VLS: Your Fleet Management Partner

In the realm of automotive fleet management, efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness are paramount. Businesses relying on a fleet of vehicles, whether cars, vans, HGVs, or specialised plant machinery, need a partner who can ensure their operations run smoothly and without interruption. This is precisely where VLS steps in, offering a proactive and personalised service designed to meet the specific fleet requirements of its customers. With a commitment to supporting vehicles at every stage of their contract lifetime, VLS has established itself as a trusted name in the industry.

What is VLS?

VLS, based at 2 Coble Dene, North Shields NE29 6DE, is a specialist in fleet management and vehicle solutions. Their core business revolves around not only supplying a diverse range of vehicles but also developing highly innovative specialist vehicles tailored to unique customer needs. This goes beyond standard vehicle provision; VLS excels in project-managing the entire process, from the initial design and specification to the custom-building of complex vehicles. Examples of their specialised work include the creation of sludge tankers, high volume jetters, insulated aerial platforms, tracked pole carriers, and crane wagons. Furthermore, they have demonstrated their versatility by developing mobile community library vehicles and customer engagement vehicles, showcasing a broad spectrum of capabilities.

Comprehensive Fleet Support

The commitment of VLS to its customers extends far beyond the initial supply of vehicles. They understand that a fleet's operational life is fraught with potential challenges, from routine maintenance to unexpected emergencies. To address this, VLS provides comprehensive support throughout the entire lifetime of each fleet vehicle. Customers benefit from a fast and responsive service delivered by a dedicated commercial team, a specialised fleet management contact centre, and a well-established regional network of maintenance workshops. This integrated approach ensures that whatever the requirement, VLS is equipped to handle it efficiently.

Services Offered by VLS:

• Routine Servicing and Maintenance: Scheduling and carrying out all necessary preventative maintenance and inspections to keep vehicles in optimal condition.
• Short-Term Hire: Providing replacement vehicles to minimise downtime when primary vehicles are unavailable.
• Emergency Tyre and Glass Replacement: Swift resolution of common issues that can immobilise a vehicle.
• Roadside Recovery: Offering assistance in case of breakdowns, ensuring vehicles and drivers are safely retrieved.
• Accident Management: Co-ordinating the entire process following an accident, from recovery to repair and claims management.

The VLS team is dedicated to keeping fleets fully operational around the clock, understanding that for many businesses, every minute a vehicle is off the road translates to lost productivity and revenue. Their commitment to 24/7 support is a cornerstone of their service offering.

Commitment to Quality and Efficiency

VLS operates with a strong foundation of quality, safety, and efficiency, underscored by its certifications. The company is fully certified to the following ISO standards: ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), ISO 27001 (Information Security Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management). These certifications are not mere badges; they represent a well-organised operation dedicated to delivering excellence in all aspects of its service. This commitment ensures that customers receive a high standard of service that is both reliable and compliant with industry best practices.

Saving Time and Money for Customers

At its core, VLS aims to save its customers both time and money. This is achieved through a strategic approach to fleet management that focuses on optimising vehicle contract terms, maximising fleet efficiency, and significantly reducing off-road time. A key factor in their ability to deliver cost-effectiveness is their procurement process. By leveraging the volume of vehicles purchased through a combined procurement process with their parent companies and other utility providers, VLS negotiates substantial discounts. This economy of scale ensures that customers benefit from unbeatable cost-effectiveness, making VLS a financially astute choice for fleet management.

A Strong Heritage and Strategic Partnerships

The origins of VLS trace back to a joint venture between Northumbrian Water Group and Northern Electric, which eventually became Northern Powergrid. Today, these two entities remain VLS's major shareholders and strategic partners. This shared history fosters a deep understanding of operational needs, particularly within the utility sector, and a mutual commitment to providing customer service excellence. The strong financial stability provided by Northern Powergrid, owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and Northumbrian Water Group, owned by the CKI Group, further solidifies VLS's position as a reliable and robust partner for businesses requiring expert fleet management solutions.

Why Choose VLS?

Choosing VLS means partnering with a company that offers a holistic approach to fleet management. They understand the intricacies of operating and maintaining a diverse range of vehicles, from standard cars and vans to highly specialised equipment. Their ability to develop bespoke solutions, coupled with their commitment to round-the-clock support and cost-saving procurement strategies, makes them an invaluable asset to any business with fleet requirements. The combination of their extensive service offering, commitment to quality through ISO certifications, and the financial backing of strong parent companies ensures that VLS is a partner you can trust to keep your fleet operational, efficient, and cost-effective.

Frequently Asked Questions about VLS

Q1: What types of vehicles does VLS supply?

A1: VLS supplies a wide range of vehicles including cars, vans, HGVs, and plant machinery. They also specialise in developing highly innovative specialist vehicles such as sludge tankers, high volume jetters, insulated aerial platforms, tracked pole carriers, and crane wagons.

Q2: What kind of support does VLS offer for fleets?

A2: VLS provides comprehensive support throughout the vehicle's contract lifetime. This includes routine servicing, maintenance, short-term hire, emergency tyre and glass replacement, roadside recovery, and accident management. They offer 24/7 support to keep fleets operational.

Q3: How does VLS help customers save money?

A3: VLS saves customers money by optimising vehicle contract terms, maximising fleet efficiency, and reducing off-road time. They achieve significant cost savings through bulk purchasing via their parent companies, leading to substantial discounts.

Q4: What are VLS's key certifications?

A4: VLS is fully certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, and ISO 45001 standards, demonstrating their commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, information security, and occupational health and safety.

Q5: Who are VLS's parent companies and major shareholders?

A5: VLS was founded as a joint venture between Northumbrian Water Group and Northern Electric (now Northern Powergrid). These companies remain major shareholders and strategic partners, providing financial stability and industry expertise.

Comparative Overview of Fleet Management Benefits

In conclusion, VLS stands out as a comprehensive fleet management provider, offering a unique blend of vehicle supply, specialist vehicle development, extensive support services, and a strong focus on cost savings and operational efficiency. Their deep industry knowledge, coupled with robust partnerships and a commitment to quality, makes them an ideal choice for businesses seeking to optimise their fleet operations.