U-Drive is to ramp up its focus on public sector vehicle hire after securing a place on Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Vehicle Hire Solutions framework.
The family-owned company has been named as a supplier on Lot 1 and Lot 2, enabling its use by public sector bodies in key sectors such as central government, health, and local government as well as the UK emergency services.
Public sector bodies now have access to U-Drive’s 3,700-strong portfolio of vehicles for short- or long-term hire. The company’s fleet includes electric, petrol and diesel vehicles, from small cars up to 3.5-tonne commercial vehicles, including tippers, E-Transit vans and specialist vehicles fully fitted with accessories and Chapter 8.
The framework place marks a significant milestone for U-Drive, which has a network of locations throughout Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon, Glamorgan and Manchester, strengthening its reputation as a trusted and reliable vehicle hire provider for the public sector.
U-Drive director Mark Hamblin said: “Crown Commercial Service is the largest public sector procurement agency in the UK and U-Drive is extremely proud to have secured a position on this vital framework delivering services throughout the UK. As a supplier on the CCS framework, we have bolstered our position as a trusted vehicle hire partner for businesses of all sizes and acceptance onto this prestigious framework is testament to our commitment to excellence.
“For more than 40 years, U-Drive has forged strong partnerships with local authorities including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and West Sussex County Council, water companies, construction contractors, housing associations and education bodies, and we are excited to have the opportunity to further extend our services across the public sector and offer both the quality and value.”
Crown Commercial Service supports the public sector to achieve maximum commercial value when procuring common goods and services. In 2022/23, CCS helped the public sector to achieve commercial benefits equal to £3.8bn – supporting public services to offer best value for taxpayers.
Hamblin added: “The team at U-Drive understand how vital it is for all fleet operators in this sector to keep costs down while optimising service levels, and this understanding enables us to support our customers in providing their services to the public as efficiently and effectively as possible. We look forward to working alongside CCS to deliver first-class vehicle hire requirements.”
