Prohire boosts uptime for BCHS
Vehicle contract hire provider Prohire has explained how its mobile technician service has been maximising uptime for customer Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies (BCHS), the janitorial, cleaning and hygiene products provider.
BCHS has 18 UK branches across the UK, from Plymouth to Aberdeen, and is part of Bunzl Plc, one of the fastest-growing, FTSE100 listed distribution and outsourcing groups across the globe.
Prohire has worked with BCHS for over 30 years. In that time, the BCHS fleet has grown to 128 vehicles, of which Prohire now provide over 70 per cent on full contract hire.
Tasked with maximising uptime, the hire specialist says its mobile technicians are key in keeping BCHS’ fleet on the road.
“With Prohire’s live reporting system, BCHS now have complete visibility of its fleet, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Prohire.
“With ESG and sustainability high on the agenda for BCHS, Progreen has supported the company in taking steps to bring down their emissions through the provision of electric vehicles (EVs).”
BCHS delivers essential cleaning and hygiene products to customers nationwide from 18 interlinked branches which have the power to draw stock from each other. On-time delivery is essential so that facilities management teams can create clean and safe environments that protect people while they are away from home.
The BCHS fleet operates without any standing vehicles or spare capacity and seeks to avoid expensive downtime. Therefore, it is critical to the business model that breakdowns are fixed as quickly as possible, or a replacement vehicle supplied.
The 128-strong fleet is managed remotely, so it is imperative that BCHS can check the status of its fleet 24/7, including the status of repairs.
“Improving the economy, payload, and sustainability of the fleet is a huge priority for BCHS,” said Prohire.
“The company needed an expert partner to advise on the latest vehicles, including bespoke builds, safety features and cutting-edge fuel technologies.
“Prohire keeps the BCHS fleet operating efficiently with its comprehensive and flexible accident management, compliance and maintenance offering. The fleet is monitored 24/7 and BCHS can track its fleet in real-time via Prohire’s online portal.
“Any issues are reported to BCHS immediately via email and the customer service team keep the transport manager updated on fleet status and repairs daily.
“All vehicles are fitted with telematics which allow BCHS to monitor fleet driver behaviour, vehicle performance, journey planning and downtime. Using this information, more efficient routes have been designed using the latest routing software.”
Key to keeping the BCHS fleet on the road is Prohire’s team of mobile technicians, the firm adds. Operating from fully equipped, mobile workshop vehicles, they can provide preventative maintenance and skilled repairs at the roadside or on-site at BCHS’ convenience.
“As fleet experts with a 30-year relationship with BCHS, Prohire has grown to understand the business and its priorities, keeping them informed on the latest developments in vehicles and fuel technology that may impact them and making recommendations in the key areas of economy, payload and sustainability that can ultimately improve their business performance,” said the hire provider.
“As a result, with Prohire’s support, BCHS has brought down emissions through replacing its Euro 5 engines with the more fuel-efficient Euro 6, and Progreen has supported BCHS in the introduction of five EVs to its fleet.
“Prohire also proactively suggests new vehicles for BCHS that may better suit their operation, including a new vehicle with a lightweight body which will provide more payload.”
Prohire’s mobile technician team can provide quick-response breakdown support within two hours, while maintenance bookings are planned weeks in advance to provide complete visibility. BCHS can access maintenance planners via the Prohire ProLink portal; and having a dedicated account manager means that if an issue arises, it is escalated on the same working day.
“When it comes to fleet management, I don’t think there’s anybody better out there than Prohire,” said Colin Slater-Mairs, head of transport at BCHS.
“For me, the communication and support really stand out. I get a daily email from their reporting system with an update on where every job’s up to. If there’s an issue, they’re in touch straightaway and the team there pulls together to get the issue fixed. As a result, things get resolved really quickly.
“Wherever I am in the world I can run my Prohire fleet remotely. This makes a massive difference to me; it makes my life so much easier.
“On the very rare occasion I can’t get hold of my Prohire account manager, there’s a clear escalation process. I don’t get that with other suppliers, if my account manager is unavailable then nothing happens until I can speak to them. With Prohire I know exactly where to go and the team are in sync with each other.”
Colin concluded: “There’s a lot of good people at Prohire, everyone is so helpful. They’re good at sourcing, supply, repairs, compliance; they’re a good, very reliable, supplier. I’m already looking at fleet renewals with Prohire. They’re excelling for me.”
