Specialist Fleet Services Limited

Specialist Fleet Services Limited http://www.sfs.co.uk/ Specialist Fleet Services Limited RSS News Feed PHS Wastetech Takes On New Fleet From SFS Leading commercial waste collection provider PHS Wastetech has awarded the contract for its additional fleet of recycling and waste collection vehicles, to Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS).A member of the Rothschild Banking Group, SFS is one of the most experienced contact hire companies in the UK, and runs its own network of vehicle workshops, as well as providing vehicle hire and fleet management services to the public and private sector.The five year contract comprises 26 Trade RCV’s from Dennis Eagle, and 7 Ford Transit Caged Tippers, which will be providing trade waste collection services around the country, primarily in Manchester and London.PHS Wastetech provides waste collection and recycling services to local and national customers in the commercial, retail and industrial sectors. The company has a network of over twenty depots positioned throughout England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, servicing over 15,000 clients.Lee Herriott, Head of Procurement, PHS said: “We have worked with SFS in the past with success and have found them to be a very straight forward and professional team. They also have strong relationships with all the vehicle manufacturers.”Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS: “PHS Wastetech are a very reputable organisation and we are pleased that they chose us for such a significant contract.”ENDS. http://www.sfs.co.uk/PHS_Wastetech_Takes_On_New_Fleet_From_SFS--post--46.html Hinckley & Bosworth Supports Apprenticeship Scheme Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council has just taken on a new apprentice at their vehicle depot on Middlefield Lane, Hinckley, through the Leicester College Apprenticeship Training Agency (ATA).The Council’s fleet of vehicles and workshop facilities are maintained by Northampton-based Specialist Fleet Services, who selected 18-year old Christopher Ellix from Ibstock as an Apprentice Commercial Vehicle Technician, from a range of candidates hand-picked by the ATA. Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS said: “The service from the Leicester College Apprenticeship Training Agency is excellent. They manage the whole process and there is minimum risk to us. More companies should give it a try.”Mike Brymer, Chief Officer, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council said: “We’re delighted to support the Apprenticeship Training Agency at Leicester College. It’s important that we provide opportunities for young people in our local community. Christopher will gain valuable hands on training at our workshop whilst he continues with his studies towards becoming a fully qualified HGV Commercial Vehicle Technician.”Lesley Ganda, Recruitment Account Manager, Leicester College: “Leicester College ATA provides a vital link between young people in training and local employers. We aim to take all the hassle out of the recruitment process. Once we have taken a detailed brief from an employer outlining what they are looking for in an Apprentice, we screen potential candidates, in person, and assess their suitability for the role. This includes checking their qualifications and their English and Maths aptitude. We then provide a shortlist for interviews and we can offer the use of College facilities to conduct those interviews if required.”Continued Lesley: “We have so many talented and enthusiastic young people just waiting for a chance to prove what they can do. We just need more employers to come forward.”Once a candidate has been selected, the ATA gather references and takes care of employment contracts. The Apprenticeship Training Agency invoices the employer on a monthly basis for the Apprentice’s salary plus a management fee. The employer can decide to employ their Apprentice direct at any point during the Apprenticeship.”Christopher Ellix, who has already completed a City & Guilds course in Motor Mechanics said: “I’m really enjoying it. There’s a lot more to refuse vehicles than normal trucks, as there are so many complex moving parts. I’ve always loved cars and engines so it’s great to get the chance to do what I love as a job.”Any employers interested in finding out more about Apprenticeship opportunities through Leicester College ATA should contact Leicester College on 0116 224 2240 or visit www.leicestercollege.ac.ukENDS. http://www.sfs.co.uk/Hinckley__Bosworth_Supports_Apprenticeship_Scheme--post--45.html SFS Demonstrates Success In Cornwall At PAWRS - Stands 28 & 29 Leading contract hire, workshop and fleet management Company, Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS), will be Exhibiting at this year’s PAWRS show on a wave of success having just been awarded possibly the UK’s largest-ever municipal vehicle hire contract.Recently SFS was chosen as the vehicle provider for Cory Environmental’s new contract with Cornwall Council for waste and recycling collections, beach and street cleansing. The contract is worth £14m and involves the provision of over 200 vehicles.A member of the Rothschild Group and operating for over 20 years, SFS is one of the most established and financially robust contract hire