A SCOTTISH construction company has switched from a solus to a dual-badge vehicle supply deal in a bid to reduce its leasing costs and widen the choice of cars available to drivers.

Watson Construction Group wanted to lower the leasing costs for its fleet of 55 cars and 13 vans and invited specialist companies in to discuss the options. It opted for advice given by the recently-formed Fleet Alliance after leasing costs on its fleet escalated under its existing lease arrangement.

Martin Brown, Fleet Alliance managing director, recommended that Watson, which has two divisions and specialises in stone masonry and public sector building contracts, switch from a solus badge deal to a dual-badge contract with Volkswagen and Peugeot.

He also advised that the company change to an all-diesel fleet, helping to rein in fuel costs and reduce drivers' benefit-in-kind tax bills.

Watson finance director Tom Brown said: 'The introduction of more choice has helped reinforce the company car culture, and while we have considered schemes such as structured personal leasing, we have not seen any economic or administrative justification for switching out of the company car.'

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