More than a fleeting chance of success for WDH

Published by Richard Lord for Wakefield & District Housing in Housing and also in Environment

Social landlords Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) have received notification that they have reached the finals of the prestigious Fleet News Awards 2011.

A few days after undergoing a rigorous pre-selection process, WDH’s Fleet Manager Rick Young was informed that WDH had made it into the last five in the 251-500 vehicles category.

WDH made it into the finals following the completion of an application detailing the make up of the fleet and how changes have been implemented over the last few years to meet the needs of the business. They also had to detail information regarding accident rates, annual mileage and CO2 emissions.

“We are very pleased with this,” said Mr Young. “Just making the final five is a result, because we aren’t recognised as a fleet company – that is, we aren’t an organisation whose core business is focussed on our fleet of vehicles.

“We are up against some large organisations such as Tayside Police and Iron Mountain so we will do well to get the big prize.”

Last year WDH changed its entire fleet of vans to cleaner, more fuel efficient Citroen vehicles in a deal that will save up to £250,000 over the course of the four year contract.

Alison Newton, WDH Contracts Manager, said: “A great amount of hard work by Rick has got us to the point where the fleet of vehicles used within Technical Services is fit for purpose and the move to Citroen has helped greatly.

“Rick is well respected within the transport industry as he is also representing WDH on the national Van Excellence Governance Group and so it is fantastic for us to get to the finals.”

The Fleet Awards take place on Wednesday 16 March at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.