companies serving both local authorities and the private sector.Steve Price, Sales Director, SFS: “We’re looking forward to PAWRS this year. It’s a great opportunity to meet with customers old and new, as well as catch up with colleagues from the industry.”Based in Northampton, SFS runs a network of workshops on behalf of local authorities, as well as its own facilities. From a mower to a van, a bus to a refuse vehicle, SFS has all the expertise to specify, source, maintain and dispose of various types of municipal vehicles, passenger transport equipment and plant. As well as contract hire and short-term hire vehicle provision, SFS offers the complete range of fleet management services. These include a dedicated Fleet Desk for technical queries and practical support, an extensive mobile engineer network, workshop management or provision, a fleet management system, servicing and maintenance, MOT and LOLER certification, Breakdown and Accident Recovery, Fuel Management, Staff Training and TUPE transfers.SFS are Exhibiting a refuse vehicle at the show and can be found on Stands 28 & 29. ENDS. http://www.sfs.co.uk/SFS_Demonstrates_Success_In_Cornwall_At_PAWRS___Stands_28__29--post--44.html Bedford BC Balances Contract Hire With In-House Provision Bedford Borough Council is engaging the services of vehicle contract hire and fleet management experts, Specialist Fleet Services (SFS) to supply and maintain a new fleet of Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCV’s), operating alongside the authority’s existing in-house fleet.Tim Cockayne, Fleet Engineering Services Manager, Bedford BC: “We structure the elements of our vehicle provision and maintenance to meet the needs of our service. Across the authority we have some 300 vehicles in operation. We strike a balance between the optimum utilisation of our in-house resources, with the specialist skills and knowledge of companies like SFS, to deliver the best value for money.”“SFS are helping us to introduce operational efficiency improvements, such as out of hours maintenance, which reduces Vehicle Off Road (VOR) time, increases vehicle availability and mitigates service disruptions.”The four new vehicles will be used to collect both trade and domestic waste, and comprise: 2 x Scania (6x4) chassis/Heil Powerlink 21 cubic metre bodies with Heil Universal trade lifts; 1x Scania (6x2) chassis with Dennis Olympus 21 wide body with Terberg OmniDEL Xtra Bin lift; and 1 Scania (8x4) chassis with Dennis Olympus 27 wide body with Terberg OmniDEL Xtra Bin Lift.All the vehicles have been fitted with Vehicle Weighing Systems Load Cells, the latest LED lighting package, front directional beacons and a rear view camera monitor.Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment & Transport and Deputy Mayor of Bedford said: “We are continually looking for new and better ways of working. SFS are valuable partners, helping us to streamline our service and provide the best value for money for our residents.”A member of the Rothschild Banking Group, SFS provides contract hire and fleet management services to local authorities and the private sector. The SFS team are experts in all aspects of vehicle and fleet provision including contract hire and lease arrangements, maintenance, workshop management, compliance and testing, service scheduling, support and technical advice, accident management, breakdown support, TUPE transfers, staff training and vehicle disposal. SFS also runs a network of workshops on behalf of local authorities, and an in-house facility to keep its own hire fleet and customers’ vehicles running smoothly. Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS: ”We have been supplying Bedford Borough Council with refuse vehicles since 1998. The key to our longstanding relationship is that we operate as an integrated part of the authority, with access to all the information we need to deliver exactly the right vehicles and make service improvements.” ENDS. http://www.sfs.co.uk/_Bedford_BC_Balances_Contract_Hire_With_InHouse_Provision_--post--43.html Craig Completes Marathon Challenge On 18 December 2011 Craig Fuller, SFS Administrator, completed his twelfth and final marathon in 4 hrs 35 minutes, 12 months after commencing his challenge in January 2011 to run a marathon every month.Huge congratulations to Craig who managed to run some 315 miles and raise over £5,500 for the Meningitis Trust and Northampton General Hospital Intensive Care Unit where his wife Katie was treated after being diagnosed with Meningeoncephalitis in 2008.Thankfully Katie made a full recovery and the couple, together with 1 year old daughter Poppy, have just welcomed a new addition to their family, William John George Fuller who was born on 26th January.Of all the races, Craig rates Snowdonia as his best race and the Malvern Hills as his worst. Since crossing the final finish line, which Craig described as a very emotional experience, he threw his trainers in the garage and hasn’t done any training since.Craig adds: “Thanks to everyone who has supported me. It was an amazing experience. I wasn’t sure that I could actually achieve what I set out to do so I’m surprised, proud and massively relieved that it’s over!”To find out more about Craig’s challenge go to <a href="http://www.run12in12.co.uk/">www.run12in12.co.uk</a>Anyone