WATER, electricity and gas network owner United Utilities has revamped its fleet operation and cut the number of leasing suppliers it uses.

The company has awarded a five-year deal to ALD Automotive following a tender process launched to reduce its in-house fleet administration.

Pat Nolan, United Utilities’ technical project manager, said ALD’s web-based offering was key to its decision.

Nolan said: ‘We wanted our chosen partner to be able to provide a range of added value IT-based services to support both the business and our drivers. We believe the new contract will remove a significant amount of day-to-day administration, thereby enabling cost efficiencies and a greater strategic focus on fleet operations.’

The company operates a 1,800-strong car fleet, historically a mix of both outright purchase and leasing through a number of contract hire suppliers. It also has 3,000 cash-for-car drivers.

Now all of its company cars will be leased through ALD, which will also supply a range of fleet management services. ALD will also manage out existing vehicle leasing contracts.