Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council have opted for contract hire rather than outright purchase to replace their waste and recycling fleet, following a comprehensive cost comparison and tender procurement process.

Caroline Roffey, Head of Street Scene Services, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council said: “When we compared contract hire with the outright purchase of vehicles, contract hire proved to be the cheapest and most cost/risk-effective solution.”

The incumbent supplier, Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS) was successful in delivering the winning bid, which was based primarily on price. The new 7-year contract starts on 1 September and comprises the provision of 20 vehicles, including Refuse Collection Vehicles, sweepers, hook loaders and box vans. SFS will continue to maintain the vehicles at the council’s depot in Hinckley.

Continued Caroline: “Not only are we saving money by using contract hire we are really pleased to be continuing our relationship with SFS. We have been working with them for over 14 years and I have no concerns at all that we will continue to receive an excellent standard of service.”

The council used to outsource its dry recycling service but has decided to bring it back in-house. From 1 April 2018 the council will be collecting co-mingled recyclables from local households.

Caroline said: “The new service will be easier for residents. We are changing to fully co-mingled, instead of dual stream, using the same blue lidded bins. We plan to change the rounds to increase efficiency and will be adding an extra round due to housing growth. We have experienced a 11% increase in properties in the past 7 years.”

SFS is helping the council through interim arrangements including the provision of 5 brand new recycling vehicles, via its municipal vehicle hire division CTS Hire.

Caroline added: “We are very grateful to SFS who are supporting us with the launch of our new recycling service in April before the contract starts in September. Their expertise, both in the workshop and from their Head Office, helps us to deliver a high-quality service. The hire vehicles are exactly the same specification as the new fleet so there will be a smooth transition when the new vehicles arrive.”

SFS has been delivering contract hire, fleet and workshop management solutions to the public and private sector since 1992. With a network of workshops and its own municipal vehicle hire division (CTS Hire), SFS can provide the full range of vehicle and plant solutions from short-term vehicle hire to meeting the most complex fleet requirements.

Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS: “We are thrilled to be retaining Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council. They are a valued customer and this contract is an excellent demonstration of how we work with local authorities, including assisting them through the sometimes difficult transition period between contracts. With the additional support of our hire division, CTS, we are well equipped to find a suitable and flexible solution.”

For more information about Specialist Fleet Services or CTS Municipal Vehicle Hire: tel: 01604 234601; email [email protected]; visit www.sfs.co.uk or www.ctshire.co.uk

ENDS.