http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/news The latest Car Leasing and Contract Hire News from PlanyourCar.com en jenny@plancars.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-10T07:06:12+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/olympics-fact-sheet-driving-in-london/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/olympics-fact-sheet-driving-in-london/#When:07:06:12Z This summer the UK will host the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the world’s largest and most prestigious sporting event. The London 2012 Games will bring an unprecedented demand on our roads and pubic transport systems – around all 34key venues across the country, but with the greatest impact On London. If you run a business in London or the South-East or need to drive in the area during the period of the London 2012 Games, this fact sheet tells you what you can expect, gives advice on planning ahead to avoid difficulties and tells you where to find the essential information you’ll need to keep moving this summer. The impact on London: • 5.3 million visitors are expected to visit the capital during London 2012 • As well as the Olympic Park in Stratford, East London they’ll also visit 13 other major venues across the capital. • At its peak, 900,000 visitors will descend on the Olympic Park. • An extra 3 million journeys are expected on the busiest days in London Key dates • The London 2012 Games – 27th July to 12th August 2012 (With some events nationwide from 24th July) • The London 2012 Paralympic Games – 29th August to 9th September 2012 • The London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay – 24th May to 27th July 2012 (arriving in London from 21st July) • The London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay – 24th to 28th August 2012-04-13 Driving during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Road travel in London Although the majority of spectators will travel to the London 2012 Games by public transport, roads in London will be busier than usual so you can expect traffic restrictions in some areas and longer journey times. Some events, including the Marathons and Road Cycling will take place on the roads too. Here’s what to look out for: London 2012 route networks The Olympic Route Network (ORN) and Paralympic Route Network are road networks linking competition and key non-competition venues. They’ll allow the Games Family (those essential to the success of the Games, such as athletes, officials and media) to move freely and quickly between venues. Starting for 25th July 2012, the ORN will cover 170 miles of roads, including 109 miles in the capital. Core Route – the main roads between central London and the Olympic Park and venues such as the North Greenwich Area and ExCel. This will be the busiest part of the ORN. Outside London – road routes to venues outside the capital, such as Eton Dorney, Hadleigh Farm, Lee Valley White Water Centre and Weymouth and Portland, will operate when needed. How the network will run The vast majority of roads on the ORN will be open to all road users, but you should expect some restrictions including: • Dedicates Games Lanes • Changes to traffic signal timings • Restricted turns and side roads closures to general traffic • Suspension of parking and waiting bays and some pedestrian crossings What are Games Lanes? These dedicated lanes are for use only by the Games Family and emergency vehicles. These will operate on the busiest section of the network – around Heathrow and Wembley Stadium, through central London and out to the Olympic Park at Stratford. Advice for drivers If at all possible you should avoid driving into or within the London area between 21st July and 9th September. If you have to drive you should expect delays and should allow extra time for your journey. Driving across affected areas including the Olympic Route Network, will be difficult and it won’t be possible to drive across the route of the Cycle Road Races (Saturday 28th and Sunday 29h July, 6am to 9pm), which could affect travel to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. Get ready now Start preparing you business for the effects of the London 2012 Games now: • Try to arrange visits, business meetings and deliveries before or after London 2012 • Plan ahead – visit Transport for London at www.tfl.gov.uk for advice and online tool kits to help you prepare your business Plan your journey Everyday of the London 2012 Games will be different and so will the traffic conditions. Visit www.tfl.gov.uk and www.getaheadofthegames.com to plan your route before setting off. You’ll find interactive maps showing traffic hotspots for each day allowing you to: • Check where disruption is expected each day • Find out about restrictions and penalties • Get travel advice for you business Allow more time If you’re driving in London, or near any of the other venues nationwide, make sure you allow extra time for your journey. You can use the journey calculator at www.tfl.gov.uk to see how much extra time you should allow to reach you destination. Where to find out more Road and rail Travel Visit www.getaheadofthegames.com and do just that – the interactive map gives detailed information on driving in London and travelling by public transport. Transport for London, www.tfl.gov.uk, has a complete section on getting around during the London 2012 Games, from making deliveries to getting to the theatre. A planning tool lets you see how your journey might be affected and you