wishing to donate to one of Craig’s chosen charities can still do so by emailing Craig at <a href="mailto:lostfuller@yahoo.co.uk">lostfuller@yahoo.co.uk</a>. http://www.sfs.co.uk/Craig_Completes_Marathon_Challenge--post--42.html New Vehicles for A New Service in Aylesbury Vale 3rd February 2012<div style="clear: both; padding-top: 4px;">Contract hire and fleet management company, Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS), is celebrating being awarded a fourth contract in succession by Aylesbury Vale District Council. SFS has been supplying the authority with vehicles for over 10 years and this latest fleet will facilitate the rollout of a new twin-stream, co-mingled collection service in the district.Andrew Wilkins, Service Manager, Aylesbury Vale District Council said: “Flexibility and value for money are our top priorities and SFS always delivers on both accounts. The new vehicles are crucial to the success of our new service and have been specified for maximum load and efficiency, whilst being able to reach difficult to access areas.”Andrew continued: “Our initial target is 60% recycling in the district and after some door to door consultation with residents we have constructed a new service that includes weekly food waste collections, with alternate residual waste and recyclable waste collections.”The 6-year lease hire agreement commences in August 2012 when the 16 new RCV’s, all from Dennis Eagle with Terberg Bin Lifts and Food Pods, will be delivered to Aylesbury.A member of the Rothschild Banking Group, SFS runs its own network of workshops and provides vehicle hire and fleet management services to the public and private sector, including maintenance, workshop management, service scheduling, compliance and testing, accident management, breakdown support, staff training and technical advice.Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS, said: “We value our close working relationship with Aylesbury Vale, which helps us to deliver a tailor-made solution, at a competitive price. We are committed to providing a reliable and quality service that is unrivalled in the industry.”</div> http://www.sfs.co.uk/New_Vehicles_for_A_New_Service_in_Aylesbury_Vale--post--41.html Cory Awards Landmark Contract To SFS Leading contract hire and fleet management company Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS) is celebrating winning potentially the UK’s largest-ever municipal vehicle hire contract, to provide vehicles for Cory Environmental’s new contract with Cornwall Council for waste and recycling collections, beach and street cleansing.The £14m contract comprises over 200 vehicles for refuse collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance, including 47 RCV’s, sweepers, skip loaders, tippers, graffiti removal and street cleansing units, plus a number of specialist build vehicles for recycling.Nigel Carr, General Manager for Cory Environmental Municipal Services Ltd said: “Cory has been operating in Cornwall, near Truro, since 1990 and we are delighted to have been selected by Cornwall Council for this significant contract. We have found SFS to be a very professional organisation that shares the same ethos, and they are a valuable partner in helping us deliver the highest standards of service in Cornwall. The contract offers value for money as well as a responsive and flexible service.”Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS, said: “This is a very prestigious contract and we are honoured to have been selected as Cory’s preferred provider. We are committed to helping Cory deliver a top class service to the residents of Cornwall.”In October 2011 Cornwall Council appointed Cory Environmental to deliver waste and recycling collections, plus beach and street cleaning services throughout Cornwall as part of a new contract that retains weekly black bag collections for residents over the next eight years.Previously eight different providers were responsible for collecting Cornwall’s waste and cleaning beaches and streets, under the operation of the six former district councils. With the majority of contracts due to end at the end of March 2012 Cornwall Council took the decision to move to a unified and integrated contract for the whole of Cornwall.Julian German, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for waste and recycling said: “This contract will enable us to safeguard weekly black bag collections for residents in Cornwall. By providing a single contract we can harmonise the service standards to provide the same level of service to everyone across Cornwall at the same time as reducing costs for council tax payers”. http://www.sfs.co.uk/Cory_Awards_Landmark_Contract_To_SFS--post--40.html Local Primary School Pupils Design SFS Christmas Card Northampton-based vehicle contract hire and fleet management company Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS) called in the expertise of artistic pupils at Duston Eldean Primary School in Northampton, to design their company Christmas card this year.SFS have strong links with the school through Business in the Community (BITC) and the Right to Read initiative. This year 14 members of staff volunteered to be trained and CRB checked, in order to visit the school each week and assist the children with their reading.A panel