Author: Harrison

Following a six-figure investment in its depot at Tunbridge Wells, leading provider of sustainable commercial vehicle hire and fleet management solutions, Staffordshire-based Prohire, has expanded its operations in the south and into London by unveiling a brand new workshop.

The Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Councillor Hugh Pattison, did the honours at the official opening of the new workshop by cutting the ribbon. He was joined by representatives from Prohire, including eight new colleagues recruited for Prohire South, tripling the size of the firm’s workforce at Tunbridge Wells.

Key to the depot, which offers the full rental process from on to off hire, is the new Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU), which includes Prohire’s workshop along with two mobile technicians who can now service customers’ vehicles on the road or off-site. The team, led by newly recruited branch manager Ashley Bourne, can maintain the full asset class of vehicles, minimising vehicle off road and down time.

The Tunbridge Wells depot will also support Prohire’s alternative fuels division, ProGreen, which was launched in 2021 to support customer’s Net Zero ambitions by decarbonising fleets via the deployment of high-performing, reliable, zero-emission vehicle technology.

The Mayor of Tunbridge Wells, Councillor Hugh Pattison, said: “Prohire’s investment into the town is creating lots of opportunities for local people which is fantastic. It’s inspiring to hear about Prohire’s commitment to helping businesses to achieve Net Zero through alternative fuel vehicles and other alternative fuels. They are a real asset to Tunbridge Wells and I’m delighted to open their new workshop.” 

Gary Banister, Group Operations Director at Prohire, said: “This is a significant development for Prohire and our valued customers, offering those based in the south an enhanced service delivered by our talented team. It’s fantastic to grow the team in Tunbridge Wells, creating eight new roles and boosting local employment, with further expansion to come.

“A leading part of the proposition is the investment into ProGreen as we continue to lead the charge in sustainable vehicle hire. Our team will use, maintain and manage alternative fuel vehicles as the move to alternative fuels, as the drive towards Net Zero continues at pace.”

Headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, and employing over 80 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.

Prohire, a leading provider of sustainable commercial vehicle hire and fleet management solutions, has achieved the internationally recognised environmental management standard, ISO 14001, a key objective of its ESG strategy.

Following an independent audit, Prohire’s environmental management system meets the requirements for ISO 14001. The standard helps organisations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste. ISO 14001 also includes the need for continual improvement of an organisation’s systems and approach to environmental concerns.

Organisations are also assessed to ensure the increased prominence of environmental management within the organisation’s strategic planning processes, greater input from leadership and a stronger commitment to proactive initiatives that boost environmental performance.

Jay Edwards, chief operating officer at Prohire, said: “We have worked extremely hard to achieve ISO 14001 accreditation which is key to our commitment to sustainable vehicle hire through reducing our carbon, water and waste footprints as well as those of our customers, particularly through our alternative fuels division, ProGreen.

“Achieving this standard ensures that Prohire meets environmental regulations by improving efficiency whilst demonstrating our ongoing commitment to improving our environmental performance.

“The accreditation provides a framework for a systematic and integrated approach for all employees, which allows the environmental management system to become part of the fabric of our business. Through the implementation of this standard, we are already seeing increased employee engagement that aligns with our ongoing ESG plans.”

The accreditation is the result of a process taking over six months led by Prohire’s asset finance & training manager, Arlene Steele, which involved a GAP Analysis, Stage 1 and Stage 2 assessments. Prohire has formed a team of key colleagues with a passion for the delivery of the company’s ESG initiatives who meet regularly to drive forward its environmental, social and governance agenda.

Prohire has welcomed Jo Gideon, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, to its headquarters in the city to learn how private equity and investment is helping drive growth and fuel its ambition to lead the charge in sustainable vehicle hire.

Since 2018, when NorthEdge Capital acquired a majority stake in Prohire via a management buyout, the leading provider of commercial vehicle hire and fleet management solutions has grown exponentially. The company now employs over 80 people across its head office in Stoke-on-Trent and depot in Tunbridge Wells and has invested in a new Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU) at each site.

Jay Edwards, chief operating officer at Prohire said: “Private equity investment supports and helps SMEs to grow and thrive, transforming high-potential businesses. NorthEdge take a partnership approach, working with the management team to achieve our aspirations and goals. Thanks to NorthEdge’s backing we’ve been able to invest in local people, systems and sustainable infrastructure which will allow us to achieve our potential at a faster pace than we could do alone.”

In 2021, Prohire launched its sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels division ProGreen to support its customers in achieving their Net Zero ambitions by decarbonising fleets via the deployment of high-performing, reliable, zero-emission vehicle technology. ProGreen supported over 450 businesses to develop their fleet ESG strategy in 2022.

