A tight grip on costs, a focus on safety and a fleet review focused on flexibility helped Enserve Group win Fleet of the Year for 251-1,000 vehicles at this year’s awards.

With a mixed fleet of some 600 vehicles, including 135 cars and 465 vans, Enserve has left no stone unturned in its quest to run an efficient and compliant fleet.

A full fleet review focusing on what makes and models would best fit operational needs was undertaken. It looked at vehicle layout, operational capability, reliability, manufacturer and supplier support in the event of a breakdown and the vehicles’ environmental impact.

It resulted in its commercial vehicle contract for all vans under 3.5 tonnes being awarded to Northgate Vehicle Hire after it tendered for the business.

Enserve said Northgate could offer the same vehicles, at the same price and with the same contract hire and leasing suppliers, but with the added benefit of flexibility. That’s important for a business where winning new contracts can require additional vans being added to the fleet at short notice.

Enserve is also reducing its CO2 emissions by employing telematics software and speed limiters to help measure and control fuel consumption.

The availability of driver data has enabled the fleet department to advise employees on smarter driving techniques, with a ‘driving league’ highlighting the best and worst performers.

Cost savings have been made as the reduction in undesirable driving behaviours has led to fewer repairs and replacement parts.

In addition, reversing/parking sensors have been fitted to all vehicles, the company has become a member of the Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence scheme and it has set up a Critical Risk Group to look at all fleet-related issues.

Picture caption: Paul Brown, head of group fleet, Enserve Group (left), picks up the award from Neil Broad, general manager, Toyota & Lexus Fleet

Finalists

• Britvic
• Enserve Group
• Tristar

Highly commended

• Britvic

Judges’ comments

Paul Brown shows a solid understanding of the fleet and has introduced a number of new initiatives, which are robustly measured to display clear results. An extremely well-run operation.

Awards video