Case Study: Lampton Group and Ayvens: A Strategic Fleet Partnership for the Future

Background: Lampton Group, a wholly owned company of the London Borough of Hounslow, is responsible for managing a diverse fleet of 376 vehicles. The fleet is primarily comprised of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) (86%) and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) (13%). With a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and operational efficiency, Lampton Group sought a fleet leasing partner to support its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), reduce operational costs, minimise downtime, and deliver value across multiple areas. In August 2023, Lampton Group appointed Ayvens to manage its fleet leasing and service needs, bringing in the expertise needed to address these challenges.

• 1.
  1.
  Transition a substantial proportion of their fleet to electric vehicles, in line with their Road to Zero strategy.
• 2.
  2.
  Reduce LCV operating costs, which are significant given the high volume of vans in their fleet.
• 3.
  3.
  Minimise vehicle downtime and increase fleet availability.
• 4.
  4.
  Leverage the specialist knowledge of Ayvens to support a variety of vehicle requirements, from electric vans to specialised models for specific trades.

Ayvens addressed these challenges through a series of tailored solutions and ongoing strategic support:

At the beginning of the partnership, Ayvens conducted a thorough review of Lampton Group’s fleet and the mid-term electric van market. This initial assessment helped identify opportunities for incorporating EVs into the fleet.

Ayvens developed a roadmap for moving 20% of the fleet to electric or alternative fuel vehicles within the first 12 months, a key milestone in Lampton Group’s sustainability journey.

Ayvens provided expert guidance on the adoption of electric innovation for specialist vehicle types, including:

• Arborist vehicles
• Grounds & Maintenance vans
• Multi-trades specifications
• Mobile Jetter vans
• Mobile Work Elevated Platforms (MWEPs)

This support ensured that Lampton Group was equipped with the right vehicles for its diverse operational needs, while also meeting environmental targets.

Recognising the operational challenges Lampton Group faced, Ayvens Flex proposition was introduced. This service provided Lampton Group with mid-term rental vehicles to help manage fluctuations in demand and the transition to electric vehicles. The Ayvens team was proactive in converting, livery, and delivering custom-built flex vans to Lampton’s specifications within a tight one-month turnaround.

Ayvens simplified the fleet management process with clear and consistent communication. The operational support team, including LCV Operational Account Manager Terry Appleyard, Build Management team and Account Manager Martyn Speight, worked closely with Lampton Group to ensure smooth coordination. This collaborative approach included:

• Facilitating the conversion and livery of vehicles
• Managing the transportation of 23 Flex vans to Lampton Group’s premises in Hounslow.
• Replacing generic short-term hires with tailored Flex vans, offering better functionality and reducing operational disruptions.

The partnership between Lampton Group and Ayvens has led to several tangible benefits:

• Efficient Fleet Transition: Ayvens support in transitioning to electric vehicles has aligned with Lampton Group’s Road to Zero strategy, contributing to significant reductions in emissions and supporting the goal of a fully zero-emissions LCV fleet by 2030.
• Reduced Downtime: By providing flexible mid-term rental options and actively managing vehicle availability, Ayvens has minimized vehicle downtime, ensuring a more reliable and efficient fleet operation.
• Cost Savings and Value-Added Services: The value-add provided by Ayvens, including expert advice, streamlined processes, and tailored vehicle solutions, has helped reduce overall fleet operating costs and optimized fleet performance.

The collaboration between Lampton Group and Ayvens highlights the power of a strategic partnership that combines industry expertise, operational flexibility, and a shared commitment to sustainability. Ayvens ability to provide specialized solutions and value-added services has been instrumental in helping Lampton Group achieve its fleet and environmental objectives, while also enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.

To find out more about our commercial vehicle approach visit: Commercial Vehicles | Ayvens United Kingdom - formerly LeasePlan