of staff at SFS selected two pictures, created by Jason West (10) and Ellie Garrett (11), to decorate the card, which will be sent out to SFS business contacts.On Monday 12 December Jason and Ellie will be presented with a £20 voucher by SFS Director Yvette Emslie, as a thank you for their efforts.Bob Sweetland, managing director, SFS Ltd said: “The children put in a lot of effort and the designs even included our corporate logo which is great. We are very grateful and the card will be very well received by our customers.”Andy Stevenson, Deputy Head said: “We are delighted to have such a good relationship with a successful, local company like SFS. It’s important for the children to meet local business people and learn about what they do. The children really enjoyed this activity and they are excited about seeing the finished printed cards.” <img alt="" src="/userfiles/images/website_images/story_images/xmascard.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 512px;" /> http://www.sfs.co.uk/Local_Primary_School_Pupils_Design_SFS_Christmas_Card--post--36.html BIFFA Identifies A Key Partner In SFS In a major private sector contract Specialist Fleet Services (SFS) have impressed bosses at Biffa with their ‘can-do’ approach in providing a fleet of vehicles for Winchester City Council.Jodie Scott, Group Procurement Category Manager, Biffa said: ”SFS have shown a thorough understanding of our business requirements and have proven to be flexible, with the capacity to deal with the unexpected very well. Their support in a continuous changing and demanding market has provided the platform to work strategically with Biffa.”The 5-year contract hire agreement comprises 25 vehicles, which will be used to collect a combination of domestic and trade waste. The fleet consists of: 19 Dennis Olympus 21 wide bodied 6x2 Elite 2 Rear Steer Chassis and 2 x Olympus 13 wide bodied on 6x2 Elite Chassis, all with Zöller compact low level lifts; 2 x Terberg top loaders 28 cu.m on Dennis Eagle Elite 6x2 mid-lift chassis; plus 1 x Mitsubishi Canter Tipper and 1 x Mercedes Atego 10 tonne.Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS said: “This contract is a prime example of how we can bring a different approach to fleet provision in the private sector. We are well established and the combination of our expertise and parentage gives us a flexibility not often found in the contract hire sector.”BIFFA won the £32 million 8 year contact to take over refuse and recycling collections across Winchester and East Hampshire in October and they have been rolling out a new integrated cross-border waste and recycling collection service.David Maidman, Operations Director, Biffa said: “SFS have been a critical partner in helping us the meet the financial targets for this contract and in ensuring that the vehicles were delivered on time and to specification.”Municipal vehicle and contract hire specialists, Northampton-based Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS) offer a range of financial and operational solutions for the provision of vehicle fleets to both the Public and Private Sectors. The company has extensive experience in providing fleet management services, including the operation of workshops supported by a nationwide network of mobile engineers, the TUPE transfer of customers’ workshop staff and in ensuring the highest standards of health and safety are maintained. http://www.sfs.co.uk/BIFFA_Identifies_A_Key_Partner_In_SFS_--post--35.html Contract Solutions To Fit All Sizes THIS month Northampton-based contract hire and fleet management experts, Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS) has delivered four new Dennis Eagle Olympus RCV’s to long standing customer, South Northamptonshire Council, as part of an interim fleet configuration while the authority reviews its recycling and collection service.Ed Potter, Head of Service, South Northamptonshire Council: “We needed a fleet structure to help us continue to deliver our service for the next two years, whilst giving us the flexibility to change the configuration if necessary, when we have shaped our new collection service and waste disposal contract. SFS have helped us to come up with an interim solution that will see us through this review period.”The sole contract hire provider to South Northamptonshire Council (SNC), SFS has held the maintenance contract for the authority since 2001, servicing vehicles at its in-house workshop facility in Brackmills, Northampton. In 2002 SFS assisted SNDC in procuring the UK’s first low-level Scania cabs.Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS: “We have provided South Northamptonshire with a combination of vehicle solutions to see them through this period of flux, whilst they consider the future structure of their service. As well as providing some new vehicles, we have extended the lifetime of the fleet through a number of measures such as vehicle refurbishment and the provision of vehicles from our hire fleet.”SFS has been busy in other parts of the country, winning the contract for London Borough of Hackney, comprising over 120 vehicles for waste, housing, libraries, courier and parking services.At Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council where the decision has been taken to bring the housing maintenance service back in house, SFS has been awarded the contract to supply a 17 strong fleet to the authority’s Property Services department. http://www.sfs.co.uk/Contract_Solutions_To_Fit_All_Sizes_--post--34.html Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS) Brings Unique Expertise To RWM Municipal vehicle and plant contract hire specialists, SFS, can be found on Stand 2482 at this years RWM show in partnership with CIWM. Steve Price, sales director, SFS Ltd: “As the leading trade expo for the waste management sector we were keen to have a presence at the show. We’re looking forward to meeting other exhibitors and to talking to representatives from both the private sector and local authorities.”Established over 18 years ago, SFS is one of the most well-established and robust contract hire companies, serving both the public and private sectors.A member of the Rothschild Group, the company has a unique financial strength that can facilitate flexible solutions to deliver costs and efficiency savings as well as service improvements.Based in Northampton, SFS runs a network of workshops on behalf of local authorities, as well as its own facility. From a mower to a van, a bus to a refuse vehicle, SFS has all expertise to specify, source, maintain and dispose of all manner of municipal and passenger vehicles and plant.Bob Sweetland, managing director, SFS Ltd: “Each customer is different, so we invest time and resources finding out about their operation to gain a proper understanding of their requirements. Our aim is to create contract solutions that offer value for money, as well as going above and beyond a customer’s expectations.”As well as contract hire and short-term hire vehicle provision, SFS offers the complete range of fleet management services. These include a dedicated Fleet Desk for technical queries and practical support, an extensive mobile engineer network, workshop management or provision, a fleet management system, servicing and maintenance, MOT and LOLER certification, Breakdown and Accident Recovery, Fuel Management, Staff Training and TUPE transfers.Some of SFS customers have the last word…Andrew Wilkins, Head of Waste Services, Aylesbury Vale District Council: “We, like many authorities, are undergoing a process of change and we need to be able to change our fleet in line with any future changes to our waste collection service. We believe in open and honest discussion and SFS provide that. The contract is not only extremely competitive with very favourable lease arrangements, but also gives us the ability to change vehicles before the end of term of the contract.”Simon Walker, Waste & Depot Manager, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council: "We value SFS knowledge and expertise in helping us to select, specify and maintain our fleet of vehicles. Thanks to our partnership with SFS we have achieved a 100% success rate on M.O.T's, safeguarded our Operator Licence and improved the efficiency of our service to provide better value for money to our residents."For further information Tel: 01604 234601 <a href="http://www.sfs.co.uk/">www.sfs.co.uk</a> http://www.sfs.co.uk/Specialist_Fleet_Services_Ltd_SFS_Brings_Unique_Expertise_To_RWM--post--33.html 5 Down, 7 To Go – Craig’s Marathon Challenge Continues… ON Saturday 25 June SFS Workshop Admininstrator, Craig Fuller, will run his sixth marathon, The Malvern Midsommer Marathon, marking the halfway point in his challenge to run 12 marathons in as many months, to raise money for The Meningitis Trust and Northampton General Hospital Intensive Care Unit. Despite an early injury to his Achilles tendon Craig has completed all five races, running his best time of 4.5 hours during the Shakespeare Marathon in Stratford-upon-Avon in May.Craig: “I’ve enjoyed all the races so far except the Belvoir Challenge in Melton Mowbray. It was all cross-country and I had to negotiate stiles, cattle grids and gates so it was difficult to get a good flow of pace. My favourite race so far was Brighton, where there were over 10,000 runners and big crowds.”Craig’s wife, Katie, and one year old daughter, Poppy, have been very supportive, attending each race and keeping Craig going by cheering him on at points along each route.Craig added: “It really helps to see Katie and Poppy along the way, especially during some of the smaller races when it can be difficult to stay motivated.”So far Craig has raised nearly £2,000 for the charities and SFS managing director, Bob Sweetland, has promised to donate an additional £100 each time Craig completes a race.Craig decided to raise funds for both charities as a thank you for their support when his wife Katie, 30, was diagnosed with Meningoencephalitis, an illness that attacks both the brain lining and brain stems, in 2008. Fortunately Katie made a full recovery but many sufferers are not as lucky.To find out more about Craig’s challenge go to <a href="http://www.run12in12.co.uk/">www.run12in12.co.uk</a>Anyone wishing to sponsor Craig or donate to one of his chosen charities can do so at:To support the Meningitis Trust visit Craig’s 'Virgin just giving' site at <a href="http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/CraigFuller">www.virginmoneygiving.com/CraigFuller</a> ?To support Northampton General Hospital visit?Craig’s 'just giving' site at <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Craig-Fuller">www.justgiving.com/Craig-Fuller</a> http://www.sfs.co.uk/5_Down_7_To_Go__Craigs_Marathon_Challenge_Continues--post--32.html Gosport Residents Impressed With New Collection & Cleansing Service With picture left to right: Mark Pigott, Urbaser Project Manager with Cllr Graham Burgess, Deputy Leader Gosport Borough CouncilGosport Borough Council has been receiving positive feedback from residents since handing over the contract for its refuse collection and cleansing to Urbaser Ltd, a leading provider of waste collection, cleansing and treatment services. Urbaser’s vehicle partner is contract hire and fleet management company, Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS).Stevyn Ricketts, Head of Streetscene, Gosport Borough Council said: “We were very specific about what we were looking for and the whole process was transparent. Our aim is to deliver the contract under budget, and because the contract is performance related, it is in both parties interests to work efficiently.”Stevyn continued: “We were impressed with the quality of Urbaser’s response from the outset. They think outside the box and add value wherever possible. The partnership with SFS is also a big strength. Not only do we have more vehicles to do the job, we have better equipped vehicles, designed specifically to cope with compact, difficult to access areas.”Within just 8 weeks of the contract start date in April 2011 the authority was already receiving calls from residents commenting on a notably ‘cleaner borough’. To demonstrate their commitment to service improvement, Urbaser will be funding a satisfaction survey on behalf of Gosport Borough Council in the future to monitor the ‘direction of travel’ regarding public opinion.As a demonstration of its commitment to work with local contractors and suppliers, Urbaser, a subsidiary of Urbaser SA the Spanish-owned waste management organisation, has already TUPE transferred nearly 70 members of staff from the authority.Javier Peiro, Director, Urbaser Ltd: “We are looking forward to showing how we can continually improve the collection and cleansing service in Gosport and deliver financial savings at the same time. We have been working in this sector for over 20 years and we can bring new and innovative ways of working. We are also very grateful to our vehicle partners, SFS, whose in-depth knowledge and expertise was invaluable in securing the contract.”The 10 year contract encompasses refuse collection and street cleansing and SFS is providing over 30 vehicles, including 7 Dennis Eagle rear steer RCV’s (2 standard width and 5 narrow width), Scarab sweepers, tippers and various maintenance vehicles. A member of the Rothschild Group, Specialist Fleet Services Ltd was founded in 1992 and is one of the UK’s most financially robust and established contract hire and fleet management providers.Bob Sweetland, managing director, SFS Ltd said: “We are delighted that Urbaser has chosen us as its vehicle partner for this prestigious contract. It’s great to hear that the new and improved fleet is already having a positive impact on the collection and cleansing service in the Borough.”Cllr Graham Burgess, Deputy Leader of Gosport Borough Council, who was involved in the tendering process said: “The contract handover has been seamless. We have superior vehicles and the new rear steer RCV’s from Dennis Eagle are perfect for manoeuvring around Gosport’s back alley’s and small streets. The streets are cleaner, the vehicles are cleaner and I’m very pleased by what Urbaser has achieved in such a short space of time. They were the worthy winners.” http://www.sfs.co.uk/Gosport_Residents_Impressed_With_New_Collection__Cleansing_Service--post--31.html Specialist Fleet Services Joins Forces with Business in the Community Northampton-based municipal vehicle and plant contract hire experts, Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS), has joined forces with Business in the Community (BITC) as part of its commitment to forge links within the local community.SFS has trained and CRB checked 14 members of staff who have volunteered to visit a local primary school each week and assist the children with their reading activities. The volunteers work on a rota basis, with 4 employees visiting the school each week for 1 ½ hour sessions.BITC is responsible for bringing SFS and Duston Eldean Primary School, Northampton together as part of its Right to Read initiative.Bob Sweetland, managing director, SFS said: “We take our Corporate Social Responsibility seriously and we want to make a positive contribution within our local community. Right to Read is a fantastic initiative and I’m delighted to say that we weren’t short of volunteers coming forward to take part.”“We hope this will be the beginning of a long term partnership with the school.”Andy Stevenson Deputy Head of Duston Eldean Primary School said: “We wanted to develop links within the business community so we spoke to BITC and they put us in touch with SFS. Hearing individual children read is such a beneficial activity and boosts children’s reading skills and self-confidence.”“It’s also important that the children develop their interpersonal skills by meeting people from all walks of life, with different skills and jobs, to help us promote a good work ethic and prepare them for the future.”