After another summer that has seen a surge in demand for vans, businesses in the South East that use commercial vehicles are being advised to plan ahead for July and August next year.

With the Olympics only 12 months away, van rental requirements are likely to increase further as businesses look to scale up to meet the anticipated demand from visitors.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which operates 360 branches in the UK, of which over 80 are located in London and the South East, has noted that demand for vans traditionally increases in the summer months. For example in July this year, its van rentals were 29% higher than in April.

However, the summer of 2012 is likely to see many companies in the South East looking to increase their van fleets for the duration of the Games. This will include not just the Olympics’ business partners, but also utilities and infrastructure firms, couriers, support services in the region and smaller businesses looking to ensure they can cope with the increase in demand for their goods.

Rob Ingram, director of business rental at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, said: “We’re growing our van fleet and working closely with our business customers to plan their likely demand cycle during 2012. That way we can help them meet any potential business commitments and still manage the increased summer demand among motorists.

“The key message is that businesses in London and the South East need to start thinking now about the vans they may need during July and August 2012. They don’t want to get caught on the hop.”