As the UK nears the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, businesses are bracing for fiscal tightening amid high inflation, steady interest rates and tax uncertainty. For fleet operators, this adds pressure to already stretched budgets. How can operators brace themselves and maintain control in such an unpredictable environment? For many, contract hire provides the answer.
Following a recommendation from an existing Fraikin customer, family-run independent glass supplier, Clayton Glass, has signed its first-ever contract hire deal with the commercial fleet and mobility services provider, taking delivery of three new 18-tonne rigids.
In the automotive industry, safety and compliance are non-negotiable. One of the most critical daily tasks for drivers is the walkaround check: a thorough inspection of their vehicle before they hit the road. These checks are essential for identifying defects, ensuring roadworthiness and meeting regulatory compliance.
However, spotting a defect or an issue is only half the job. Accurately reporting it and making sure it’s properly addressed is critical. Undocumented defects pose real risks, not just to safety but to your licence. This is why Fraikin has committed to making these processes as easy, streamlined and simple as possible through its powerful MYSMARTFLEET platform.
Utilising data that highlighted persistent issues and growing risks associated with light commercial vehicles (LCVs), the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced it will be rolling out a new approach designed to improve both safety and compliance.
With more than 5.5 million LCVs on UK roads – operated by sole traders through to major commercial fleets – John Penny, Fraikin's Compliance & Training Manager explains how this update is relevant to a vast array of businesses.
Commercial fleet services provider, Fraikin, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Craig Douglas as Chief Financial & Transformation Officer – a new role within the business – alongside the promotion of John Cunningham to Chief Operating Officer.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has introduced a series of updates on how it issues prohibition notices and clearance communications, all part of a broader move toward a more digital, streamlined approach.
These changes reflect a growing trend across the industry to improve compliance processes and reduce reliance on paper-based systems, an important step in keeping fleets safe, legal, and roadworthy. But what exactly has changed?
Mobility solutions expert, Fraikin, has delivered five new 18-tonne rigid trucks into construction supplier Tremco CPG UK, as part of a five-year, full-service contract hire agreement. The new vehicles will help the business transition away from using freight forwarders, a shift that is projected to yield an annual six-figure saving.
With UK fleets continuing to be pushed towards alternatively fuelled commercial vehicles, electric options are consistently leading the charge, however, infrastructure remains a key barrier to adoption.
This is why many key stakeholders continue to petition the Government to tackle this challenge – a move which this month has seen a notable step forward.
Specifically, for BVRLA members, the Government has unveiled a new funding programme to help both large fleets and smaller businesses futureproof their depots, supporting the installation of charging infrastructure for electric HGVs, vans and coaches.
Mobility solutions expert Fraikin has invested in 30 new 3.5-tonne mobile technician vans, helping to maximise the capabilities of its nationwide customer maintenance service. The move continues an ongoing mobilisation plan that aims to have 50 new mobile technicians and vans in place by the end of 2025.