Author: Clare Merrylees

ESG (Envisage Spaces Group) is an award-winning design and production agency, creating standout experiences for industry-leading brands including Wagamama, Virgin Holidays, Samsung, and Pirelli.

Headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, ESG operates two divisions: Envisage, specialising in exhibition stands and brand experiences, and Spaces, offering commercial interior design across multiple sectors including retail, leisure, and hospitality.

With a seasonal workload which peaks from April to October, fleet flexibility is crucial. Since February 2024, Prohire’s rental division Proflex has supported ESG by supplying vehicles on a flexible basis to supplement its fleet, enabling the agency to successfully meet client demands.

Challenges

ESG has a busy design studio and production team which creates, builds and delivers exhibition stands, brand experiences and commercial interiors for clients across the UK. Their workload fluctuates, with exhibition dates set in advance, however ad-hoc work such as restaurant fit-outs – which could be anywhere in the UK – often require rapid turnaround at short notice and during specific, limited hours.

ESG has its own fleet of six vehicles which includes Luton box vans and Sprinter vans, 7.5 and 18 tonne trucks and tractor units. The fleet is highly utilised and does not have any spare capacity.

With their peak season running from April to October, it isn’t cost effective for ESG to invest in vehicles that could sit idle during its off-peak months. Instead, it needs a rental provider that can guarantee the quick supply of vehicles to mirror its own fleet at short notice for varying durations.

Solution

ESG turned to Prohire’s rental division, Proflex, to provide a flexible solution to supplement its fleet. Proflex supplies ESG with the latest specification, high quality rental vehicles to meet their needs on a short to medium term basis. Whether it is for four days or four months, this cost-effective, responsive solution ensures that ESG can meet customer deadlines and seasonal demand.

With over 400 units on its national rental fleet, Proflex offers a full range of light and heavy commercial vehicles, including alternative fuel options that means they can fully support ESG to scale its fleet quickly and easily.

As a division of the leading provider of sustainable commercial vehicle hire and fleet management solutions, Proflex delivers a fully flexible rental service with 24/7 support, compliance documentation, and a digital portal for easy access to paperwork. Vehicles are available on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, with streamlined online check-in and check-out.

What’s more, ESG benefit from a dedicated Proflex account manager who knows their business and fleet requirements and is extremely responsive, acting as an additional member of the team.

Results

• ESG benefits from a cost effective and efficient fleet solution.
• With flexible rental periods, ESG is able to vary fleet mix to meet peak demand.
• ESG’s fleet is supplemented with high quality, latest specification vehicles.
• Rental vehicles come with 24/7, 365-day support and breakdown service.

Proflex has been a game-changer for us. They ensure we always have the vehicles we need to meet demand, keeping our service levels high and our promises to customers. Their flexible rental solutions take the stress out of fleet management, and their quick response time is unmatched.

“Whenever an issue arises—whether it’s an urgent request or an accident—they handle it swiftly and professionally, taking the pressure off us. We’ve built a strong partnership over the past 12 months, and as a growing business, having a reliable, responsive fleet provider is invaluable.

“Proflex ticks all the boxes for service, communication, and flexibility. I already recommend them to anyone who asks!”

Alex Birks, ESG’s Purchasing & Procurement Manager

Speedy Hire is the UK and Ireland’s leading provider of tools, specialist equipment and services.
With 147 depots nationwide, they guarantee 4 hour or same-day delivery on 350 of their most
popular products, so having a reliable fleet of vehicles is critical to the operation.

Prohire have worked with Speedy Hire since 2021 and supplies 69 vehicles on full contract
hire, managing compliance of the diverse fleet. The fleet includes the UK’s first ever 27 tonne,
all electric beavertail powered access vehicle, the build of which was managed by Prohire’s
alternative fuel division, Progreen.

Prohire is a trusted partner in Speedy Hire’s ‘Decade to Deliver’ strategy to reach net zero by
2040, ten years ahead of the UK Government target.

