Stand by your van! FCHO supports local economy with new fleet contract

Pictured are FCHO Operational Manager (Property Care) Pat Godfrey (left) and Facilities and Transport Manager Steve Taylor

Keeping it local and investing in Oldham’s economy is the key focus for First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO), which has recently used local companies to support their new 90-strong van fleet.

The housing association’s van fleet of approximately 90 vehicles is key for their Property and Neighbourhood Care teams to deliver a high level of service to customers and maintain their 11,000+ housing stock across the borough. 

The Oldham-based organisations that FCHO will be working with include: van signage by central-Oldham based design and print company, GR Labels 4 Signs; the Oldham branch of tyre specialists, AC Tyres; Chadderton-based HTF Transport; and the Oldham Peugeot dealership on Manchester Road, which has supplied the majority of FCHO’s new fleet via leasing contractor, Specialist Fleet Services (SFS).

The new Peugeot vehicles come with AdBlue technology which eliminates 99.9% of particulates, meaning that the new fleet is much kinder for the environment, too.

Dave Thomas, Head of Property Care at FCHO, said: “Supporting the local economy is one of our priorities as an organisation and now more than ever, businesses need our support due to the impact of coronavirus.

“The pandemic has hit many businesses extremely hard, so we’re making sure we’re using local suppliers wherever we can.

"We’ve developed great links with many Oldham-based companies over the years and we’re looking forward to furthering these positive working relationships with the arrival of our new fleet.

“As well as this, our new fleet is much better for the environment, so it’s a win-win situation.”

Geoff Ralphs, Managing Director of family-run GR Labels 4 Signs, said: “We would like to thank FCHO for the business they have given us over the many years we have worked together.

"It’s been especially important to support local businesses during these unusual times and as always, their custom is much appreciated.”

FCHO looks to renew their fleet every five years, with the most recent tender process occurring earlier this year. SFS were the successful winners for the fourth time running, providing a five year warranty for each vehicle and proving to be the most cost-effective supplier time and time again.

Bob Sweetland, Managing Director at SFS added: “We are very pleased to have retained FCHO as a customer for a fourth term.

"We invest a great deal of time and resources into understanding our customers’ operations and their individual requirements.

"We look forward to continuing to help FCHO maintain their high standard of housing stock.”

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