Multi-supply, in contrast, offers less of a barrier to exit if a fleet is having issues with one provider.

“Multi-supply fleets could have more control, and may benefit from reduced costs due to a panel approach,” adds Hollick.

Cueta Healthcare has Arval as its main leasing provider, with Lex Autolease as its ‘back-up’, with a 10-car presence on its fleet.

“A back-up is important in case service levels change in our main supplier and it gives a benchmark,” says Helen Bolton, facilities manager at Cueta Healthcare.

However, she added that predominately working with one larger leasing company gave her access to extra services, such as fleet policy, fuel management and green advice.

Dean Campbell, IMI group indirect procurement manager, considered dual and multi-source options at the last fleet tender.

But he says: “We decided we did not want the hassle of managing multiple relationships, with all the work related to setting up and running multiple billing platforms, ordering systems, etc.”

Bamber is also an advocate for sole supply.

“Choosing a sole supplier gives a strong bargaining position and should return competitive costs.

"Simple administration processes have a greater chance of successful management and less time administering equals greater efficiency.”

The provider should fit culturally with the company as well as be able to provide all of the required services.

Not all providers are the same, according to Hitachi’s Peace.

“They can all provide a vehicle, however, the additional services and the way that the company and its drivers are supported is what sets leasing providers apart,” he says.

Achieving the best value for money:

1 Preparation is key: ensure policies cover all your business needs and that the provider is a good cultural fit for the company.

2 Consider negotiating a limited risk on dilapidation charges.

3 Make sure the leasing agreement clearly identifies all costs: the cheapest rental offer is rarely the best option.

4 Consider including a set number of early terminations per year as a safeguard.

5 Include excess mileage pooling arrangements.

6 Look into profit share on residual value performance.