Venson Automotive Solutions has recently signed a fourth extension with Unison, taking the partnership through to November 2018.

Following an initial three-year agreement for the supply of cars on contract hire with full maintenance and an accident management service the relationship has been extended on a 12-month rolling basis since October 2011.

Jonathan Zadeh, one of three procurement advisors at Unison and the organisation’s fleet expert, said the trade union selected Venson following a major tender exercise and the shortlisting of three potential providers.

He said: "We were impressed with Venson during the tender process. Due to the company’s experience of working with public sector organisations and their fleets, Venson understood and was in tune with Unison’s requirements, what we expected of them and what our drivers expected.

“Venson as a smaller vehicle leasing and fleet management company has been able to deliver a bespoke service and manage all driver-related issues directly without reference to Unison.”

A ‘one-stop’ telephone helpline enables Unison’s car drivers to contact Venson directly where a dedicated client management team and account manager is able to provide expert help and advice in, what Zadeh described as, "a timely fashion” providing “direct answers to direct questions”.

He added: “Costs are important to all organisations, including Unison, but it was the promise of service quality that won through because we did not want to be firefighting.”

Looking back over six years of service, Zadeh said: “Venson has lived up to Unison’s expectations and has delivered in many areas. In-life contract relationships do not always run smoothly and there are bumps in the road, but it is how those issues are dealt with that makes a difference.”