A flexible fleet framework from Pretium and Northgate Vehicle Hire offers a unique solution to the housing and local government sectors
Owning over 5000 homes across South West Hertfordshire, Watford Community Housing, was the first organisation to sign up to the framework.
The four-year framework is designed to adapt with changing legislation and working practices. It incorporates the operational flexibility of short-term rental whilst competing with the prices of fixed-term lease arrangements.
Nick Hann, Pretium’s head of frameworks said: “The framework is quite different to anything else on the market, it is a rental model rather than a lease or contract hire model, so it is not rigid or fixed, it can flex to suit the current and future operational requirements of the client.
“It is designed to meet the diverse needs of members giving them the chance to respond reactively to changes within their operating environment, such as introducing electric vehicles to their fleet or restrictions on higher emission vehicles.”
Northgate offers long-term rental hire vehicles that suit the individual needs of each client. The national framework includes: vehicle hire, servicing, vehicle defect repairs, replacement of worn tyres, 24-hour breakdown assistance, replacement vehicles and a fixed price menu for repairing damage.
Jay Taylor, area sales manager at Northgate said: “As one of the UK’s leading vehicle hire companies, Northgate has been supplying and managing vehicles from leading manufacturers including Mercedes Benz, Ford, VW and Peugeot for over 35 years.
“We have a growing network with multiple branches from Aberdeen to Plymouth, most of which have their own workshops, and we are guaranteed to keep your operatives on the road and available for work.
“We are delighted to be able to offer this secure, OJEU compliant framework which allows organisations of all sizes to get a better and more flexible deal.”
Stuart Thompson, head of maintenance services at the housing association, said: “Using the framework allowed us to quickly meet the demands our service requires, and to cater to the needs of our customers.
“The initial set up has seen the framework act on the promises it made and our involvement in this agreement is on track to deliver great value for money for our residents and our business.”
Designed with the housing and local government sectors in mind, the framework is now open to public sector organisations and service providers across the UK.
