AN international hospitality group has switched from three suppliers to one in a bid to slash costs and improve customer service levels.

Accor Hotels Group, which operates more than 4,000 hotels worldwide, has opted for a sole supply deal with online leasing and fleet management group Tuskerdirect.

Anna McGahon, assistant finance manager at Accor Hotels Group, said: 'We previously used a broker system with three suppliers which didn't work as efficiently or as cost-effectively as we would have liked.

'We moved to Tuskerdirect because it was more cost competitive and pro-active, and was prepared to go that bit further than its competitors.'

The group, which runs a 70-vehicle UK fleet, is using Tuskerdirect's web-based leasing and fleet management system following the new deal.

McGahon said: 'Our drivers like the flexibility of the system. They can now go online to see which cars are available for their grade rather than having to make a special trip to a dealership. As we have a virtually open-choice policy, that can add up to a wide choice of cars.'

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