“The SFS volunteers have been so enthusiastic and the response from teachers and pupils has been excellent.”BITC Northamptonshire Community Impact Manager, Peter Coe said:“We help companies who are committed to being socially responsible and engage them in communities where there is the greatest need. There are significant advantages to both parties when businesses and schools form partnerships. Schools get to build links with the business sector, an important source of support and advice for the future, and volunteering enriches an organisation and its employees.”“In every school where the Right to Read initiative exists, the schools report accelerated learning, in some cases up to one whole school year ahead. I congratulate SFS on their commitment to the Northamptonshire community and I hope that other organisations will follow their example.” http://www.sfs.co.uk/Specialist_Fleet_Services_Joins_Forces_with_Business_in_the_Community--post--27.html SFS Wins Contract At Hyndburn And Once, Twice, Three Times in Aylesbury Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS) welcomes Hyndburn Borough Council as a new customer after being awarded the contract to provide the authority with a new fleet of 6 new Dennis Eagle RCV’s.Dave Allonby, Head of Environmental Services, Hyndburn Borough Council said: “SFS were selected because they offered the best combination of price and quality. During our negotiations they gave us the confidence that they could deliver on every level, as well as provide us with good support. In the short period of time that we have been dealing with SFS we are already impressed with their professionalism and the standard of service they provide.”Hyndburn Borough Council boasts excellent customer satisfaction levels with 95% of residents saying they are happy with the recycling and refuse collection service.Bob Sweetland, managing director, SFS said: “We are delighted to be working with Hyndburn and we look forward to developing a long-standing relationship. The authority runs an excellent service and we are confident that we can contribute to maintaining these high standards.” <hr /> Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS), vehicle and plant contract hire experts have been chosen by Aylesbury Vale District Council to provide their latest fleet of RCV’s, the third time that they have beaten off competition as part of the authority’s tender Framework Agreement.Aylesbury Vale District Council is reviewing its refuse and recycling collection service and the flexible approach demonstrated by SFS was a major factor in winning the tender.Andrew Wilkins, Head of Waste Services: “We, like many authorities, are undergoing a process of change and we need to be able to change our fleet in line with any future changes to our waste collection service. We believe in open and honest discussion and SFS provide that. The contract is not only extremely competitive with very favourable lease arrangements, but also gives us the ability to change vehicles before the end of term of the contract.”A member of the Rothschild Banking Group, SFS runs its own network of workshops and provides vehicle hire and fleet management services to the public and private sector, including maintenance, workshop management, service scheduling, compliance and testing, accident management, breakdown support, staff training and technical advice.Bob Sweetland, managing director, SFS: “We recognise that the current climate, and pending local elections, is causing a greater degree of uncertainty in authorities. Flexibility is an increasingly important factor in tender negotiations, along with service quality, reliability, and price. We work closely with our customers to find the right solution for them.” http://www.sfs.co.uk/SFS_Wins_Contract_At_Hyndburn_And__Once_Twice_Three_Times_in_Aylesbury--post--26.html A Marathon Thank You With picture: Craig, with Katie and Poppy, in Gloucester following his first run on 23 JanuaryTHIS month Craig Fuller, a workshop administrator for Northampton based municipal vehicle and plant hire company Specialist Fleet Services Ltd, will run his second marathon out of the 12 he plans to complete this year.30 year old Craig set himself the challenge as a way of saying thank you to The Meningitis Trust and Northampton General Hospital Intensive Care Unit, for their help and support when his wife Katie, 30, was diagnosed with Meningoencephalitis back in 2008. The illness attacks both the brain lining and brain stems, and can leave serious after-effects.Luckily Katie made a full recovery and the couple now has a 7 month old baby girl called Poppy.Craig: “We are very lucky. Katie came out the other side and we can now live a normal life but other sufferers are not always as fortunate.”“I really wanted to do something to express my gratitude to the staff at Northampton General Hospital ICU for all their support during such a difficult time, and also to The Meningitis Trust who really helped me understand Katie’s illness.”