IT’S fair to say that when Alpha Contracts was founded back in 1997, it was in a world where motoring and the hiring and leasing of cars was comparatively straightforward.
Since then, the focus has turned sharply towards issues such as benefit in kind taxation, road tax bands, CO2 emissions and environmentally friendly vehicles. For the benefit of its customers, Alpha Contracts has remained ahead of the game on all these changes and more, ensuring the process remains as smooth and worry free as it possibly can be.
Founded by Lynette Randall and Samantha Miles in offices on Wellingborough Road, Alpha Contracts aimed to provide fleet solutions that took all the hassle away from the client and provided them with a straightforward way of buying or leasing company cars and vans.
The company, now based in Park View, Upton, can source any vehicle, any model, new or nearly new, and with many options for vehicle funding, including contract hire, lease purchase, finance lease, contract purchase, HP, personal leasing or outright purchase.
In addition, the Alpha Contracts team can take on the financing of the company vehicles in relation to accounting practices and tax legislation and is able to provide detailed banding sheets of vehicles within a company’s specific parameters.
“Since we started the company in 1997 so much has changed in the world of hiring and leasing,” said Lynette. “Technology has moved forward in terms of greener cars with lower emissions, electric cars are becoming more common on our roads, and people are more aware of the effect their motoring has on the environment.
“Coupled with that, the government has brought in legislation to try to limit emissions and the more environmentally-friendly your vehicle, the better your tax bill, whether that is in benefit-in-kind or road tax.
“We’ve seen a sharp increase in clients who want to reduce the effect of company car benefit in kind taxation rates. They are coming to us for advice on the best vehicles to go for to maximise the benefits that come with the more environmentally-friendly vehicles and thus reducing their personal tax liability.
“When we are working with clients to determine which vehicles or packages best suit their needs, we can advise on how those rules will affect the bottom line and help them make informed decisions.”
In addition, changes within the manufacturing sector mean that ordering times for new models are measured in months rather than weeks and so careful planning is required in order to ensure a new vehicle is available when it is needed, especially if the recipient is looking for a top-of-the-range model or something a little out of the ordinary.
Using a firm like Alpha takes away all the stress in the process. The team works with clients to plan ahead and make sure that when a vehicle is coming up for renewal everything is in place well in advance of the replacement date.
“Well in advance of the changeover date, we will be giving our clients information about what’s on the market and finding out what they’d like, and having everything in place for them when they need it.
“In this busy world, companies need to be able to leave their vehicle requirements in the hands of someone who will ensure they get the best possible deal and handle all the associated paperwork and information gathering, leaving them to get on with the day-to-day running of their business.”
Keeping vehicles up to date and finding the right make and model is one thing, but Alpha Contracts’ service goes further – sourcing and arranging finance, as well as handling vehicle road tax renewal, licence checking and servicing and MOT reminders throughout the contract period.
The company works closely with a number of vehicle funders, including Leaseplan Uk Ltd, Lex Vehicle Partners, Alphabet GB Ltd, Santander and Arval to name just a few, building strong relationships that offer the most competitive finance packages for the customer.
Access to online systems enables the team to supply quotations with varying parameters at the click of a button on any make or model, car or commercial vehicle.
Many fleet managers take advantage of the firm’s rental bandings sheets, sorted by P11d, monthly rental or CO2 emissions.
“As an established franchisee of some of the largest providers of vehicle finance in the UK, we benefit from massive fleet buying power and volume related bonuses, so our customers reap significant savings,” said Samantha. “We are aware that many competitors offer similar vehicles and funding packages, but attention to customer service and the continuity between the sales team and our clients is what makes us unique.
“We started the business with three of us and we’re all still involved, with a couple more people joining us along the way. That gives us a strong team and the continuity means that clients get to know the people they are dealing with.
“At Alpha we understand the importance of each customer from those with large fleets to those with one vehicle and we treat every individual requirement as important. Every vehicle is tailored to clients’ needs, whether that’s are a company with a large business fleet, sole trader with specific trade requirements or a private individual finding their pride and joy.”
For more information, telephone Alpha Contracts on 01604 756620 or visit www.alphacontracts.co.uk