Alphabet has completed the renewal of Wakefield District Housing’s fleet of more than 300 property maintenance vehicles, which services more than 40,000 homes.

Supported by Alphabet’s management of funding and maintenance costs, as well as focus on reducing vehicle downtime in 2015, the fleet has contributed to a 2% reduction in the cost per property of WDH’s responsive repair service. 

WDH required a fleet that could provide tenants with a responsive service and value for money, whilst ensuring the safety of crews and vehicles. It required bidders, who tendered within the CCS Framework, to accommodate its existing terms with Volkswagen, including vehicles on maintenance inclusive contracts.

Subsequently, Alphabet was awarded the supply contract for its light commercial vehicle fleet in 2014. By the end of last year, Alphabet had supplied more than 300 vehicles fitted-out to Wakefield’s precise specifications to meet the requirements of plumbing, glazing, electrical, groundworks and other trades.

“Always listening to our needs, Alphabet has proven itself to be very flexible and reasonable,” said explains Paul Clarke, procurement categories manager at WDH. “The implementation of the contract and mobilising the vans was an important phase, which the team handled professionally and quickly.”

He continued: “When it comes to servicing needs, Alphabet takes a proactive approach. Irrespective of scheduled service intervals, every vehicle undergoes a safety inspection every six months with a locally based service supplier. This not only ensures the safety of drivers but minimises downtime, helping us meet our response time targets, which is a key element of tenant satisfaction.”

Alphabet sends WDH a weekly summary of breakdowns affecting its vehicles. By pulling in data from its roadside recovery partners, the housing stock supplier is provided with a more complete and timely view of what’s happening to its vehicles anywhere, anytime.

Guy Russell, public sector account manager at Alphabet, said: “We are delighted to continue evolving our relationship with WDH and supporting its maintenance team to meet targets for housing repair response times and ultimately to keep tenants happy.

“As the organisation continues to expand its geographical coverage, our team will maintain WDH’s fleet and provide a better experience for their drivers, whilst continuing to lower property maintenance costs in 2016 and beyond.”    

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