Boston BC chooses SFS as ‘most cost-effective’ for maintenance contract

Boston Borough Council has awarded Specialist Fleet Services a seven-year maintenance contract. As part of the agreement, SFS is making a considerable investment into the local community by creating a brand-new workshop for the authority.

Before reaching its decision, Boston Borough Council carried out a comprehensive cost comparison analysis of the available options, with assistance from The Borough of Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Procurement Service and The Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE). The deal included returning the maintenance of the vehicles ‘in-house’, sharing with East Lindsey District Council or using SFS. The results were conclusive: SFS offered the most cost-effective solution.

Matt Fisher, Operations Manager, Boston Borough Council commented: ‘We carried out an EU Procurement tender exercise, but the bids failed on affordability. Following that, we looked at every possible option before entering into contract negotiations with SFS. We were extremely impressed by the professional and flexible way the company approached the tender. Not only did SFS provide the most cost-effective solution, but the investment into a new workshop will also provide a much-needed boost to the local community, by creating new jobs and supplier opportunities.’

The contract starts January 2021 when SFS will take over the maintenance of the council’s waste management and street cleansing fleet comprising 11 RCVs, 13 Light Commercial Vehicles and two sweepers. 

Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS commented: ‘This is our first contract in Lincolnshire, and we are delighted to have been chosen as the preferred provider by Boston Borough Council. We are keen to invest in the local economy and are looking forward to setting up the new depot.’