As head of UK risk and intelligence at Fraikin, one of the country’s largest providers of commercial vehicle contract hire, fleet management and rental, David Archer has had a busy few weeks. But thanks to his forward planning, the company is fully prepared for what lays ahead, and is adopting a business as usual policy.
“I have a business plan for every eventuality,” he told Commercial Motor, referring to the spread of COVID-19 and its effect on the industry.
Archer mentioned his “bottom drawer plans”, explaining that these were devised for worst case scenarios. He said: “These are the plans you write and tell yourself you will never, ever need.” But recently some of those plans have been implemented.
As a result, according to Archer, Fraikin is coping very well, and is supporting both customers on the frontline who have a demand for additional vehicles, and those who have seen their work dramatically decline.
He added: “We have a full mobile fitter presence, and all of our depots are fully operational.”
Archer welcomes the DVSA’s decision to extend vehicle inspection times - an additional three months for HGVs and six months for LCV. He said: “So now there is no period when a vehicle needs to be stood down, unless it’s broken down or has defects.”
