Vanaways Supports Medequip with Rapid Vehicle Supply

Above: Richard Horton of Medequip, left, with Liam Nicholas of Vanaways

The head of fleet at a major medical equipment supplies company has selected Vanaways as its go-to partner for rapid supply vehicles.

Medequip runs a fleet of around 800 vehicles in England and Wales, supplying domestic medical equipment through jointly funded contracts with Local Authorities and the NHS.

Operating out of 29 depots and from head offices in Heathrow the company, which turns over £350m per year, replaces around 150 vehicles annually.

In the past year, new Head of Fleet Richard Horton has worked with Vanaways business development director Liam Nicholas and, via its leasing contractor Lex Autolease, is now using the Bristol-based supplier for all short-notice vehicles.

Supply has begun with eight bespoke Ford Transit Luton vans with tail lifts and nine Ford Customs which have been specially adapted for transporting ceiling track hoists –mechanisms needed to support movement of patients safely and in comfort around their homes.

“When I arrived in post I thought we should consider sourcing vehicles as widely as possible,” said Mr Horton.

“While we’ll continue to work with main dealers, Vanaways have an amazing ability to source vehicles quickly, to help us provide specific, fit-for-purpose vehicles at very short notice.

“Given how many vehicles we replace each year, and bearing in mind this country’s aging population and our ambition to grow the business, we see this relationship as crucial to our future business journey.”

Medequip is part of Medux UK, which also comprises three sister companies: domestic monitoring and response service Medequip Connect; wheelchair specialist Ross Care and wheelchair manufacturer Consolor.

“Richard and I have been in touch for several years during his previous roles,” said Liam, “and it’s a pleasure to be working together in this new capacity.

“Medequip are at an exciting stage in their business journey as increasing numbers of councils recognise the considerable efficiency benefits of outsourcing equipment supply. As such, we will look forward to support Richard with whatever specialist vehicle requirement he sends our way.

“As a business, we also have ambitious plans for the coming years. Companies like Medequip demonstrate an excellent example of how we can support with flexible supply at extremely short notice.”

Vanaways has recently revealed plans to double turnover to £200m by 2026, as it celebrates its 10^th anniversary in business. The Bristol-based company has seen spectacular growth since Covid-19, with turnover rising from £15m in 2020 to £109m in 2023/4.