Lombard Vehicle Management is introducing a new procurement strategy which is uniquely focused on dealership and distribution expertise.

Phil Arscott, Procurement Relationship Manager for LVM”s Premier Dealer Network, will work proactively with the dealers as partners to ensure the best experience for the customer and also the maximum benefit for the dealer. Procurement Manager Phil Waring puts vehicle packages together and is responsible for stock, processes and risk.

The new strategy will see smaller-volume deals but a faster turn on stock, combined with competitive pricing and unique customer offers. This will result in higher volumes at better margins for both LVM and its suppliers, while LVM”s customers will still be offered market-leasing rentals.

Between them, Arscott and Waring have been with RBS Group automotive operations for over 20 years, working with the dealer fraternity. They will now be supported by a procurement team of six.

Procurement now comes under the wing of Edward Pigg, who took over responsibility in August as Director of Strategic Partnerships, and is responsible for relationships with major corporate clients.

LVM is therefore unique among major fleet leasing businesses in having a head of procurement who also has senior sales responsibilities.

“By integrating the two functions we can deliver an industry-leading service to customers,” he said.

“We are in the business of manufacturing rentals which provide dedicated solutions, and the new procurement structure gives us a real competitive advantage, allowing us to offer packages which are both unique to LVM and very difficult for our competitors to replicate.”