THE NHS Transport Managers Association and NHS Supplies have settled their differences and united in a vehicle supply deal with 10 contract hire firms. In 1997 a number of national health service transport managers rejected the official supply terms negotiated on their behalf by NHS Supplies after the number of suppliers was cut from 14 to four and was seen to unacceptably restrict choice.

The NHS Transport Managers Association, representing 63 trusts and health authorities, went out to tender for a supply of contract hire vehicles.

Now, after months of renewed negotiations, NHS Supplies and the NHS TMA has agreed on a new supply contract. The 10 supply companies are Ford Credit, Lex Vehicle Leasing, Cochranes, First National Vehicle Holdings, HSBC Vehicle Finance, Appleyard Vehicle Contracts, Interleasing, Automotive Leasing, Arnold Clark and British Car Contracts.