Author: Clare Merrylees

Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies (BCHS) are the UK’s leading supplier of janitorial, cleaning, and hygiene products. They have 18 UK branches across the UK, from Plymouth to Aberdeen, and are part of Bunzl Plc, one of the fastest-growing, FTSE100 listed distribution and outsourcing groups across the globe.

Prohire has worked with BCHS for over 30 years. In that time, the BCHS fleet has grown to 128 vehicles, of which Prohire now provide over 70% on full contract hire.

Tasked with maximising uptime, Prohire’s mobile technicians are key in keeping BCHS’ fleet on the road. And with Prohire’s live reporting system, BCHS now have complete visibility of its fleet, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

With ESG and sustainability high on the agenda for BCHS, Progreen has supported the company in taking steps to bring down their emissions through the provision of electric vehicles (EVs).

Challenges

BCHS delivers essential cleaning and hygiene products to customers nationwide from 18 interlinked branches which have the power to draw stock from each other. On-time delivery is essential so that facilities management teams can create clean and safe environments that protect people while they are away from home.

The BCHS fleet operates without any standing vehicles or spare capacity and seeks to avoid expensive downtime. Therefore, it is critical to their business model that breakdowns are fixed as quickly as possible, or a replacement vehicle supplied.

The 128-strong fleet is managed remotely, so it is imperative that BCHS can check the status of its fleet 24/7, including the status of repairs. Improving the economy, payload, and sustainability of the fleet is a huge priority for BCHS. The company needed an expert partner to advise on the latest vehicles, including bespoke builds, safety features and cutting-edge fuel technologies.

Solution

Prohire keeps the BCHS fleet operating efficiently with its comprehensive and flexible accident management, compliance and maintenance offering. The fleet is monitored 24/7 and BCHS can track its fleet in real-time via Prohire’s online portal. Any issues are reported to BCHS immediately via email and the customer service team keep the transport manager updated on fleet status and repairs daily.

All vehicles are fitted with telematics which allow BCHS to monitor fleet driver behaviour, vehicle performance, journey planning and downtime. Using this information, more efficient routes have been designed using the latest routing software.

Key to keeping the BCHS fleet on the road is Prohire’s team of mobile technicians. Operating from fully equipped, mobile workshop vehicles; preventative maintenance and skilled repairs are provided at the roadside or on-site at BCHS’ convenience.

As fleet experts with a 30-year relationship with BCHS, Prohire has grown to understand the business and its priorities, keeping them informed on the latest developments in vehicles and fuel technology that may impact them and making recommendations in the key areas of economy, payload and sustainability that can ultimately improve their business performance.

As a result, with Prohire’s support, BCHS has brought down emissions through replacing its Euro 5 engines with the more fuel-efficient Euro 6, and Progreen has supported BCHS in the introduction of five EVs to its fleet. Prohire also proactively suggests new vehicles for BCHS that may better suit their operation, including a new vehicle with a lightweight body which will provide more payload. 

Results

• Prohire’s mobile technician team provide quick-response breakdown support within two hours
• Maintenance bookings are planned weeks in advance, giving complete visibility
• BCHS can access maintenance planners via the Prohire ProLink portal
• Having a dedicated account manager means that if an issue arises, it is escalated on the same working day
• Progreen is supporting BCHS in reducing emissions as part of its ESG and sustainability strategy

When it comes to fleet management, I don’t think there’s anybody better out there
than Prohire.

For me, the communication and support really stand out. I get a daily email from their reporting system with an update on where every job’s up to. If there’s an issue, they’re in touch straightaway and the team there pulls together to get the issue fixed. As a result, things get resolved really quickly.

Wherever I am in the world I can run my Prohire fleet remotely. This makes a massive difference to me; it makes my life so much easier. On the very rare occasion I can’t get hold of my Prohire account manager, there’s a clear escalation process. I don’t get that with other suppliers, if my account manager is unavailable then nothing happens until I can speak to them. With Prohire I know exactly where to go and the team are in sync with each other.