Through ProGreen, Prohire has added electric, hybrid, and connected vehicles to its fleet. Over ten per cent of new vehicles deployed by Prohire in 2022 featured an alternative technology in 2022, with a target to increase this to 30 per cent in 2023.

Pat Skelly, CEO at Prohire, said: “It was a great pleasure to host Jo at Prohire and show her what we’ve been able to achieve in the last five years thanks to the investment by NorthEdge Capital. It’s an exciting time for the Prohire Group as the business grows, particularly in the areas of sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels.

“We were able to discuss the part we’re playing in helping the Government reach its Green Industrial Revolution deadline and Net Zero targets. We also talked about being a proud employer in Stoke and our commitment to finding and training new talent from the local community, particularly for highly skilled technical roles.”

Jo Gideon, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, said: “I was genuinely impressed by my visit to Prohire. Witnessing their remarkable growth and sustainability efforts was inspiring. Their dedication to local employment and their alignment with the government’s Net Zero targets are truly commendable. Prohire serves as a shining example of how private equity can drive positive change and bolster thriving businesses within our community.”

Michael Moore, director general of the British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA), said: “The BVCA are delighted to have facilitated a visit to Prohire for Jo Gideon MP, who has been able to witness first-hand how this fantastic business can, and is, playing a leading role in providing sustainable vehicle hire”.

“Prohire is one of many examples of how private equity and venture capital are supporting businesses to invest and grow”.

Established in 1997, Prohire supplies nationwide commercial vehicle contract hire and fleet management solutions to organisations in the foodservice, catering, chilled food, pharmaceuticals, building products, leisure retail and brewing, office supplies and waste management sectors, as well as specialist logistics companies and own account operators.

Prohire, a leading provider of commercial vehicle hire and fleet management solutions, which is based in Stoke-on-Trent and has a depot in Tunbridge Wells, has made four new appointments to its operations team, along with one promotion, as part of its ambitious growth strategy.

To further expand its operations in the south and into London, Prohire has recruited Ashley Bourne as depot operations manager in Tunbridge Wells. Joining from Redde Northgate where he was branch manager for five years, Ashley will have 50 valued accounts to manage as well as run the day-to-day operations of the depot which involves the full rental process from on to off hire.

Kane Bowden, who has over 20 years’ experience in the commercial vehicle hire sector, most recently at Enterprise, joins Prohire as national account development manager responsible for the growth and share of key customers including Bunzl, Vow, Speedy, Greencore and Unipart.

Hannah Ridgway has been promoted to operations manager for the fleet compliance and administration department, the latest in a series of promotions for Hannah who joined Prohire nine years ago in a temporary administration role. As well as providing direction and support to the team, Hannah’s new role will enable her to focus on process development in areas of emerging technologies such as AI.

Joining Hannah as operations manager for technical services is Wayne Pheasey, previously regional fleet maintenance manager (Northwest) at Ryder LTD. Wayne’s new role will see him driving day-day activities and strategies, whilst building key customer relationships and contacts. Wayne will support his leadership team to enhance the delivery of front-line technical customer service in line with best-in-class standards.

The new technical services team leader at Prohire is Jason Downes. He will be responsible for a ten-person team which manages the day-to-day defect and breakdown management, vehicle off road uptime, cost control and authorisation and customer service. Jason joins Prohire from TIP trailer services where he was a customer service specialist managing damage and maintenance repairs on 3,500 Amazon trailers.

Commenting on the expansion of the team, Gary Banister, group operations director at Prohire, said: “I’m delighted to welcome these talented and experienced individuals to the team, and to congratulate Hannah on her promotion. These roles have been created as part of our ambitious growth strategy which will see further recruitment in the coming months.

“Our business success is built on customer relationships and, as part of our operations team, Kane, Ashley, Hannah, Wayne and Jason are united in providing world-class customer service and building excellent relationships with our valued clients across a wide range of business sectors.”

Established in 1997, Prohire supplies nationwide commercial vehicle contract hire and fleet management solutions to organisations in the foodservice, catering, chilled food, pharmaceuticals, building products, leisure retail and brewing, office supplies and waste management sectors, as well as specialist logistics companies and own account operators.

Based in Stoke-on-Trent and employing over 80 people, Prohire provides commercial vehicle rental and long-term vehicle contract hire, together with fleet maintenance, accident repair management, and fleet compliance to customers across the UK.

Prohire colleagues, Anita Van Schaik and Michelle Miles, have been shortlisted for the inaugural Inspirational Woman of the Year Award at TCS&D 2023, the UK’s Cold Chain Awards in conjunction with the Women in Cold Chain (WiCC) initiative. The Cold Chain Awards celebrate the companies, services and people that are keeping the temperature controlled supply chain moving.