Challenges

Speedy Hire, which has a large fleet of over 1200 commercial vehicles, needed a new fleet provider capable of meeting its extremely diverse fleet requirements. This would minimise the risk of Speedy Hire having all ‘their eggs in one basket’ should there be a problem with one, or both, of its existing fleet providers.

The additional supplier would need to be able to manage the compliance requirements of Speedy Hire’s Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS)-accredited fleet. FORS assess and recognise fleet performance in key areas: environmental impact, safety, and operational efficiency.

The selected provider would also need specialist expertise to support Speedy Hire with alternative fuel solutions as part of its ‘Decade to Deliver’ sustainability strategy and its HS2 contracts, within which the Government has challenged all contractors to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

Solution

Having been successful at tender in 2021, Prohire is extremely proud to meet Speedy Hire’s extremely diverse fleet requirements, one of the most varied fleets they support. Prohire supply 69 vehicles on full contract hire to Speedy Hire including 3.5 tonne panel vans, 7.5 tonne and 26 tonne trucks; 39 tonne cranes and 44 tonne tractor units; as well as fuel tankers and double-deck curtainside trailers.

A dedicated team of professionals from Prohire manage the Speedy Hire fleet covering account management, compliance management, finance and operations. Telematics are installed on all vehicles to monitor the vehicles, deliver optimum performance, prevent critical failure, and report on CO2 savings. Any faults are flagged up in real time via a dedicated bespoke portal, along with the fix, minimising downtime. Prohire manage all compliance documentation for Speedy Hire’s FORS accredited fleet.

In support of Speedy Hire’s ‘Decade to Deliver’ sustainability strategy, Progreen, Prohire’s alternative fuels division, supplies a number of electric vehicles including Maxus eD3 panel vans which deliver into London and service the HS2 contracts and a Maxus eD9 4.25 tonne dropside vehicle that features a tail lift and chassis with a hybrid body (half box and half curtain body).

In 2021, Progreen worked with Speedy Hire to bring the UK’s first ever 27 tonne, all electric Beavertail powered access vehicle market. Progreen advised on the project from inception to completion and managed the build with bespoke electric vehicle creator, Electra. Based on an annual mileage of 20,000, this will save 59,541kg CO2 emissions, compared to the equivalent diesel vehicle.

Prohire continues to work in partnership with Speedy Hire to provide innovative vehicle technology and ensure their vision for a greener future becomes a reality.

Results

• Prohire supplies 69 vehicles for Speedy Hire on full contract hire including repair and maintenance
• Compliance of Speedy Hire’s FORS accredited fleet is managed by Prohire
• Progreen is supporting Speedy Hire with its ‘Decade to Deliver’ sustainability strategy through the provision of electric vehicles, specialist advice and support
• Speedy Hire’s world-first 27 tonne electric truck attended COP26 in Glasgow and delivers on HS2 contracts
• All vehicles supplied are fitted with telematics to maximise efficiency

Prohire were our first choice after the tender – we liked their business model, offer, package, can-do attitude, after care, and more. They also came highly recommended by trusted industry contacts. From the get-go, Prohire has proven to be a brilliant partner for Speedy Hire.

They share our commitment to reaching net zero and advise us on new vehicles and technologies that could help. They’re that passionate about alternative fuels and getting the right solution for their customers, they’ll offer advice and support even when there’s nothing in it for them.

Their can-do attitude is best demonstrated when they proposed and then managed the design and build of our world-first 27 tonne electric truck. It certainly turned heads when delivering for our HS2 contracts. The same ethos applied when they supplied three fuel tankers, which was a first for both
companies, but as a trusted partner, they were willing to go on that journey with us.

Day-to-day, our account manager is excellent, as is communication. If there is an issue, Prohire are straight on it and keep us updated. It’s good, friendly personal service, and it means a lot. I would have no hesitation in recommending Prohire as a fleet provider.

Gareth Jones, Speedy Hire’s Group Fleet Compliance Manager

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