Prestige Fleet Servicing is looking to expand its network of independent fleet service centres by a third in the first quarter of next year to meet rising demand.

The East Midlands-based operation currently has a network of 315 independent outlets providing low-cost, added-value servicing to fleet operators, including some of the UK’s largest leasing companies.

Recent client successes include a major vehicle auction house, a leading breakdown and recovery operator, a UK vehicle warranty provider and several key corporate fleets.

The company’s most recent three-year, multi-thousand vehicle contract has taken the number of vehicles within Prestige’s client portfolio past the one million vehicle milestone for the first time.

Commercial director Joe Bhamra (pictured), explained: “We are looking to expand the business still further in the first quarter of 2017 to meet growing customer demand and complete our network across the country.

“This follows organic growth plus new business wins, the combination of which has seen the company grow considerably in recent months and pass the one million vehicle mark for the first time.”

New service centres joining the Prestige network will receive a number of operational benefits, including beneficial payment terms, guaranteed throughput of fleet servicing business, national parts prices and use of the Unity technology platform. They will also have access to Prestige’s added value programme, which includes a national oil agreement and discounted insurance deals.

“Through our added value programme, we can offer independent garages a huge array of benefits from joining our network,” said Joe Bhamra. “For example, our national oil agreement with Fuchs, the world’s largest independent lubricants manufacturer, ensures that not only are buying prices kept low, but that the latest oils required for the current generation of advanced engines are readily available.

“We can also save our members 10% on their motor and public liability insurance premiums, via the bulk buying arrangement we have with brokers. This has already proved a major overhead cost reduction benefit for our members.

“We also provide members with six months’ interest free credit on some purchases to help cash flow, and have provided support for existing service centres where they have plans to grow their own business,” he said.

Bhamra said that at a time when, according to the latest research, many fleets faced rising SMR costs, the Prestige network offered significant benefits for fleet operators.

“We do not charge management fees and can provide savings of up to 40% on all SMR work compared to franchised dealers. Meanwhile, our in-house validation team controls each element of any SMR transaction on behalf of a customer.

“Our fleet customers also have access to Unity, our web-based fleet management tool, through which they can book and monitor the progress of all SMR work online, as well as downloading consolidated invoicing and management information reporting.

“Unity also provides a downtime management module which ensures that vehicle downtime is kept to a minimum, an especially vital benefit for LCV fleet operators and their drivers. Unity also provides embedded tyre tread depth and vehicle damage reporting for fleets to flag up any areas that require additional attention,” he said.