Author: Caroline_Joynson

Prohire’s sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels division, ProGreen, has delivered Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate’s first refrigerated electric vehicles.

The leading provider of commercial vehicle hire and fleet management solutions, was appointed by the North Yorkshire-based family business behind Yorkshire Tea, Taylors of Harrogate and Bettys Café Tea Rooms, to support its transition from diesel to electric vehicles, as part of its decarbonisation strategy. 

In collaboration with Bespoke Bodies, who have built the vehicle bodies, ProGreen has delivered two electric vans. The bespoke, all-electric temperature-controlled vans, have been designed for Bettys Craft Bakery, and will not only reduce emissions, but will improve operations too. Whereas previously each individual tray needed to be removed one at a time by the bakers, the new vans feature a tail lift to safely and efficiently lower the trolleys containing all of the trays of delicious cakes, pastries and treats, in one go. 

The on-brand livery that features on the two new electric vans has been designed by Bettys marketing team.

Additionally, ProGreen has delivered a brand new electric van to The Cone Exchange, Bettys & Taylors flagship community project which collects waste from local businesses, raising funds that are then donated to local charities.ProGreen initially provided the van free of charge as an in-kind donation.

ProGreen has fitted telematics to all three vehicles. The systems provide remote fault diagnosis, tracking, accident detention and driver behaviour analysis, and allow ProGreen to monitor the vehicles, deliver optimum performance, prevent critical failure, and report on CO2 savings.

Paul Farr, Bettys product director, said: “From the outset, Prohire took time to understand our specific needs, particularly the importance of maintaining our product quality during transit, and we are pleased to now see these bespoke vehicles out and about in Yorkshire. Our family business has a long commitment to protecting our planet, and these new vehicles are a positive next step in our approach to reducing our impact on the environment.”

Michelle Miles, head of ProGreen said: “From the start of the relationship with Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate, we have worked with key stakeholders to understand their fleet needs and have delivered a bespoke solution. The new electric vehicles support their sustainability strategy as well as streamlining operations.

“I’m extremely proud to see the vehicles on the road and look forward to continuing to support Bettys & Taylors Group fleet ESG strategy.”

Further to maintaining the vehicles, ProGreen has delivered training for the drivers covering the vehicle’s features and technology, how to load them, and health and safety. 

Headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, and employing over 90 people, Prohire provides nationwide commercial vehicle rental and long-term vehicle contract hire, together with fleet maintenance, accident repair management, and fleet compliance to customers across the UK.