can download PDF’s on the travel impact for London’s roads. Get travel advice for you business at www.london2012.com Find out more about the London 2012 route networks at www.london2012.com Download a list of stations to avoild at www.london2012.com Venues Find detailed information on all 34 venues at www.london2012.com Sporting events For a full list of the sporting events – what’s happening when and where – go to www.london2012.com News 2012-05-10T07:06:12+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/How-the-budget-affects-Fleets/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/How-the-budget-affects-Fleets/#When:05:03:59Z Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne delivered his second Budget speech on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 He described this Budget as one that ‘unashamedly backs business’, while supporting ‘working families and helping those looking for work. Below we highlight the Chancellor’s key measures that will impact on the company car and van sector and wider motor industry. • From April 2012 there will be an increase in the Car Fuel Benefit Charge from £18,800 to £20,200 • From April 2012 VED rates will increase in line with the Retail Price Index • From April 2013 the threshold above which the lease rental restriction applies will also reduce from 160 g/km to 130 g/km • From April 2015 the five-year exemption for zero carbon and ultra low carbon emission vehicles will come to an end • From April 2016 the Government will remove the 3% diesel supplement For more detailed information and money saving advice, please call the office on 01277 364000 and book a free fleet review with one of our advisors. News 2012-03-27T05:03:59+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/goverment-plug-in-scheme/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/goverment-plug-in-scheme/#When:09:52:32Z Government has named seven ultra-low carbon vans that will qualify for a discount of up to £8,000 as part of the ‘Plug-In Van Grant’ incentive. The incentive aims to stimulate the market for ultra-low carbon commercial vehicles as it establishes itself in the UK. “The Plug-In Van Grant and today’s detail on the seven models eligible is excellent news for van drivers, operators, businesses and the industry. The savings on the initial purchase price, coupled with the tax advantages and very low running costs make a plug-in van an attractive proposition – particularly for those running local and back-to-base services,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “Home to a high level of low carbon R&D and manufacturing activity, the UK is well placed to take full advantage of the ultra-low carbon vehicle sector. Incentives that support the development of a flourishing market will add to our competitive advantage.” Already on sale, or arriving this year, each van is eligible for a 20% price reduction up to £8,000 with VAT businesses able to reclaim the full list price VAT on top of the reduction. Vans qualifying for the Grant must emit less than 75g/km CO2, be capable of travelling at least 60 miles between charges (10 miles in electric mode for hybrid vans), reaching speeds of more than 50mph and meet European safety standards. In lobbying for the new Plug-In Van Grant, SMMT stressed the value of low carbon R&D and testing in the UK and the significance of the ultra-low carbon vehicle market for the country’s economy. The early development of a low carbon market in the UK brings with it vehicle trials, engineering and development functions – crucial elements that will help the UK to remain at the forefront of this emerging market. Plug-In Van Grant eligible vehicles: Ford Transit Connect Electric, Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell, Renault Kangoo Z.E. (+ variants), Smith Edison (+ variants SE2), Faam Ecomile, Faam Jolly 2000, Mia-electric Mia U To apply for a quote on any of these vans click here… http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/quote/headoffice News 2012-02-23T09:52:32+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/cash-for-cars/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/cash-for-cars/#When:15:28:36Z EMPLOYEES across the UK could be leaving themselves and their companies exposed if they fail to understand their responsibility when using their own cars on company business. That’s the finding from leading telematics provider Trimble, which, in a recent survey, found six out of ten respondents were unaware of the fact that they needed to insure their cars for business travel if they ever drive their own cars on behalf of their company. There is a growing trend for firms to operate a grey fleet, as it is often referred to, as the cost of managing a fleet of company vehicles becomes unsustainable for many UK organisations. However, the legal implications are not clear. Managing director of Trimble Fleet Solutions in Europe, Andrew Yeoman, said: 'It is easy to see why opting for a ‘grey fleet’ is an attractive solution as it mitigates the expense and resources of running a company fleet. Our survey showed that employees don’t fully understand their obligation in this area and often employers are also unaware of the impact on them.' Vikki Woodfine, a senior solicitor at business law firm DWF, understands the potential dangers facing those organisations not managing their grey fleet. She said: 'If an employer sees its employees’ expense and fuel reports, the company should be fully aware of which employees are using their own vehicle for business travel. You can’t just pay for an employees’ fuel and then abscond from further responsibilities. There could be more at stake financially than just the cost of insurance if there is an accident. For example, there is the cost of an absent employee and the damage that could be caused to your business reputation. 