The utilities provider turned to Northgate Vehicle Hire in a bid to reduce the amount of money it was spending on vehicles that were not being used.
Northgate's ability to provide a month-by-month service with the flexibility to adapt to the client’s varying needs was cited as a leading factor in Utilitywise's decision to partner with the firm.
Utilitywise reports that minimising environmental impact is a key consideration, and as such it was important to use a vehicle supplier that could offer vehicles with positive fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions, which Northgate was able to provide on a flexible basis.
Northgate’s solution has helped to save Utilitywise £80,000 in the space of 12 months compared to the alternative options it explored, with a further 50 hours a month saved using Northgate’s all-inclusive service, maintenance and repair (SMR) and fleet administration.
Utilitywise was established in 2006 and has grown to service a network of tens of thousands of small, medium and large businesses across all sectors.
Commenting on the partnership, Andy Evans, group health, safety and facilities manager at Utilitywise, said: “We were approached by Northgate with a solution that we felt could be advantageous to our growing business and – with their national coverage and pedigree – could match our growth plans.
“As a result of partnering with Northgate we now have a service that readily complements the nature of our business. We have seen an unprecedented saving of £80,000 within the first 12 months compared to other options we scrutinised. The rates we pay for our vehicles is in line with our budgeting plans and expectations,” he added.
A key part of the Northgate all-inclusive service is to provide a dedicated account manager who is available to assist the business with its requirements at all times. Northgate’s account managers therefore act more as consultants than salespeople, helping to form positive partnerships.
John Deacon, area sales manager at Northgate, added: “Northgate’s Management Information portal has provided Utilitywise with easy access to reports that break down everything from CO2 emissions to the service history of each vehicle, ensuring the service is in line with the company’s own environmental ethos.”