Anita Van Schaik is the lead sales professional at Stoke-on-Trent-based Prohire, a leading provider of commercial vehicle hire and fleet management solutions. Michelle Miles is the head of Prohire’s alternative fuels division, ProGreen, which was launched in 2021 to support Prohire’s customers in achieving their Net Zero ambitions by decarbonising fleets via the deployment of high-performing, reliable, zero-emission vehicle technology.

Pat Skelly, chief executive at Prohire, said: “Michelle and Anita deserve this recognition for their contribution to Prohire and to the wider industry. They are leaders in their respective fields and have much in common in terms of a customer-centric mindset, vast industry expertise, and a commitment to both empowering women in the cold chain sector and fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity within Prohire.”

Under Michelle’s leadership, ProGreen has successfully introduced cutting-edge alternative fuel vehicles into the Prohire fleet, replacing traditional diesel-powered vehicles. This transition has reduced carbon emissions, improved operational efficiency and reduced noise pollution in urban areas.

Anita consistently surpasses targets which contributes significantly to Prohire’s growth. Her ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key clients coupled with her deep understanding of the cold chain industry have been instrumental in the company’s success.

Michelle Miles, head of ProGreen, said: “I am proud and humbled to be shortlisted for the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award at TCS&D 2023. Every day I get to play my part in fleet sustainability, which is incredibly rewarding and crucial in helping our clients achieve their Net Zero ambitions. I hope that this award will inspire more women to consider a career in the cold chain industry.”

Anita Van Schaik, lead sales professional at Prohire, said “To even be considered for the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award for Women in Cold Chain let alone make the short list is something I never expected. I am unbelievably grateful to all who have taught me about transport since graduating university, whether that be suppliers, mentors or colleagues.”

The purpose of the Women in Cold Chain (WiCC) initiative is to encourage female school leavers and university graduates, as well as women from other sectors to consider exploring a career in the temperature-controlled storage and distribution industry, which is traditionally very male dominated. The winner of the Inspirational Woman of the Year Award will be announced at TCS&D 2023, the UK’s Cold Chain Awards, on Thursday 21st September at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

Prohire, a leading provider of commercial vehicle hire and fleet management solutions, has published its first annual ESG (environmental, social and governance) report which sets out its commitment to sustainable vehicle hire through reducing the carbon, water and waste footprints of the company and its customers.

Prohire launched its sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels division ProGreen in 2021 to support its customers in achieving their Net Zero ambitions by decarbonising fleets via the deployment of high-performing, reliable, zero-emission vehicle technology. This includes advising customers from sectors including foodservice, catering, chilled food, pharmaceuticals, building products, leisure retail and brewing, office supplies and waste management on their respective commercial fleet sustainability programmes. In 2022 ProGreen supported over 450 businesses to develop their fleet ESG strategy.

Through ProGreen, Prohire has added electric, hybrid, and connected vehicles to its fleet with over ten per cent of its new vehicles deployed being of an alternative technology in 2022, with a target to increase this to 30 per cent in 2023. Prohire has also committed to achieving the environmental management standard ISO 14001 in 2023.

Last year Prohire, which is based in Stoke-on-Trent and employs 80 people, invested in an in-house training centre to ensure its teams have the learning experiences necessary to support customers in the legislative and technological commercial vehicle fleet plans. The company also invested in mental health first aider training for team members. During 2023 Prohire will launch a community volunteering project and develop and launch an apprentice strategy.

Pat Skelly, CEO at Prohire, said: “We’re proud of the strides we’ve made with our ESG strategy since its inception in 2021 as part of our commitment to leading the charge as the UK’s most trusted provider of sustainable vehicle hire. Our inaugural ESG report showcases our commitment to sustainability, employee well-being, and responsible corporate governance and provides the framework to our ambition to reduce both our own and our customers carbon footprint through the deployment of highly efficient vehicle technology via our alternative fuels division, ProGreen.

“At Prohire, we’re all about creating an environment where highly motivated teams with the right skills, operating in a business who cares passionately about respect, opportunity and community, work towards delivering our business ambitions.

“The progress we have achieved to date in reducing the carbon and waste footprint of our business, as well as supporting our customers in their sustainability journeys has been significant but we recognise there is more to be done in achieving the stated government emissions reduction targets. We’re excited to continue on our journey toward a better, more sustainable future.”

Prohire has formed a team of key colleagues with a passion for the delivery of the company’s ESG initiatives who meet regularly to drive forward its environmental, social and governance agenda.

Other initiatives which Prohire is rolling out in 2023 as part of its ESG strategy include carbon literacy training for colleagues, reducing business travel by 25 per cent, reducing waste to landfill and paper usage by 50 per cent by the end of the year, reengineering Prohire’s vehicle tyre supplier base to increase sustainable disposal and eliminate waste, the installation of new efficient lighting throughout the company’s HQ and increasing charging infrastructure throughout locations in the UK.