More and more small fleets are signing up with Lombard Vehicle Management as it reports a 23% year-to-date increase in SME contracts, with September deliveries alone up by 10%. According to Lombard, an increasing number of smaller fleets (1-150 vehicles) are signing up to contract hire to benefit from the added value offered by outsourcing to a specialist provider.

Stuart Houlston, managing director, Lombard Vehicle Management said: “Flexible funding and the capability to provide a full range of products and services are the reasons that Lombard Vehicle Management continues to grow. We are open for business and, unlike many who can only offer fleet management with funding through another source, we can provide a one-stop shop with the fleet solution as well as the funding.”

Houlston added: “Our experience and flexibility gained while working with large company vehicle fleets and the expertise of our dedicated van team has a direct benefit to smaller fleets which have as many requirements as the larger fleets. Businesses turn to contract hire and fleet management for a number of different reasons, but for small companies it is crucial to get a quality service that meets their needs. Our understanding of those needs ensures that we don’t just deliver a cost-effective solution but one that also helps with recruitment, retention, duty of care and operational efficiency. The fact that Lombard has continued to grow its new business year-on-year in challenging circumstances clearly demonstrates that we remain ready to support SMEs which are the lifeblood of the UK economy and will drive the recovery.”