Newsquest fleet is good news for Lloyds

7:50pm Thursday 22nd May 2008

BURY-based Lloyds TSB Autolease is helping to spread the news.

The company, one of the UK's leading fleet management organisations, has become the sole supplier to lease 1,700 brand new Vauxhall vehicles to Newsquest in a new four-year contract.

Formed in January 1996, Newsquest is one of the UK's largest regional newspaper publishers with almost 300 titles, including the Bury Times group, with an overall weekly readership of 13 million. Part of the Gannett Corporation (GCI), the company operates 12 print sites across the UK and employs 8,500 people.

Lloyds TSB Autolease developed a flexible finance lease tailored specifically for their client. Newsquest was impressed by the level of consultation, adaptability and expert financial guidance, which ultimately led to the new appointment.

Matthew McTague, head of group procurement at Newsquest, commented: "Over the years we have enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Lloyds TSB bank and we're looking equally forward to forging a strong partnership with Lloyds TSB Autolease.

"With offices and printworks throughout the UK, and an employee base of nearly 9,000, we were looking for a supplier that could not only meet our fleet needs, but one that could provide a level of service and support to ensure the smooth running of our fleet. Lloyds TSB Autolease matched this criteria perfectly."

Jeremy Heron, head of the corporate new business and bid management team at Lloyds TSB Autolease, said: "We are delighted to be working with such a large and established organisation as Newsquest and have already enjoyed the challenge of creating a truly unique and tailored offer for them.

"We have an exciting opportunity to strengthen our existing relationship and are looking forward to working proactively, adding future value to the relationship."

Lloyds TSB Autolease, a subsidiary of Lloyds TSB Group's asset finance division, employs around 200 staff at its headquarters at Castlebrook Business Park.