Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 25th April 2024 Issue no. 1111

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Rainbow International never left high & dry thanks to discount fuel cards

Wherever calamity strikes, Rainbow International is soon on the scene to help with clearing-up and restoration operations. The disaster recovery and specialist cleaning expert, known around the world, now has 80 branches covering the UK.

For the Alness-based Highland and Moray branch, fleet efficiency is a fundamental factor in meeting customer needs, so its vehicles are all equipped with Texaco Fastfuel fuel cards, provided by Fuel Card Services.

Branch director, Tom Cox, explains the importance of this. "Customers call on us to help them in tough times, knowing that they can depend on us to get there and start to put things right," he says. "Our vans cover an area that stretches from the isles of Mull in the south, Skye in the west and Orkney in the north, across the mainland as far east as Elgin, taking in Inverness and Aviemore. We need to know that, wherever they go, our people will be able to refuel quickly, simply and, above all, cost-efficiently. We do not want to be at the mercy of local pricing, but cannot waste time driving from forecourt to forecourt in search of the best prices."

Using the Texaco Fastfuel fuel cards means that the Rainbow International vans have access to weekly fixed fuel pricing across an extensive nationwide network. Tom Cox always knows in advance exactly how much diesel will cost, regardless of where vehicles are refuelled. This is not just a cashflow planning benefit, as the branch enjoys a typical saving of up to 4p per litre compared with national average pump prices.

"We always know where we are with fuel costs," Tom says, "and the savings are significant. Almost as importantly, there is virtually no administration. Everything is covered on a single weekly invoice, which is paid automatically by direct debit. There is no need for receipts to be collected and checked, no credit card statements to reconcile, no cash advances to be issued. The interval between filling up and payment also means that we refuel with up to a fortnight's interest-free credit."

Cost control is simple, with 24/7 secure internet access to full account information, even including the latest transactions, not yet invoiced. Routine matters, such as cancelling or ordering cards, are simply handled online, although real personal service is readily available via a dedicated account manager. Tom always talks to Rachel Pearson, if he has a request or query, rather than having to queue for a random operator.

"Being in a service industry ourselves, it makes no sense to me that other fuel card companies expect their customers to tolerate anonymous call centres," he confides. "We chose Fuel Card Services for the major fuel cost savings, but the personal service from Rachel is a worthwhile bonus."

T: 0844 870 9988
E: [email protected]
W: www.fuelcardservices.com

10th April 2014