There’s a lot of good people at Prohire, everyone is so helpful. They’re good at sourcing, supply, repairs, compliance; they’re a good, very reliable, supplier. I’m already looking at fleet renewals with Prohire. They’re excelling for me.

Colin Slater-Mairs, BCHS’s Head of Transport

As part of its sustainability strategy, award-winning foodservice butcher Fairfax Meadow, which delivers meat to some of the UK’s most loved hospitality brands, required a partner to supply its first electric vehicles(EVs) to service high-profile customers in London.

After detailed analysis, Progreen sourced and supplied two bespoke electric refrigerated vans on long term contract hire and managed the installation of the charging infrastructure. The EVs will make deliveries to some of London’s finest hotels and restaurants and are estimated to deliver a CO2 reduction of 39kg per van, per day.

Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Fairfax Meadow chose Progreen to support their company’s sustainability journey as they look to put meat on menus for many years to come.

Challenges

Foodservice butcher of the Year 2024, Fairfax Meadow delivers meat to high-profile customers in the capital including Mitchells & Butlers, Drake & Morgan, The Ivy Collection and Gordon Ramsay.
Completing numerous short journeys within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), Fairfax Meadow wanted to begin transitioning to electric vehicles to futureproof its business from an environmental, cost management and customer service perspective.

Completely new to EVs and their associated charging infrastructure, Fairfax Meadow issued a tender to find a partner that could deliver a bespoke solution for its London depot.

Solution

Following detailed analysis of Fairfax Meadow’s delivery routes and mileage along with a full site survey of its London depot, Progreen delivered two bespoke 4 tonne Ford e-Transit refrigerated vans capable of carrying the same payload as the company’s standard diesel vehicles.

Fitted with an entirely new on-brand cab and body livery designed by the marketing team at Fairfax Meadow, the EVs are supplied on long term contract hire, including full repair and management allowing the business to manage its costs effectively.

The state-of-the-art EVs both feature a Solomon insulated body and a refrigeration system from GAH which provide the essential load temperature stability for both chilled and frozen meat products that will be transported by Fairfax Meadow across London to restaurants, hotels, hospitality venues, and contract caterers.

To keep uptime to a maximum, these vehicles need to be charged quickly and efficiently, and to support this Progreen managed the installation of a charging infrastructure by MER UK.

To optimise performance, Geotab telematics were fitted to both vehicles which will enable Fairfax Meadow to monitor driver behaviour and report on CO2 savings.

The systems will also allow Progreen to provide remote fault diagnosis, tracking and accident detection too. Being new to EVs, it was important for the Fairfax Meadow drivers to understand the impact that driver style has on the efficiency of the vehicles. To give the drivers the best possible start, full training has been provided by Prohire’s training academy, Procademy.

Results

• Two bespoke refrigerated vans join Fairfax Meadow’s fleet
• CO2 reduction estimated to be 39kg per van per day (based on a CO2 admission rate of 2.58g per litre used)
• Zero congestion charges within Clean Air Zones
• Full repair and management included
• EVs provide same payload as Fairfax Meadow’s diesel vehicles
• Bespoke design provides load temperature stability

We’ve worked with Prohire since 2021 and have built up a good relationship based on trust during that time. Progreen was an obvious choice to tender for our EV business and, in our opinion, offered the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic EV solution.

Of course, any tender we agree must be commercially viable for our business, and the pricing was a huge part of the consideration when choosing to work with Progreen, but the trust we have built with them played an important part in our final decision. Their knowledge, passion and support gave us confidence that they were the right partner to go on this journey with.

The way the Progreen team managed the process, from tender through to launch has been excellent. They have also provided us with great technical support.

Progreen has been fully supportive of Fairfax Meadow as we start our journey on moving to electric vehicles. This is an important part of our sustainability plan, and the future of how we look to put meat on menus across the UK for many years to come.

Tony Reardon, Fairfax Meadow’s Head of Logistics

Truline is a specialist B2B parcel carrier offering managed supply chain solutions for UK businesses. Prohire has worked with Truline since 2008 and now manages three-quarters of the company’s 500-strong fleet. This includes 13 new fuel-efficient DAF New Generation XF’s which are each delivering 25% savings and reduction in CO2.

