Sinclair extends Fleet Assist SMR contract

Sinclair Finance and Leasing has extended its contract with Fleet Assist by a further three years until 2026.

The Bridgend-based business uses Fleet Assist’s network of more than 5,000 garages to manage the SMR on its fleet of nearly 4,600 vehicles.

Around 80% of the Fleet Assist network is also ‘EV ready’, which now also includes mobile repairers which can reach drivers in the less populated areas of the UK.

Paul Butcher, Sinclair’s fleet maintenance manager said: “We have had a very good working relationship with Fleet Assist for the past nine years and look forward to working with them for another three.

“They have helped us keep ahead of the curve with our customers’ SMR needs around electric and hybrid vehicles and have helped us proactively control our maintenance budget as the fleet continues to grow.”

Karen Ewer, Fleet Assist’s head of business development, added: “We continually invest time in future proofing our garage network as our customers’ fleets’ change.

“EVs and larger 4.25-tonne GVW LCVs are just two of these areas and we will continue to work with our garage network to ensure they provide the latest services for our customers and their drivers.”

Santander and Hertz choose Dealer Auction remarketing services

Santander Consumer Finance UK and Hertz have partnered with Dealer Auction, the digital wholesale marketplace, to access its remarketing services.

Dealer Auction will handle the collection, processing and remarketing of Santander Consumer Finance UK’s end-of-term MG vehicles.

Under the agreement, vehicles will be offered to MG dealers through a closed network, where they can be made available in a timed auction or “buy it now” basis.

Peter Redfern, head of remarketing at Santander Consumer Finance, said: “Prioritising the retail network helps protect residuals and will ensure there’s a ready flow of stock into the MG dealer group. Additionally, Dealer Auction’s digital auction format, its legion of motivated buyers and integrated physical services make this a winning proposition for Santander.”

Hertz, meanwhile, expects to remarket around 6,000 vehicles a year through the platform.

Hertz’s established buyers will be given the first opportunity to buy stock via an exclusive closed network, usually within hours of it becoming available. Unsold vehicles will cascade through to Dealer Auction’s audience of over 5,000 trade buyers.  

The new marketplace replaces Hertz’s legacy online auction platform.

Le Etta Pearce, Dealer Auction’s CEO, said: “Dealer Auction remarketing services has extended our service proposition to support many more dealers and fleets to make the easy shift to a digital remarketing strategy.

“It blends all the benefits of a high-performing marketplace but with the added convenience of a collection and processing service that overcomes challenges that some may have with the self-serve model. It ramps up speed of sale and maximises profit potential too.”

Ogilvie Fleet joins the National Body Repair Association 

In its first partnership with a motor repair association, Ogilvie Fleet has become a silver member of the National Body Repair Association.

The partnership will launch products to support the NBRA’s repairer members, adding personal service, discounts and additional benefits.

Offering more than just the provision of courtesy cars to the repair sector, Ogilvie will provide its full range of car and van leasing and fleet management products to NBRA member businesses of all sizes.

Trish Halford, special sectors development manager for Ogilvie Fleet, said: “We are delighted to be working with the NBRA, we believe we are on the same path to support the industry and its members however big or small.”

Fleet Alliance rated Great Place to Work

Fleet Alliance has been recognised as A Great Place to Work for a 12th successive year.

The Glasgow-based company’s rating comes from the Great Place to Work Institute, a fully independent organisation which assesses workplaces by gathering feedback from employee surveys as well as external analysis.

Head of people and culture, Emma Lovick, said: “At the heart of everything we do is Fleet Alliance Loves, our cultural programme which defines who we are and how we do business. Underpinned by our core values of fairness, trust, engagement and respect, it influences how we work, as well as our impact in the wider community.”

Fleet Alliance’s head office is situated in Glasgow’s Skypark – Scotland’s largest business campus with onsite facilities that include a café, nursery and gym.

Fleet Alliance CEO, Andy Bruce (pictured), said: “We are delighted to be recognised as a Great Place to Work for the twelfth year in a row.  

“We have always sought to make Fleet Alliance a happy, inclusive and welcoming environment where employees can have an interesting, rewarding and fulfilling career, so this latest accolade is fitting recognition of that ambition.”

Aston Barclay announces Investors in People accreditation 

Investors in People has awarded vehicle remarketing experts Aston Barclay the We Invest in People, standard accreditation. 

The automotive experts, which now has over 500 staff members across its six regional sites, partnered with Investors in People as part of its ongoing focus to improve how the business supports and develops its colleagues.  

Using a framework of best practice, an assessment was made of the organisations working practices and policies, along with an internal survey of colleagues to understand how aligned they felt to the business and its values.  

The audit found that all standards needed to achieve the accreditation had been met and highlighted the commitment to continuous improvement demonstrated by the business.  

Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Aston Barclay. Being accredited with We invest in people is a remarkable effort for any organisation, and places Aston Barclay in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.” 

Commenting on the award, Stephanie Sulston (pictured), chief people officer at Aston Barclay said: “This accreditation means that every single person is involved in supporting each other and is doing their best to make work better.

“We look forward to continuing our work with the Investors in People team to action our areas of focus and continuing to make Aston Barclay a fantastic place to work.”

Drivetech launches chauffeur driver training course

Drivetech, part of the AA, a specialist in driver training and risk management, has launched a course for in-post and prospective chauffeurs, designed to reduce accidents, improve driving standards and optimise client satisfaction for professional drivers.

Drivetech’s course was launched in response to significant client demand for greater professional driver training, says Nick Butler, director, Drivetech.

“With a chauffeur’s role comes a high degree of personal responsibility,” he explained. “Chauffeurs must also be experts in defensive driving techniques and are required to anticipate and react to potential hazards on the road, ensuring the safety of their passengers.

“We look forward to playing our part in increasing driver safety and wellbeing for this sector.”

Drivetech’s chauffeur driving course is a two-day programme suitable for one to two drivers at a time. Participants are required to use their own vehicle during the course.