Almost no invoices are rejected, and service and maintenance providers have work approved online – in fact, a large portion is approved by the platform automatically in line with standard parameters put in place by fleet managers.

“The platform is being used to exercise a much greater level of control over costs,” Trinder says.

“The number of rules in place that control authorisation of SMR spending have increased several fold and become much more sophisticated, as have the tools that we provide for making them possible.

“This contrasts with the way in which leasing companies sought to control SMR spending before the recession, which tended to be by negotiating large scale supplier deals that were intended to concentrate spending power.

“Now, while deals covering prices and rates remain important, micro management of actual costs is where progress is being made.”

But there could be another explanation as to why the franchised dealer network is seen as a preferred option for many fleets and leasing companies.

Alan Lilley, head of technical services at ING Car Lease, says: “Last year, around 92% of our SMR work went through the franchised dealer network with the remaining 8% going to independents.

"While our average bill from the dealer network was about 50% higher than the average from the independents, there is a simple explanation for this split.

“A large volume of work is covered under warranty – more appropriate for the approved franchise. In contrast, the independents often receive the lower-value work on vehicles coming to the end of their contract period which are out of warranty.

"That’s why it is so difficult to compare like-for-like when talking about SMR.”

Keep control

Managing SMR requirements can be a headache.

One possible solution is to get someone else to solve the problem, as Roddy Graham from Leasedrive Velo explains: “We currently subscribe to Fleet Assist for our SMR network management.

“It provides a professionally managed network of aftersales repairers.

“Our primary fast-fit provider is Kwik-Fit, although we have trading relationships with ATS, National Tyres and Fit 4 Fleet.”

Graham adds that while he uses some fast-fit services for MOT and essential brake repairs he does not use them for servicing, where he tends to turn to dealerships because they have up-to-date manufacturer data and vehicle service requirements, and engine management downloads.

“Fast-fit works best for the provision of tyres and glass,” says Graham. “But fast-fit services could do better in the area of essential repairs such as brakes and suspension.”

Jason Gill claims Halfords Autocentre has an edge over franchised dealers and believes its service is different from fast-fit chains.

“We enable our customers to maintain a tight grip on their own costs, without compromising service,” he says.

“During 2010, we completed approximately 175,000 fleet jobs, at prices that are extremely competitive and at comparable quality to franchised dealers. We are responsive to fleet customer requirements in every respect.

"From job management via 1link or our ability to resolve queries or issues, we have highly experienced central contacts, who are empowered to make decisions. This is valued greatly by our customers.”

Simon English, director of Fleet Assist, suggests that while fast-fit networks are able to offer genuine alternatives to main dealers in many areas, fleet operators are more likely to select them for certain work.

“Fast-fits cannot provide a one-stop shop for everyone’s requirements,” he says.

What seems to be clear is that fast-fits, alongside dealerships and independents, have their part to play in meeting fleet’s SMR needs but, warns Ian Thomson, they need to know their place.

“All these service companies – dealers, independents and fast-fits – should stick to what they know; they all have their strengths,” he says.

“What we don’t want is fast-fits trying to become something they’re not, such as taking on full-blown service work.”

Lilley adds: “Historically, there have been issues with independents over warranty repairs and this can have an impact on customers when they have to make multiple visits – something which can be avoided with franchised dealers.

“We have also experienced a loss of support from manufacturers in some instances when independents have been used.

"However, the industry is developing and the independents are already out-performing many of the franchised dealers when it comes to lead times and accommodating emergency repairs. 

“The belt-tightening taking place in business and the public sector may well give the independents the opportunity to play a bigger role going forward, but, we are unlikely to see independent servicing of the prestige marques any time soon.”