Property management and maintenance specialist VPS has selected Fleet Service Great Britain (FSGB) as its fleet management provider following a strategic review.

The Hertfordshire-headquartered company is expanding rapidly and was already outsourcing the management of its fleet of 275 light commercial vehicles and 50 cars, but last September identified the need to have a strategic focus on fleet management and appointed Eric Harrington as its national fleet manager.

James Freeman, head of operational support at VPS, said: “With Eric’s appointment and the decision to partner FSGB we were looking to bring a more scientific approach to the management of our fleet. It was clear we had to make major changes to the way our fleet was externally managed.

“We felt with our previous fleet management company that there was not a sufficient focus on managing cost, and compliance was also an issue. FSGB has got to grips with both and we welcome its very pro-active and flexible fleet management style.”

All vehicles, which are outright purchased, are typically utilised over a four- to five-year operating cycle, although replacement is influenced by mileage and service, maintenance and repair costs.

Harrington said: “FSGB is now responsible for the day-to-day management of the fleet and all remedial vehicle work is carried out through its own appointed garage network. With 17 service centres nationwide it is important that we have reliable garages that are close to our vehicle locations.”

“Safety is paramount along with compliance with manufacturers’ service schedules. I like the idea that FSGB’s garage network is fully audited and that gives me confidence that all maintenance work is carried out in accordance with best practice.

“We have depots nationally and I am receiving very positive feedback from the managers that vehicles are being well maintained and customer service is first class.”

FSGB was launched earlier this year by Marcus Bray who, with his father and stepmother, was instrumental in the growth of Fleet Support Group from a kitchen table concept to becoming the UK’s largest privately-owned fleet management company managing 55,000 vehicles and drivers.