Social housing provider Longhurst Group is to introduce whole-life cost financial modelling and competitive tendering for its fleet following a switch to outsourcing through Fleet Alliance.

Longhurst Group owns and manages more than 19,000 homes, as well as employing around 900 people, and runs a fleet of 165 company cars and around 250 grey fleet vehicles.

The company, which operates throughout the Midlands and East of England, previously ran its fleet of 165 company cars and around 250 grey fleet vehicles inhouse under current fleet manager Paula Maxwell. Following Maxwell’s switch to part-time working, the decision was taken to outsource and Fleet Alliance was appointed on a full-time basis. 

Longhurst runs a user-chooser fleet, with cars currently contract-hired over 48-month/60,000-mile replacement cycles. Fleet Alliance will now apply competitive tendering via a panel of funders to select the most attractively priced new models, as well as being responsible for managing the legacy fleet. Any savings achieved this way will be returned to the company.

In addition, whole-life costing will be introduced to help drivers identify the most cost-effective vehicles over their fleet life, rather than relying on monthly lease rentals.

Fleet Alliance has also implemented its cloud-based fleet management and reporting suite, e-Fleet, to provide ‘live’ records for all vehicles on the fleet, bringing increased control along with reduced fleet administration costs. 

The technology will also soon enable Longhurst drivers to see all models available for their particular job grade via a dedicated portal, which will allow them to request quotations for their next new vehicle and order and track new vehicles online.

Fleet Alliance is also introducing its e-Fleet Mobile app, which enables company drivers to access key support services, update business and private mileage and electronically complete vehicle inspection reports via smartphones. Longhurst drivers will also benefit from an accident management service while Fleet Alliance will also help ensure the company meets its duty of care obligations with regards to its grey fleet.

“First impressions of working with Fleet Alliance have been very good and any teething problems have been immediately sorted out, with high levels of service and helpful and friendly staff,” said Paula Maxwell.