Important update on our services throughout COVID-19

Richard Hipkiss, Managing Director of Fleet Operations, provides an important update relating to the company’s services

As the UK-wide lockdown restrictions gradually ease and new ways of living and working emerge, businesses face the additional challenge of adapting to a somewhat changed market. 

When the pandemic took hold three months ago, many businesses were forced to halt parts of, or their entire, operation due to COVID-19.

The automotive industry was amongst the worst hit sectors, as the majority of vehicle movements ceased, with the exception of essential key worker transport.

The supply chain was also interrupted, with vehicle manufacturers and dealerships closing temporarily in the global push to curb the spread of the virus.  

From the outset, Fleet Operations took a pragmatic and proactive approach to the COVID-19 outbreak, with the safety of employees and the seamless provision of services to clients being of paramount importance. 

Before the government initiated the nationwide lockdown, we are proud to say that we were able to successfully transition all of our office staff to a home-working environment, so that all of our essential support services such as, driver helpdesk, accident management, breakdown, vehicle maintenance, and vehicle rental, could continue without disruption.

We are also proud to say that we were able to offer 100% of our operational services to key workers. Unfortunately, due to government restrictions, we were forced to reduce certain services provided to non-key workers, namely the delivery of new vehicles and the vehicle reallocation process.

With certain restrictions now lifted, it gives me great pleasure to advise that we are now in a position to resume these services for all customers.

In addition, we have started the phased reopening of our office and are pleased to announce that we have reverted to P3 status on our COVID-19 BCP.

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We thank our clients for their understanding and patience during these unprecedented times and are delighted to outline the following key information about our resumed services. 

Vehicle Ordering and Deliveries

We are beginning the process to start delivering new vehicles again, ensuring that all parties involved adhere to social distancing and robust cleaning routines.  

Due to the backlog of requests experienced by leasing companies, we are expecting significant delays in the delivery of new vehicles, as well as the collection of return vehicles.

We are working hard to reduce the costs to your business where possible, so we will be prioritising the delivery of new vehicles where a driver is currently in a rental vehicle, and aim to recontract eligible vehicles in order to provide you with any available savings and contract protection for vehicles on your fleet.  

Vehicle Reallocation

Our vehicle reallocation service has reopened to full operating capacity, with measures to ensure adherence to social distancing and robust cleaning routines.  

As the fight against COVID-19 continues, key worker requests will understandably take precedence; therefore, we do not expect service levels to return back to normal for the time being.

However, be reassured that we will be working diligently to ensure all vehicles are processed and delivered to drivers as soon as practicably possible.

Adjusting to the “new normal”

The recommencement of all our services marks an important first step to returning to the “new normal” and we are excited to be able to give our full support to our clients as they get back to business.  However, as with every industry, we understand that it will take time for services to return to pre-COVID-19 service levels.

As we move into the next phase of lockdown and we face the challenges ahead together, we would like to voice our appreciation for your continued support and reiterate our commitment to delivering and supporting you in every way possible during this difficult time.

Further information

If you have any specific queries relating to your fleet services, or the wider operation of your fleet, please contact your account manager.