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Tag: vehicle leasing

Woods Foodservice takes delivery of first electric vans

Woods Foodservice
Posted on by Clare Merrylees

Woods Foodservice, an award-winning foodservice supplier to top chefs in the hospitality industry, has started its switch to electric vans by taking delivery of 12 refrigerated Ford E-Transit L4s from Progreen, the sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels division of Prohire.

The national provider of sustainable commercial vehicle hire and fleet management solutions was appointed by Woods, a family-owned business that has supplied top-end hospitality providers and restaurateurs for over forty years, as part of its sustainability strategy. Woods’ mission is to become the UK’s leading Net Zero contributor foodservice company by 2030. To achieve this, it plans to replace its entire Euro 6 fleet with electric vehicles by the end of the 2025 financial year, building on its investment in fully electric company cars.

The state-of-the-art electric vans are equipped with solar panels on the roof, reducing the energy required for charging. Each vehicle offers multi-temperature storage, including chilled, ambient, and frozen compartments, enhancing Woods’ delivery capabilities while minimising its environmental impact. This first wave of electric vans, which have been designed and managed through the production process by Progreen, will operate within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Progreen has fitted Geotab telematics across all 12 vehicles to give Woods real-time insights to maximise efficiency and cost savings. By monitoring vehicle performance and driver behaviour, Woods can optimise operations, reduce costs, and track CO2 savings, ensuring a smarter, more sustainable fleet.

Wayne Gregory, operations manager at Woods Foodservice said: “Since receiving our new bespoke multi-temperature van design, we’ve seen a significant boost in efficiency. Being able to deliver chilled, frozen, ambient, and fresh produce all in one vehicle has streamlined our operations. The real game-changer, though, is doing it all with electric vans—cutting our diesel fuel usage by 35%.

“The addition of solar panels on the roof has been a great solution to one of our biggest concerns. They help reduce the strain on the batteries when running freezer units, minimising the impact on the van’s range.”

Michelle Miles, head of Progreen said: “It’s fantastic to see these vehicles on the road, the final stage of a process that began with a telematics trial to provide data on the suitability of transitioning from diesel to electric vehicles. This is the ideal solution for Woods Foodservice and we’re thrilled to support them in their mission to become the UK’s leading Net Zero contributor foodservice company by 2030.”

“We look forward to working with Woods Foodservice in years to come as they continue on their sustainability journey.”

Truck Leasing vs. Ownership: Why Leasing is the Smart Choice for Your Business

lease v ownership truck image
Posted on by Clare Merrylees

When it comes to fleet management, businesses often face a critical decision: should they lease or purchase their commercial vehicles? Each option has its benefits, but leasing is an increasingly popular choice among businesses looking to maximise their resources and minimise risk. Here we will explore the key advantages of leasing your commercial fleet over purchasing and how it can positively impact your bottom line.

Lower Initial Investment

In recent years UK fleet operators have experienced significant increases to the capital cost of commercial vehicles. Purchasing a vehicle or trailer requires significant upfront capital investment. Whether you’re paying in full or financing the purchase, this cost can put a strain on your cashflow. Leasing allows you to acquire the vehicles you need without a large initial payment, and the financial flexibility this provides enables your business to allocate capital toward other areas of the business such as operations, marketing, or to fund your plans for expansion and growth.

Predictable Monthly Costs

Leasing trucks ensures that your monthly expenses remain predictable and manageable. Lease agreements typically include a fixed monthly payment that covers the cost of the vehicle, and maintenance is often included. This consistency helps with financial planning and cash flow, allowing you to budget more effectively without worrying about surprise repair bills or the depreciation costs that come with owning a fleet.

Preserve Credit Lines

Purchasing a fleet requires a substantial financial commitment, which often means tapping into your company’s credit lines. Leasing your commercial fleet allows you to preserve these credit lines for other opportunities that can drive growth.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

Owning a truck means you are responsible for all the repair and maintenance costs as the vehicle ages. With leasing, many agreements include comprehensive maintenance packages, meaning less hassle and fewer unexpected expenses. Regular upkeep is often part of the leasing contract, helping you avoid costly breakdowns and keeping your fleet running smoothly.

Legislative Compliance

A fleet provided on full service contract hire will include all necessary inspections and routine maintenance to ensure your fleet meets the current legislative requirements and your operator’s licence requirements.

Eliminate Depreciation Risks

One of the biggest downsides of purchasing commercial fleet is that depreciation starts from day one.. Over time, this impacts your resale value and increases your overall cost of ownership. Leasing eliminates this risk – a the end of your contract term, you simply return the vehicle, without worrying about selling a depreciated asset or managing trade-ins.

Flexibility to Scale Your Fleet

Businesses grow, markets change and demands fluctuate. Leasing offers the flexibility to scale your fleet up or down based on your current business needs. Whether you’re taking on a big contract that requires more vehicles or downsizing to align with market conditions, leasing can provide the agility to adjust without being tied to the long-term commitment often associated with ownership.

Ease of Vehicle Disposal

When a truck reaches the end of its useful life, selling or disposing of it can be a complex and time-consuming process. Leasing eliminates this burden, as you simply return the vehicle to the leasing company at the end of the contract term.

Stay Focused on your Business

Owning and managing a fleet comes with responsibilities, from maintenance and repair to ensuring your compliance with changing regulations. Leasing allows you to offload much of this burden to the leasing company, so you can stay focused on your core business operations. With less time spent focussed on your fleet, you can direct more time and effort towards driving business growth.

Why Leasing is the Best Solution

In conclusion, leasing your commercial vehicles offers a range of advantages for businesses looking to optimise their operations, reduce costs, and increase flexibility. From lower upfront costs and predictable monthly payments to the ability to upgrade your fleet regularly, leasing allows your business to stay agile and competitive in a rapidly changing market. When you lease, you gain access to the latest technology, reduce your maintenance burden, and avoid the risks associated with depreciation – all while preserving cash flow and credit lines for future opportunities.

If you’re considering renewing, expanding or upgrading your fleet, leasing through Prohire may be the ideal solution to help your business thrive.

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Looking to Lease Commercial Vehicles for Your Business?
Contact Prohire today to learn more about our flexible truck leasing options and discover how we can support your business and fleet management needs. Our team is here to help you find the perfect fleet solution to drive your business forward.