Supported by Alphabet’s management of funding and maintenance costs, as well as focus on reducing vehicle downtime in 2015, WDH reports that the fleet has contributed to a 2% reduction in the cost per property of the responsive repair service.
WDH required bidders, who tendered within the CCS Framework, to accommodate its existing terms with Volkswagen, including vehicles on maintenance inclusive contracts. Subsequently, Alphabet was awarded the supply contract for its LCV fleet in 2014. By the end of last year, Alphabet had supplied over 300 vehicles fitted-out to Wakefield’s specifications to meet the requirements of plumbing, glazing, electrical, groundworks and other trades.
“Alphabet has proven itself to be very flexible and reasonable. The implementation of the contract and mobilising the vans was an important phase, which the team handled professionally and quickly,” commented Paul Clarke, procurement categories manager at WDH.
“When it comes to servicing needs, Alphabet takes a proactive approach. Irrespective of scheduled service intervals, every vehicle undergoes a safety inspection every six months with a locally based service supplier. This not only ensures the safety of drivers but minimises downtime, helping us meet our response time targets, which is a key element of tenant satisfaction,” added Clarke.
Alphabet also sends WDH a weekly summary of breakdowns affecting its vehicles. By pulling in data from its roadside recovery partners, the housing stock supplier is provided with a more complete and timely view of what’s happening to its vehicles.