customer Satisfaction Index. 

The latest investment follows last year’s £40 million Series B fundraise with Autotech Ventures, Shell Ventures, JLR’s InMotion Ventures and Porsche Ventures. Total investment in Bumper has now reached £55 million. 

The new investors are joining after a record year of growth for the business with Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) growing 100% year on year and customer numbers up 80% in the last 12 months. 

James Jackson, Bumper Co-Founder and CEO said, “With Suzuki Global Ventures and Marubeni Ventures joining our growing portfolio of major automotive investors, we can accelerate our ambitious plans to be the dominant payment platform for car dealers in the UK and across Europe.

“We’re delighted that Suzuki Global Ventures and Marubeni Ventures see the value of what we’ve already achieved and our future potential. Unexpected and unbudgeted car repair bills are a universal problem requiring flexible payment solutions that benefit customers and dealers. With our investors’ support, we’re now ideally placed to invest in new products and increase our dealer footprint.”

Kinji Saito, Director and Senior Managing Officer at Suzuki said, “Bumper’s unique AI technology enables real-time financing decisions, thereby making it easier for customers to take their cars for repairs and services, and dealers to attract customers. 

“With this investment, made through Suzuki Motor Corporation’s corporate venture capital fund, we aim to enhance the convenience of customers through expanding Bumper’s services.” 

Tristan Jennings, Senior Associate of Marubeni Ventures said, “Bumper has clearly demonstrated an ability to address the unique financing needs of automotive repair customers, reduce friction at point of sale and improve the user experience, while seamlessly integrating into existing dealership IT infrastructure. 

“We aim to leverage Marubeni’s existing businesses in the automotive and auto finance sectors to further expand Bumper’s reach and build upon its outstanding level of customer service.”

Bumper raises £2 million in Series B extension with Suzuki Global Ventures and Marubeni Ventures 

Bumper haalt £2 miljoen op in de serie B-uitbreiding, waarbij Suzuki Global Ventures en Marubeni Ventures zich aansluiten als investeerders

Bumper recauda 2 millones de libras en la ampliación de la ronda de financiación serie B gracias a Suzuki Global Ventures y Marubeni Ventures como nuevos inversores.

Alastair Shephard

Content Writer