Radian Services has teamed up with ATS Euromaster to upgrade the tyres on its 160-strong fleet of vans, after accessing the Government Procurement Services (GPS) tyre framework agreement.

Radian Services provides maintenance for the homes managed by Radian, and its fleet is utilised by a team of skilled tradesmen ranging from gardeners and grounds workers to carpenters and plumbers, servicing 18,000-plus homes across the southern counties.

Having previously fitted mid-range replacement tyres, ATS Euromaster introduced Radian’s fleet manager, Samantha McIndoe, to the GPS process and demonstrated how she could use its collective buying power to fit a premium brand of tyre across her fleet.

With immediate effect, Radian adopted a 100 per cent Michelin replacement tyre policy, specifying all service work be carried out by ATS Euromaster – which holds coveted supplier status to public sector organisations through the GPS programme.

“My primary aim is to minimise downtime as the vans are one of the teams’ main tools for working efficiently,” says McIndoe. “By moving to the GPS framework deal, ATS Euromaster has been able to offer us Michelin van tyres at a very reasonable cost. I am confident the new tyres will extend the lifespan between tyre changes, and so far wear seems minimal.”

Fleet utilisation within Radian is high, so fitting premium tyres is expected to deliver multiple benefits, including improved road safety, longer service intervals and increased resistance to punctures and associated tyre damage.

McIndoe adds: “ATS Euromaster’s centres are ideally situated to support the fleet. Our team covers a wide territory, so I am safe in the knowledge that in the event of a tyre issue, their experienced technicians will get my drivers back on the road with the minimum of fuss.

“We also really value the honest approach ATS Euromaster brings to supporting our fleet; it was on their advice that we found we could access the GPS scheme and buy the Michelin tyres at such a competitive rate.”

Radian provides affordable housing and specialist care and support to individuals across the South East. It operates a fleet of Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter vans.

The GPS programme, launched in 2011, was previously called the Office of Government Commerce Buying Solutions. The scheme works with 14,500 organisations in local government, health, education and not-for-profit sectors, and has more than 2,000 suppliers providing their services.