Leasedrive VELO

Leasedrive retains Microsoft Limited after global procurement review
27 September 2004

Leasedrive Group, one of the largest independent privately-owned vehicle management groups in the UK, has retained its exclusive fleet supply and driver management deal with Microsoft Limited.  This follows a six-month in-depth supplier review conforming to a new global procurement strategy.  The deal, with one of the UK’s leading employers, is for three years.    

Roger Partridge, chief executive officer, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have retained this prime blue chip account after one of the most detailed and exhaustive procurement reviews lasting over six months.  Last year, Microsoft undertook a worldwide review of its procurement strategy and we had to meet the criteria of the new Microsoft Vendor Programme (MSVP) UK.  This was created to make it easy for Microsoft employees to work with a pre-qualified, select group of vendors and for the vendors in turn to work with them – a true partnership.  The goal of MSVP UK is to deliver new efficiencies for both Microsoft and its vendors, adding new value to the relationship.  Only vendors who are best in category are included, which obviously makes us very proud.

“Last year Microsoft was voted Best Company to Work for in the UK in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work awards.  The company considers the company car to be a hugely important part of an eligible employee’s overall remuneration package and we consistently meet the expectations of its company car drivers by providing the highest quality bespoke customer service. 

“In addition, Microsoft looks for the kind of product and service innovation we are able to deliver and was particularly impressed by the quality of our new bespoke range of pioneering online customer services.  While we have successfully managed this account since 1991, we were under no illusions of the task we faced in meeting the new global corporate procurement guidelines and are determined to continue to exceed the expectations of Microsoft Limited and its company car and cash-for-car drivers in the UK.”

Paul Hart, financial director at Microsoft Limited said: “We are delighted to sign a new contract with Leasedrive which has been geared to provide benefits to both parties and support the development of long-term partnerships.  I am particularly impressed with Leasedrive’s adoption of new technology to enhance their overall package of services.  It’s also great to work with local partners who remain focused on developing innovative ways to support our overall business objectives and our individual staff needs and who are in it for the long-term.”

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and internet technologies for personal and business computing.  Microsoft Limited is a subsidiary company of Microsoft Corporation based in Redmond, Washington State, USA.  The UK subsidiary was formed in 1982 and currently employs over 1,500 people.  Its headquarters are at Thames Valley Park in Reading, Berkshire with satellite offices in Edinburgh, Manchester and Dublin.  Microsoft Limited’s main functions are service, support, and sales and marketing for its customers and partners across the UK.  A UK-specific web portal company called The Microsoft Network is based in London.

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