'An organisation could also be at risk of a potential civil claim if, for example, an employee is involved in a serious collision. Claimants may look to the employer in the claim,' said Woodfine. 'Ultimately, employers have a duty of care towards all employees making work-related trips regardless of who owns the vehicle.' With employees and employers both needing to be more informed, there are simple procedures that can be implemented to start to address any potential issue. Yeoman said: 'At the bare minimum employers need to check an employee’s driving licence, their MOT and verify that they have the correct insurance for business travel. These checks at least provide a foundation – but to truly take responsibility for their grey fleet the next step is to see how else they can manage their risk and their employees’ safety while out on the road.’ News 2011-08-23T15:28:36+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/plan-launches-newsletter-for-its-fleet-customers/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/plan-launches-newsletter-for-its-fleet-customers/#When:07:20:15Z This month Plan launched its new monthly fleet bulletin which will be in the form of a newsletter email, this will be designed specifically for Corporate Fleet customers. The newsletter will offer industry news, views, analysis, offers and discounts specifically for fleet customers, links to blog posts, and include interesting tables and charts that are relevant to your sector. Newsletters are the heart of any internal corporate communications, delivering key information to clients, we understand the importance of delivering information in the best possible way. Company Director Glenn Turner commented: "Plan are committed to keeping all customers informed but with corporate legislation changing so regularly these days it is particularly important to keep our Fleet customers updated. I want us to provide industry news and information the customer will want to know about. Of course the email newsletter will contain some marketing but we hope the recipients will gain value in receiving real news relevant to their concerns". If you are a business/fleet customer and would like to receive our information, please send a quick email to info@plancars.com with the subject Fleet News. News 2011-05-13T07:20:15+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/do-you-really-know-your-drivers/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/do-you-really-know-your-drivers/#When:10:07:27Z With the recent landmark case where both Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings and it's Director Peter Eaton were the first to be successfully convicted under the the corporate manslaughter act introduced in April 2008 . Why was this a landmark case you need to know about? Alex Wright was 27-years-old when he died on 5 September 2008. He was a geologist for Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings and was investigating soil conditions in a deep trench on a development plot in Stroud when it collapsed and killed him. The CPS told the court that Mr Wright was left working alone in the 3.5 metre-deep trench to 'finish-up' when the company director left for the day. The two people who owned the development plot decided to stay at the site as they knew Mr Wright was working alone in the trench. About 15 minutes later they heard a muffled noise and then a shout for help. While one of the plot-owners called the emergency services, the other one ran to the trench where he saw that a surge of soil had fallen in and buried Mr Wright up to his head. He climbed into the trench and removed some of the soil to enable Mr Wright to breathe. At that point, more earth fell so quickly into the pit that it covered Mr Wright completely and, despite the plot owners best efforts, Mr Wright died of traumatic asphyxiation. The prosecution's case was that Mr Wright was working in a dangerous trench because Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings' systems had failed to take all reasonably practicable steps to protect him from working in that way. In convicting the company, the jury found that their system of work in digging trial pits was wholly and unnecessarily dangerous. The company ignored well-recognised industry guidance that prohibited entry into excavations more than 1.2 metres deep, requiring junior employees to enter into and work in unsupported trial pits, typically from 2 to 3.5 metres deep. Mr Wright was working in just such a pit when he died. Why is this relevant to Fleet's? Peter Eaton, a director of the company has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter and with an offence contrary to Section 37, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings Ltd has also been charged with failing to discharge a duty contrary to Section 33, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Many Company Directors and Fleet Managers are now wakening up to the reality that this once unthinkable law is now a reality and structured procedures must be put in place to protect their businesses and themselves personally from prosecution. Nowhere more is this the case than Driver Licence checking