Prohire’s alternative fuels division, Progreen is supporting Truline in the ongoing transition of its fleet to meet the Net Zero deadline. This includes recommending and supplying the latest alternative fuel technologies combined with the correct infrastructure to power those vehicles, plus associated driver training.

Truline is the transport and delivery logistics part of the Banner and Vow businesses, all of which are part of the EVO Group of companies.

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Challenges

Truline, which delivers over a million parcels UK-wide every month, is in the process of transitioning its 500-strong fleet to high-performing, reliable, zero-emission alternative fuels.

The company operates a wide range of asset classes including 3.5 tonne and 7.5 tonne vans, 16 tonne and 18 tonne trucks and 44 tonne tractor units, the majority of which are latest Euro 6 specification. These vehicles continue to be as efficient as possible whilst the company identifies the right high-performing, reliable, zero-emission alternative fuel for each vehicle class.

The infrastructure to support the vehicles is equally important, and Truline operates from 22 locations across the UK, with further expansion planned.

Driver training is also essential to avoid range anxiety when switching to an alternative fuel.

Solution

Prohire and Progreen are working in partnership with Truline on the long-term planning of its fleet configuration in the run up to 2030. Truline is committed to cutting its carbon emissions to help the UK reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and plans to cease procuring new diesel vehicles by 2030.

Truline’s strategy to achieve this aim is two-fold. The most fuel-efficient diesel vehicles will be secured through Prohire whilst the transition takes place, and whilst suitable vehicles in all asset classes are developed by manufacturers. At the same time, Truline will work with Progreen on a rolling programme to replace existing diesel vehicles in asset classes where high-performing EVs are already available.

Prohire has provided Truline with 13 fuel-efficient DAF New Generation XF’s, each delivering 25% savings and reduction in CO2 emissions. The vehicles are fitted with the latest safety equipment and DBS camera systems to reduce Truline’s road risk and increase fleet uptime. An additional 36 new, fuel-efficient, 7.5 tonne, 12 tonne and 18 tonne diesel vehicles are on order.

Progreen has supplied a large number of EVs for Truline, both Maxus EDeliver9 panel vans with 72KW batteries and Ford e-transit, 425 L3 H2s with 68KW batteries. These have been supplied on full contract hire with maintenance and accident management.

Progreen provides Truline with lease flexibility to enable it to update its fleet as new technologies become available, replacing diesel with whichever alternative fuel is right for its requirements. Prohire supports Truline in trialling new generation vehicles as they become available. .

Truline has been using Geotab telematics, supplied by Prohire, to capture real-time data on the
vehicles’ performance as well as driver behaviour, ensuring the most efficient and cost-effective
use possible.

Prohire and Progreen are also supporting Truline with the provision of chargers for their EVs, including surveying existing and new sites to get the right number of chargers installed.

Through its training academy, Procademy, Prohire have also provided additional training which has helped drivers to overcome range anxiety. Truline has seen a welcome by-product of the training which is calmer drivers as hard acceleration, and other stressful behaviours are avoided.

Results

• Significant number of EVs on order
• Reduced CO2 emissions by a quarter with 44 tonne DAF XFs
• Telematics have positively influenced driver behaviour
• Progreen and Truline are working together on long-term plan to hit Net Zero deadline

Prohire is a hugely trusted partner for Truline and we work together to understand what are the benefits of alternative fuels for both companies. Progreen keep us ahead of the curve when it comes to new product and making sure we secure the right vehicles for us, in line with our Net Zero and sustainability strategy.

The industry has faced, and is facing, many challenges but Prohire continues to really make a difference and push us forwards. They are there for us in terms of longevity and range of vehicles. We have huge confidence in both Prohire and Progreen and everything they’ve said they’ll deliver on has been delivered.

We trust them and I would 100% recommend Prohire.

