THE National Health Service Transport Managers Association has set up its own car lease scheme in a deal for more than 10,000 cars. The new contract appoints nine leasing companies as nominated suppliers to NHS transport managers, significantly widening the choice available to them via the official NHS Supplies contract.

The TMA represents more than 100 health trusts and operates a fleet in excess of 10,000 cars - almost one third of the NHS's 33,000-strong fleet. TMA members will now be able to choose car leasing suppliers from both the original NHS Supplies contract, and the new TMA list, following an official tender by the association through the European Journal.

The new suppliers are Appleyard Vehicle Contracts, Arriva Automotive Solutions, British Car Contracts, Cochranes, First National Vehicle Contracts, Lex Vehicle Leasing, Robins & Day Leasing, Swan National, and Vauxhall Master Hire. Vauxhall Master Hire was already nominated as an official supplier to NHS Supplies' car lease scheme, alongside Automotive Leasing and the fleet funding operations of Ford and Renault, but the TMA criticised this list for being too restrictive.