“I also want to raise awareness about these two organisations and to help raise funds so that they can continue their invaluable work.”Craig completed his first race on 23 January in Gloucester in 4 ½ hours, which he was ‘very happy with’. The next run takes place in Cambridge on 27 February and his colleagues at work are all rooting for him.A member of Business In The Community, one of The Princes’s Charities, SFS Ltd encourages its staff to ‘give back’ to the community. A recent initiative involves fourteen members of staff who have volunteered to be trained to help teach children to read in local schools.Bob Sweetland, managing director, SFS Ltd said: “We fully support Craig in his challenge and we will be publishing news of his progress on our website. As an extra incentive we’ve pledged to donate £100 each time he completes a marathon.”To find out more about Craig’s challenge go to <a href="http://www.run12in12.co.uk/">www.run12in12.co.uk</a>Anyone wishing to sponsor Craig or donate to one of his chosen charities can do so at:To support the Meningitis Trust visit?Click on link for my 'Virgin just giving' site to <a href="http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/CraigFuller">www.virginmoneygiving.com/CraigFuller</a>?To support Northampton General Hospital visit?Click on link for my 'just giving' site <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/Craig-Fuller">www.justgiving.com/Craig-Fuller</a> http://www.sfs.co.uk/A_Marathon_Thank_You--post--24.html Hinckley & Bosworth Rings In A New Collection Service With picture L to R : Dave Sheppard, Technical Support Manager, SFS; Cllr Cartwright, Chair of the Direct Services Organisation Board, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council; Cllr Crooks, Lead Member – Waste and Street Cleansing, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council; Matt Horwell, Sales Manager, Dennis Eagle; and Michael Brymer, Chief Officer, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough CouncilFOLLOWING recent public consultation Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council is ringing in the changes with the launch of their new refuse and recycling collection service this month. To facilitate the new service the authority is replacing its existing Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCV’s) with a brand new fleet of Dennis Eagle RCV’s supplied by vehicle and plant contract hire experts Specialist Fleet Services (SFS).Mike Brymer, Chief Officer, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council said: ”We went out and asked local people what kind of service they wanted and we listened to what they said. Residents want less containers and more choice so we’re moving from a source segregated service to a new dual stream collection. As a result we’ve reduced the number of collection rounds, and the number of vehicles required, and have saved approximately £250,000.”SFS, a member of the Rothschild Banking Group, first started working with the authority in 2005 and were recently awarded the contract to supply a new fleet as well as maintain the vehicles.“We have a good working relationship with SFS because they understand our needs. The contract offers great value for money. We have a fleet of state of the art and fit for purpose vehicles, incorporating the latest safety and lighting technology, and a comprehensive fleet management and maintenance service that goes above and beyond our specification.”Bob Sweetland, managing director, SFS Ltd: “We’re delighted to have been selected as the supplier of choice and look forward to continuing working with Hinckley & Bosworth. As part of the contract we have installed a new ‘bells and whistles’ fleet management system, to ensure all the vehicles are fully compliant, serviced and well maintained at all times, as well as providing additional features such as fuel usage monitoring.”For the first time the authority has chosen RCV’s from Dennis Eagle - 8 x Olympus OL19 Narrow on Elite 2 6x2 Chassis with Terberg Omni-Del Xtra bin lift; and 1 x Dennis Twin Pack 50/50 on Elite 6x4 Chassis with Terberg bin lift. The contract also includes street cleansing and general purpose vehicles comprising a Scarab Magnum Sweeper and a Scarab Minor Sweeper, 6 x 3.5 tonne Transit Caged Tippers, a Transit Luton Van with tail-lift and 3 x Transit Connect vans.Mike Brymer continues: “We used to have a ‘mixed bag’ of vehicles and we acquired some Dennis /Terberg vehicles to operate as spare vehicles. The combination proved to be popular with crews and the new vehicles can take a greater payload so we have also increased our capacity.”Richard Taylor, Head of Sales and Marketing, Dennis Eagle said: “We’re very excited to be providing vehicles to Hinckley & Bosworth, our neighbouring authority, and to be continuing our partnership with SFS.”To simplify the collection service Hinckley & Bosworth Borough residents now have an alternate black bin collection week for general waste and a recycling and composting week for cans, glass, paper, plastics, cardboard. Drinks cartons and household batteries have also been added to the round, as a result of feedback from the public consultation. To avoid any confusion amongst residents about what waste is being collected the council has gone a step further and colour coded the collection vehicles according to their load i.e. Green trucks collect green waste; blue trucks collect recycling and white trucks are for refuse. http://www.sfs.co.uk/Hinckley__Bosworth_Rings_In_A_New_Collection_Service--post--23.html