Grosvenor Leasing
Flexibility strikes a chord in tricky times
Running a fl eet of company cars in today’s world probably involves a lot of head scratching and a serious desire for a crystal ball - whether it be a case of waiting for economic recovery, ascertaining staffi ng levels or committing to replacement vehicles. T e pandemic has had a seismic impact on everyone’s lives. We
have a recession looming, and this is all at a time when many busi- nesses are deciding when to introduce hybrid or electric vehicles into their fl eet policies. T e truth is, no-one knows how our society will function in years to
come. Despite worrying headlines and sad news about job losses, we still don’t know how serious the recession will be. Is now the time to add alternative fuels to your choice lists? According to Mary Dopson-Taylor, customer services director at
Grosvenor Leasing, when uncertainty reigns the priority is to make your fl eet operation as adaptable as possible. “We are now having far broader conversations with our customers,”
said Mary, “such as introducing cash allowances supported by our per- sonal contract hire solution as a means of giving both companies and drivers more freedom and fl exibility. “Salary sacrifi ce is also back on the agenda because its fi nancial
benefi ts look extremely interesting thanks to the Government’s hugely attractive benefi t in kind (BIK) rates on ultra-low emission and electric vehicles.” Grosvenor Leasing relaunched its salary sacrifi ce scheme earlier this
year in partnership with leading tax advisors, MHA MacIntyre Hudson. T e salary sacrifi ce concept involves employees taking a reduced
salary in return for a fully insured and maintained ‘green’ company car. Regardless of whether an employer currently provides cars, this arrangement enables the employer to off er better benefi t choices to all employees as well as potentially improving its green credentials – all while reducing costs to both the company and its employees. As its gains come into play with vehicles with 50g/km CO2 or less, it helps encourage greener vehicles into the business – the strongest advantages being with zero emission, electric vehicles. “We have now grown accustomed to online meetings, with many
people challenging the need to drive long distanc- es when they can meet with a click of the mouse,” continued Mary. “As a result of reduced business travel, the EV battery range issues are suddenly less of a concern. T e upshot is, we’re likely to see a substantial rise in electric vehicles on our roads and a salary sacrifi ce scheme is a very appealing means of introducing them into company fl eets. “We do, however, appreciate that many drivers re-
main wary of making the switch to new vehicle tech- nology and electric transmission, and many of our corporate customers are saying that their drivers are torn between choosing a hybrid or electric vehicle now as their next car, or having one more traditional petrol or diesel model for the next three years. “Recognising this hesitancy, Grosvenor Leasing
has launched an innovative ‘flexible hybrid fleet transition’ service. This offers businesses
ALL THINGS BUSINESS 31
competitive short-term leases of hybrid vehicles so that drivers can grow accustomed to the new era of vehicle without being forced to commit. Any company interested in this scheme should contact Grosvenor as soon as possible to reserve vehicles, as demand is likely to be high and there is a restrict- ed stock of short-term hybrids available.” Based in Kettering, Grosvenor Leasing is the
UK’s largest privately-owned contract hire and fleet management company and is part of the Grosvenor Group which has been operating across Northamptonshire since 1981, with well-known brands such as York, Ward and Rowlatt, Croyland Car Megastore and Interactive Fleet Management. According to Mary Dopson-Taylor, developing a
portfolio of solutions that give maximum fl exibility, supported by expert advice and support, is helping with many of the questions that fl eet managers are wrestling with. For example, if they place an order now, will the
company want that car on their fl eet in three years? If a driver chooses a petrol or diesel, will they regret that decision and wish they’d gone for an EV? Is con- tract hire the right choice for the business or, over the next three years, will the company wish it had chosen a diff erent funding / acquisition method? Does the company actually need to off er its employees vehi- cles, or should they simply move to cash? “It’s matters such as these which we’re now look-
ing to help with by bringing to the table an open mind and some innovative new thinking on how we manage our customers’ vehicle fl eets,” said Mary. “T e good news is that, as well as fl eet managers,
Mary Dopson-Taylor Customer Services Director at Grosvenor Leasing
this seems to be striking the right chord with HR directors, fi nance directors, operations directors and other key stakeholders who are grateful that we are pioneering well thought-through fl eet man- agement concepts in a very ‘new’ world.”
Contact Grosvenor Leasing on 01536 536536 or visit
www.thegrosvenorgroup.co.uk
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