Prohire publishes first annual ESG report

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.