with 1.5 Million UK drivers already having driving convictions, and in a recent pole 65% of all drivers approaching a ban said their biggest concern was loosing their job, this statistic reinforces the need for employers to carry out the requisite checks as they can no longer rely on the employees word! Although the Cotswold case was not related to driving, it is only a matter of time until this duty of care issue translates into a companies Fleet and the ability to maintain vehicles and make sure each person is trained to operate the vehicle and has the correct and up to date driving licence to be covered by the Companies insurance. For instance, if a Companies fleet insurance policy only covers drivers with a certain number of points on their licence and one of the drivers has an uninsured accident at work because they have more points than that policy allows, then the Directors of the company could be prosecuted personally for not having the correct Duty of Care procedures in place. Risks such as this are reduced dramatically by having correct driver licence checking procedures and processes in place, if the company and Directors can display the correct Duty of Care processes in place they can not be held responsible. With the buck ultimately stopping with the directors it has now been accepted that this once irritation is now a serious business and should be treated as such with many companies outsourcing all their driving licence checking to ensure they will not fall foul of less than honest drivers! Plan operate a fully automated driver licence checking system, please enquire for a company specific quotation. News 2011-05-11T10:07:27+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/VAT-RISE-TO-INCREASE-DEMMAND-FOR-CONTRACT-HIRE/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/VAT-RISE-TO-INCREASE-DEMMAND-FOR-CONTRACT-HIRE/#When:11:59:46Z The Government increase in the standard rate of VAT to 20% from 17.5% from January 4 adds around £300 to the price of the average new car, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, at a time when many companies are still experiencing tough trading conditions. For companies which outright purchase their vehicles the move effectively adds 2.5% to their acquisition costs as the VAT cannot be reclaimed, unless the vehicle is for commercial use only. Allied to a reduction in capital allowances from 20% to 18% in April next year for cars emitting 160g/km of CO2 or less and from 10% to 8% for those emitting more than 160g/km, outright purchase looks increasingly less attractive. However, the changes are set to increase the attractiveness of contract hire, as fleet operators can reclaim 50% of the VAT on the finance element of their monthly rentals and 100 of any maintenance element. The 100% VAT reclaim is unchanged for commercial vehicles. At the same time, the British Vehicle and Rental Leasing Association is lobbying Government to increase recoverability of VAT to 70% for lease vehicles as this would give a fairerrepresentation of business use, so the proportion of recoverable VAT may actually increase if the campaign succeeds. Top industry magazine (Fleet News) reports “We fully expect 2011 to be the year of contract hire, as more businesses wake up to the multiple benefits it offers, not just in VAT recoverability, but in cash flow management and more accurate budgeting”. “The impact of changes to the tax regimes affecting company cars is likely to reduce the attractiveness of outright purchase which has been on the wane for some time. And, even before the impact of the VAT rises, there has been a record in terms of contract hire orders". During 2010, contract hire fleet grew substantially on the back of some major contract’s with a variety of different organisations in both private and public sectors. One of the most significant was with utility, Northumbrian Water, which added 350 contract hire cars and up to 100 salary sacrifice vehicles to date, while a contract with a leading international logistics company added a further 550 cars. In addition, contracts to supply several NHS Trusts in North Yorkshire and Humberside are likely to add a further 400-plus contract hire vehicles. “2010 has been a record year in terms of contract hire orders, and with the tax changes from the start of 2011 through to April 2012, we fully expect this year to be even better, " . IF you had the opportunity to set all, or at least most, of your company car costs against the business, you would probably take it, wouldn't you? If there was the chance to reduce the amount of VAT you pay, that would also be worth considering, too? If you are baffled by contract hire? Here's a quick run down Contract hire is an agreement to lease a car over an agreed period of time (expressed in months) and distance (expressed in miles). Usually the period is three (36) or four (48) years. The distance is normally 10,000 miles per annum – although higher mileage drivers will have to allow for more. Typically you will see 36 months/30,000 miles as a way of expressing the lease contract term. You pay a monthly sum (the lease rate) and then at the end of the contract you hand the car back. And start a new contract hire lease. Half of the VAT may be reclaimed on the lease element; if there is no private mileage then 100% VAT can be reclaimed. If you would like to discuss your fleet and how a change in acquisition could save you time and money, please contact the Corporate sales team at Plan on 01277 364000 News 