Enserve Tracks the Cost Savings With Northgate Vehicle Hire

Enserve, a leading provider of support services to the utility sector, is reaping the rewards of long term flexible rental from Northgate Vehicle Hire for 450 vehicles of its 1,000 strong fleet.

Since partnering with Northgate, Enserve has seen a reduction in the costs associated with vehicle downtime and early termination fees, as well as savings of more than ?30,000 per year thanks to Tracker technology and Northgate’s unique Management Information (MI) portal.

Enserve has been able to maximise commercial opportunities and meet changing customer needs as a result of increased flexibility to its fleet and the technology provided by Northgate.

Paul Brown, head of group fleet, Enserve, said: “Winning new contracts often requires adding to our fleet in large numbers each time. One contract win for Thames Water meant that we had to mobilise 100 vehicles within a one month period. Northgate‘s flexibility meant they were able to provide the logistical support to get these vans on the road in plenty of time, complete with customisation and livery.”

“When we looked into the service offering from Northgate, the benefits of rental as a viable long term solution were clear. We discovered they could offer the same vehicles, at the same price and with the same specialised van equipment as contract hire and leasing suppliers but with the added benefit of flexibility.”


Enserve’s client contracts usually last three to four years but requirements can change partway through; meaning anything from a completely new set of vehicles can be required to a contract being completed early and vehicles now surplus to contract needs. Previous contract hire and lease agreements left no room for manoeuvre leading to costly termination penalties or extra costs related to taking out a new lease.

Under Northgate’s flexible agreement, Enserve is able to avoid these costs as vehicles can be handed back without penalty and no upfront deposit is required prior to taking new vans.

Paul added: “For Enserve, the vans are as much a tool to get the job done as the toolbox. You can have the best engineers and the best tools for the job but if you can’t get them to the job it is pointless.”

Northgate provides a complete one-stop solution for Enserve’s fleet; including trackers, speed limiters and an MI portal. The vehicles also come with an inclusive service, maintenance and repair (SMR) package, proactive scheduling of SMR events and replacement vehicles, meaning disruption to Enserve’s business activities is minimised.

Paul said: “If the wheels aren’t turning, we’re not earning. Northgate understands how critical our vans are to our operations. They help keep our operations operational.”

The MI system gives Enserve visibility of its fleet at all times. Users can view details of their vehicles and ensure they are compliant, up to date with MOTs and services as well as access and download reports. The service is included free of charge with Northgate and would have cost Enserve approximately ?10,000 per year to outsource.

Tracking data is used to advise drivers on smarter driving techniques to help reduce fuel spend and the frequency of repairs and replacement parts. Enserve estimates savings to be around ?20,000 per year since fitting Tracker technology and improved driver behaviour has helped cut CO2 emissions. The savings have been channelled into creating a driving league with rewards for the safest drivers, boosting employee engagement and morale.

Rebecca Sutherland, national strategic account manager, Northgate Vehicle Hire, said: “Northgate has built up a strong and trusting relationship with Enserve. We are really pleased that we have been able to provide them with a fully flexible, transparent package which responds to their ever-changing client needs whilst delivering a first class service at an affordable price.

“Our relationship with Enserve demonstrates that flexible vehicle hire is much more than a short term option, with our flexibility and complementary products allowing us to provide a full fleet solution for businesses.”

Northgate has sites across 76 locations in the UK and Ireland, with its head office in Darlington. For further information please visit www.northgatevehiclehire.co.uk.