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Personal service and the ability to talk to a human - and not an answer machine - who has their finger on the fleet pulse is crucial for luxury goods retailer LVMH Group.
The UK-based perfumes and cosmetics division of the French-owned company has been a client of Venson Automotive Solutions for almost four years.
Their successful business relationship with the contract hire and fleet management specialist has led to the recent decision to significantly consolidate vehicle suppliers across the remainder of the business with Venson Automotive Solutions now one of two suppliers. The second chosen supplier is Arval - the French owned company that supplies vehicles to the LVMH Group across the channel.
In the UK, the relationship between Venson Automotive Solutions and the LVMH Group began in 2004 when the company won the contract hire and fleet management contract to supply and manage 60 job and perk cars to three businesses in the organisation's perfumes and cosmetics division - Christian Dior, Givenchy and Guerlain.
However, following LVMH Group's recent decision to consolidate fleet arrangements, Venson Automotive Solutions expects to see its relationship expand with the company, which owns a unique portfolio of more than 60 prestigious brands associated with luxury living.
With a further 150-200 LVMH cars in the UK, the potential for more vehicles to come under the wing of Venson Automotive Solutions is significant.
Marian Russell, facilities manager within the LVMH Group for the three brands which currently have their vehicles supplied and managed by Venson Automotive Solutions, said: "I was very keen that Venson won the Group contract when the decision was taken to review and harmonise fleet supply and management arrangements across the business.
"Our experience with Venson Automotive Solutions from both a management viewpoint as well as driver contact has been very good.
"Previously we were with another vehicle management company for a number of years and the level of service did not come close to that which we have enjoyed with Venson Automotive Solutions."
The existing 60-strong fleet is supplied on a benchmark four-year/80,000 mile contract hire with fleet management basis. In addition, Venson Automotive Solutions also provides accident management, short-term hire cars and a duty of care service, which includes driver licence checking.
Recently, a UK fleet review saw the open choice company car scheme replaced with choice now limited to petrol and diesel vehicles in the Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Volvo range.
In addition, up to 20 employees drive their own cars on business and the risk management procedures extend to them. This sees Venson Automotive Solutions not only check driver licences, but also that the appropriate business insurance is in place, vehicles are serviced on time in accordance with manufacturer schedules and MoT certificates are valid.
Ms Russell said: "Whether it is me contacting Venson Automotive Solutions or the drivers, everyone is always very helpful and information is always available. It can often become extremely frustrating listening to answerphones and being directed around call centre operations where staff have little idea of who you are.
"That does not happen with Venson Automotive Solutions. Personal service is important and their staff are always very helpful and obliging. In addition, to being excellent ambassadors for Venson Automotive Solutions', the account executives that handle the LVMH account are very pro-active in highlighting tax and legislative developments to us that will impact on our vehicle operations."
One of the benefits of working in partnership with Venson Automotive Solutions highlighted by Ms Russell was the company's policy of 'pooling' fleet vehicle mileages annually rather than the typical industry standard of quarterly. This helps to limit end of contract mileage charges.
The LVMH Group has four main divisions within the UK - wines and spirits, fashion and leather goods, watches and jewellery and perfumes and cosmetics.
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