2011-05-10T11:59:46+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/free-tracking-offer-extended/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/free-tracking-offer-extended/#When:00:08:51Z FREE INSTALLATION WITH NO CONTRACT PERIOD Offer extended to end of November 2010, must end soon! Plan are offering its customers free installation and no contract tie in to try out our inovative tracking and telematics solution, our system can help your business to reduce costs in many ways, be more efficient and more compliant. Call us before the end of November and receive a free consultation with no obligation. We will demonstrate the many benefits and features of our system, if you like it we'll install any number of units free of charge and what's more, there is no contract tie in period. If you dont like the system or feel its not showing you the savings we discussed, all we ask is that you give us 28 days notice to remove the systems. Tracking isnt just about checking up on your staff... The current economic and legislatory climate it has never been more demanding for today's fleets. Although sometimes conflicting, demands such as reduced costs, improved efficiency, tighter management control, better safety and increased customer satisfaction can all be achieved using Plan Fleettrak fromjust £20 per month. Plan has developed a bespoke solution that we believe is a refreshingly different in its approach to telematics and tracking – one that offers smarter customer solutions that are individually customer defined. Our technology is innovative but also proven, reliable and affordable. Our business has a long-term approach to developing benefit-led partnerships with our customers. For more information on the product choices and flexxible funding options contact your local Plan branch or [download the PDF brochure](http://www.planyourcar.com/images/uploads/Plan_Telematics.pdf). News 2010-11-20T00:08:51+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/free-world-cup-wall-chart-download/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/free-world-cup-wall-chart-download/#When:19:18:56Z World cup fever is here and to help celebrate the world's greatest tournament, Plan are offering all clients a FREE World Cup wall chart. Our chart helps you track the progress of all teams throughout the competition, simply click the below link, download your PDF to print (inc colour if possible), then pin it up on the office wall or the fridge at home to complete as the games are played. Please feel free to pass it onto your friends and family! Click here: worldcup2010_wallchart.pdf Also included on the chart are our world cup special offers, Plan have secured winning rates that can net you a huge saving if your orders are placed in June! It doesn't end there, if your refer anyone else to us for any one of our great offers we'll pay you £100 introduction fee OR if you order one yourself we will give you £100 cash back. You are guaranteed to score a great deal whatever way you play it! To claim your reward, just email your own contact details and your friends new car reg number once its delivered to info@plancars.com and we'll send you a cheque! News 2010-06-09T19:18:56+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/plan-launches-fleettrak-telematics/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/plan-launches-fleettrak-telematics/#When:22:34:28Z Reduce costs, be more efficient and more compliant. The current economic and legislatory climate it has never been more demanding for today's fleets. Although sometimes conflicting, demands such as reduced costs, improved efficiency, tighter management control, better safety and increased customer satisfaction can all be achieved using Plan Fleettrak. Plan has developed a bespoke solution that we believe is a refreshingly different in its approach to telematics and tracking – one that offers smarter customer solutions that are individually customer defined. Our technology is innovative but also proven, reliable and affordable. Our business has a long-term approach to developing benefit-led partnerships with our customers. For moer information on the product choices and flexxible funding options contact your local Plan branch or [download the PDF brochure](http://www.planyourcar.com/images/uploads/Plan_Telematics.pdf). News 2010-03-19T22:34:28+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/ten-steps-to-a-more-fuel-efficient-fleet/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/ten-steps-to-a-more-fuel-efficient-fleet/#When:22:24:51Z Ten steps to a fuel efficient fleet 1. Encourage take-up of low-CO2/fuel-efficient vehicles by communicating the financial benefits to drivers 2. Educate drivers to carry out basic checks – even low tyre pressure pushes up fuel use 3% 3. Ensure drivers understand how to drive efficiently – fast starts use 60% more fuel 4. Ensure drivers keep vehicles properly and regularly maintained – out of tune engines burn up to 10% more fuel 5. Record and analyse business mileage patterns to identify areas of inefficiency 6. Provide guidance on transport alternatives, such as video-conferencing. 