Steve Turner, Truline’s Head of Fleeet

Prohire has worked with leading business relocation company Restore Harrow Green since 2019. From an initial four vehicles, Prohire now supplies over 50% of Restore Harrow Green’s 100-strong fleet, including a variety of bespoke and specialist vehicles. Headquartered in London, Restore Harrow Green has ten sites nationwide.

Prohire is supporting Restore Harrow Green in its EV transition and ESG strategy. A critical pillar of the Restore Group’s ESG strategy is a commitment to become a Net Zero organisation by 2035, and as part of that Prohire is currently building a world first, bespoke 19 tonne HGV EV for Restore Harrow Green.

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Challenges

As experts in business relocation, specialist life science and heritage moves, Restore Harrow Green requires bespoke vehicles fitted with specialist equipment. Going directly to the manufacturer or to a body builder has, in the past, proved time consuming and lacking in customer service support

Wanting to progress its transition to EV and develop its ESG strategy, Restore Harrow Green needed a lease partner who would allow flexibility as the range of EVs expanded and charging capabilities improved. A trusted partner who would work with the team to get the business the right vehicles, on the right terms, for them.

Restore Harrow Green started working with Prohire in 2019, when Prohire was successful in tendering for four 3.5 tonne crew buses to add to the business relocation company’s fleet. From that day, Prohire has grown its relationship with Restore Harrow Green as a trusted lease supplier able to help the company achieve its business and ESG objectives.

Solution

Prohire now supplies over 50% of Restore Harrow Green’s 100-strong fleet, growing from an initial four vehicles to over 50, 11 of which are EVs. Vehicles supplied include 3.5 tonne crew buses, Maxus EDeliver9 Minibuses, Ford Connect vans, 3.5 tonne Luton box vans and HGVs ranging from 7.5 tonnes to 18 tonnes, all of which are fitted with Geotab to maximise efficiency.

Prohire is supporting Restore Harrow Green in its transition to EVs as part of its commitment to become a Net Zero organisation by 2035. This includes supplying the latest EVs and unique bespoke builds.

As the mileage per charge of EVs has increased, Prohire has provided Restore Harrow Green with lease flexibility to enable it to update its fleet. From the early EVs in 2019 which had a range of 79 miles, Restore Harrow Green has now upgraded to 3.5 tonne vehicles with a range of 190–200 miles with Prohire’s support.

In the latest of its bespoke vehicles for Restore Harrow Green, Prohire is managing the build of the company’s first 19 tonne electric truck. Working with this unique, worlds first build, is set to include an 8-person crew cab, powered inverters coming straight from the battery and a tail lift operated by solar power.

The 19 tonne has a 260KW electric motor which is powered by a 282KW battery pack providing a range of up to 175 miles with a combined charging system. The vehicle features onboard charging which means it can be connected to an AC 3 phase electrical supply for overnight charging. Over a 5-year lease term, 26,000 tonnes of C02 Emissions will be saved per vehicle

Results

• Prohire now supplies over 50% of Restore Harrow Green’s 100-strong fleet
• Prohire is supporting Restore Harrow Green in its EV transition and ESG strategy
• All vehicles supplied are fitted with Geotab to maximise efficiency
• Prohire is managing the build of Restore Harrow Green’s 19 tonne electric truck, a world first

Prohire cares. They want to help us do what’s right for our business, working with us to deliver for our customers. They are passionate about understanding our business and working with us, as a result our fleet is growing fast with Prohire.

The team are very proactive in dealing with any issues and it’s not just head office, our account manager engages with our ten sites to get things right for them. Unlike other companies, Prohire makes sure we’re looked after. It’s not just service, they have competitive pricing too.

When it comes to bespoke builds, Prohire really shines. They like to work with a customer to build a vehicle and spec it so it’s right. It’s not just like going to a body builder and getting the standard vehicle, Prohire’s operations team gets involved and supports us. They do everything they can to get it
built and get the right vehicle for our business, from loaning us vehicles to test, to the final delivery of our fleet.

 

Dan Smith, Restore Harrow Green’s National Fleet Manager