CABLE & Wireless has outsourced its 2,500-strong van fleet to Arriva Automotive Solutions in a solus deal worth £7.2 million per year. Arriva will take over the management of the Ford Transit and Courier fleet with immediate effect, providing full driver support, and will supply all new vehicles on a contract hire basis.

The business was secured after Cable & Wireless invited tenders to identify and deliver cost savings in the acquisition and operation of its fleet, minimise its future residual value risk and reduce its internal administration costs. The communications giant's decision to tender followed a series of acquisitions which had left it with several fleet suppliers providing vehicles via a variety of different funding and management methods.

The vans are used throughout the UK by Cable & Wireless engineers in customer service and network support roles. Cable & Wireless did investigate the option of splitting its fleet funding and service requirements between different suppliers, but settled on a solus arrangement with Arriva.