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25th July 2024

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In times of economic uncertainty it is essential that transport operators get the very best from their investments.�� That’s why ����������� Financial Services (SFS) has developed a range of flexible funding solutions designed to add value and provide support every step of the way, as Finance Director Siobhan Tulinski and Sales & Marketing Director David Hickman explain.

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“�����������’s primary core value is ‘Customer First’, and when it comes to tailoring bespoke funding solutions for our customers that describes our mindset perfectly – it’s all about the customer,” says Siobhan Tulinski.�� “To explain that, its perhaps easiest to start by saying what we prefer not to do – and that’s offer a ‘vanilla’ product that does nothing more than provide funds in return for fixed monthly repayments over a fixed term.�� As part of the ����������� organisation we understand the highly specialised nature of transport operation. Accordingly, we appreciate each of our customers will have their own set of specific operational needs and demands.�� As �����������’s dedicated funding provider we see our role being to meet these individual requirements, not only financially but also in ways which will benefit our customers’ businesses the most.”

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For SFS, there are a number of ways in which its funding solutions can be enhanced to deliver an optimised service for its customers:

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“Flexibility is the key here,” says David. “In the same way that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to transport operation, the same goes for the solutions we provide.�� So if, for example, a customer is about to embark upon a new venture and cashflow is under pressure we can, subject to that customer’s credit situation, construct a solution with a low deposit, low initial repayments and VAT deferral in order to help them get going.�� Similarly, if a company’s business has seasonal peaks and troughs – such as around Christmas time, or the coach operation where seasonality can have a big impact on cashflow – we can tailor a repayment plan to suit with lower repayments at off-peak times.”

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In addition to cashflow easing solutions, there are other ways in which SFS can help:

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“There’s also other situations where we can add real value, such as term extensions or short or long term vehicle rental,” adds Siobhan.�� “This can be a massive help, especially when the unexpected happens – perhaps a new vehicle is delayed at the bodybuilder, or there’s a sudden surge in demand calling for an additional vehicle or vehicles.�� SFS can draw on vehicles from the ����������� rental fleet, so we are able to include these as part of the service we offer – for our customers, it means there’s no need to go elsewhere; it’s a completely seamless and hugely convenient service.”

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An integral part of the world of �����������

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“Another aspect to our business is the close working relationship we have with ����������� (Great Britain) Limited, our dealer network and �����������’s headquarters in Sweden,” says David.�� “That gives us unprecedented levels of access no bank or High Street finance operation could possibly match.�� Over and above this, our team of Business Managers and support staff all have experience within the transport industry.�� This breadth of knowledge gives us the ability to understand the needs of our customers’ businesses, and appreciate the challenges they face.”

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“An additional benefit of being part of the manufacturer is the insight we have into product developments,” says Siobhan. ��“This enables us to assist our customers with their forward-planning – and right now with the move to electrification gathering pace, planning for the future is an extremely important issue for the industry.”

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“That’s absolutely right – for all of us the transition to a more sustainable transport system is a once-in-a-lifetime event.�� That’s why it is so important for us to be in tune with the industry and maximise the benefits we provide through flexible funding solutions fully attuned to our customers’ needs, ” concludes David.

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For more information on the range of services ����������� Financial Services provides, call us on 01908 487 561 or request a call back.