The complete fleet solution partnership includes services such as maintenance and breakdown cover on GRITIT’s 200-strong fleet of vehicles, which ranges from 4x4s to pick-ups and vans – a task that was previously managed in house by GRITIT.

In addition to these services, Northgate’s flexible vehicle hire allows GRITIT to meet demand in busy cold periods throughout the winter months without investing capital in purchasing vehicles and growing its own fleet. GRITIT can simply hand back the keys to its vehicles when the busy period is over, without penalty.

Andy Riley, Commercial Sales manager for Complete Fleet Solutions at Northgate Vehicle Hire, commented: ‘Our partnership with GRITIT highlights the extensive services Northgate has to offer. There is a common misconception that Northgate focuses its offering on vehicle hire alone, this is not the case – over the past 24 months we have invested heavily into developing our complete fleet solution offering and supporting this with continual training and development of our growing sales team and investment in the Northgate depot and workshop network.’

As a result we are in a position to offer cost effective and flexible fleet solutions for customers both new and old. In GRITIT’s case this has led to a bespoke partnership with Northgate, which is tailored to the company’s needs,’ he continued.

Northgate’s partnership with GRITIT will also provide the company with complete vehicle visibility using the market leading fleet dynamix software platform, which monitors vehicles location, age, maintenance history and movements, which is set to help to reduce costs during GRITIT’s continued period of growth.

Nikki Singh-Barmi, managing director at GRITIT, added: ‘Our team of operators, or gritters, work around the clock in often very icy conditions. They play a vital role in keeping retailers, offices and banks open for business – whatever the weather. It is therefore vital to ensure that the vehicles they use are maintained to the highest standards – not only for their safety, but also for customers and the general public.

‘Given our rapid growth, we considered it necessary to begin working with a partner on the vehicle fleet management side. Northgate provided a tailored package to suit our unusual requirements, and we hope to develop this relationship further, as we continue to grow,’ he added.