However, whereas Profile Tyrecenter is aiming to launch its offering in January, FTN is already operating and offering its independent tyre dealers a different business model.

Profile Tyrecenter is asking independent dealers to pay a one-off fee to join its network and buy tyres from their local Group Tyre member at a pre-agreed price and effectively sell it to Profile Tyrecenter UK which then sells it to the fleet.

Meanwhile, FTN says independents will continue buying and sourcing tyres from their preferred suppliers for its work. And, instead of paying a one-off fee, FTN takes a flat rate commission on the work it generates.

Pricing is set at a pre-agreed rate
between FTN and the tyre fitters. The tyre fitter invoices FTN, while it invoices the customer.

Bennett explained: “We’ve positioned our pricing so the tyre fitters make as much money as they possibly can while remaining competitive in the fleet market.”

Tyre dealers that sign-up to the FTN network are provided with access to a web-based platform which manages all work generated by the company. The system is designed to capture all the information required by the fleet company and gives the authority for work to go-ahead.

“What you authorise is what you get invoiced,” said Jones.

Fleet operators are looking for pricing and management control, but of equal importance is improved service choice and quality for their drivers.

But FTN says it has also recognised that the major leasing companies have become increasingly concerned about having such a reliance on a single supplier.

“Even if they only put 25% of their business to another provider they’ve mitigated their risk,” said Bennett.

Meanwhile, the customer can mould FTN’s available network to its particular need, allowing a bespoke offering of sites.

“It allows people choice,” said Bennett. “The rigidity of the market is what has caused many of the issues, but we’re trying to ensure everybody wins by taking a different approach.”