7. Remove high-emission cars from fleet policy 8. Evaluate potential for the use of alternative fuel vehicles 9. Record and analyse vehicle fuel profiles – identify areas of low and high fuel efficiency for targeted action 10. Pay attention to high-mileage, business-critical vehicles A more fuel efficient fleet Methods to make your fleet more fuel efficient could include monitoring drivers exceeding a pre-agreed miles per gallon (mpg) figure or those with excessively high fuel bills. Regular driving tips could be posted on a company intranet or emailed to help curb drivers’ bad habits. For example, Hi-Q points out that driving at 50 mph can use 25% less fuel than at 70mph; a reduction from 80 to 70mph can save 40p every 10 miles and driving at 90mph can use 60% more fuel than at 70mph. But it is one thing preaching better, more fuel-efficient driving styles – getting drivers to follow this advice is quite another. Incentives can be introduced to persuade staff to drive more efficiently or opt for more economic vehicles. Offering encouragement and rewards can help reduce the overall fuel bill and a review of vehicle policy can provide savings. May companies have introduced vehicle tracking with telematics resulting in massive savings in both time and money in reducing fuel expenditure and increasing productivity. For more information on Plan's Fleettrak solution, [download the PDF](http://www.planyourcar.com/images/uploads/Plan_Telematics.pdf) or contact your local Plan branch. News 2010-03-19T22:24:51+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/plan-launches-new-web-based-daily-rental-booking-site-for-its-business-clie/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/plan-launches-new-web-based-daily-rental-booking-site-for-its-business-clie/#When:22:17:18Z The right package to fit your business demands. Plan work in partnership with the majority of the UK's major rental companies to be your businesses number one choice vehicle rental supply and management. Whatever the size of your organisation, and whatever the requirement, our goal is to provide a perfect fit of cost-effective services and solutions. As a result of the high volume of transactions that we place with our partners, we are able to offer some of the best rates around. As relationships are established with each supplier, it also means that service levels are already in place and processes are already set up for the complete rental management process, from point of reservation through to managing information, reporting and invoicing. Our rental systems are built around our online booking facillity giving you 24 hour access, 7 days a week! For more information see www.planyourrental.com or [download the PDF brochure](http://www.planyourcar.com/images/uploads/Plan_Rental.pdf). News 2010-03-19T22:17:18+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/plan-to-save-uk-fleets-millions-by-using-salary-sacrifice/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/plan-to-save-uk-fleets-millions-by-using-salary-sacrifice/#When:16:40:27Z Plan will launch its Salary-Plan in 2010. Salary sacrifice schemes make company cars available to employees who do not qualify for them in exchange for a monthly payment from their salary 'before' tax. We see this as an opportunity to replace the grey fleet with new, cleaner, safer cars. An increasing number of businesses are bolstering employees’ benefits packages by giving thousands of staff access to a company car for the first time. Traditionally, salary sacrifice schemes included the likes of childcare vouchers, gym membership and subsidised bikes. Now companies are starting to allow employees to relinquish part of their gross salary in return for a car. Employees gain through savings in income tax and National Insurance Contributions (NIC), while the employer benefits from NIC savings. According to experts, companies don’t need a high take up by employees to make the scheme work. The growth in the flexible benefits culture - allowing employees to create their own reward package - has seen more organisations seeking to expand the range of benefits offered. Cars - by anyone's reckoning is an attractive benefit - have been one of those additional benefits considered. These schemes are attractive, because all day-to-day operations are outsourced to Plan. This outsourcing removes many of the concerns fleet managers have about these schemes adding to their workload. Few if any companies wish to manage these schemes themselves, the point of introducing them is to increase choice, not the administrative burden. News 2010-02-20T16:40:27+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/razor-ruddock-drives-home-plan-brand/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/razor-ruddock-drives-home-plan-brand/#When:07:14:23Z Plan sponsored, Razor Ruddock, takes part in Plan Enfield's corporate golf tournament.http://www.planyourcar.com/images/uploads/razor.jpg Razor Ruddock, ex Liverpool and Tottenham footballer and current Soccer AM TV pundit hosted the event along with his lovely wife, and model Leah who ensured all enjoyed the event, seen here presenting a trophy to a Longest Drive winner, David Michael. http://www.planyourcar.com/images/uploads/Razor_Leah_Trophy.jpg The day long event, held at Crews Hill Golf Club, consisted of breakfast, 18 holes and a BBQ reception finishing with Razor's legendary banter. Trophies were awarded for Longest drive (David Michael - Elite Services), Nearest the Pin (Simon Needham - Crouch and Needham Accountants), Overall Winner (Neil Ruddock - No Fix honest!!), Runner Up (Simon Needham) and 3rd Place (Tony Kyriakides - Alexander Knight). http://www.planyourcar.com/images/uploads/Razor_Ruddock.jpg Razor is in his first year of Plan Sponsorship and will be attending a number of events throughout the year. His reputation as an accomplished after dinner speaker means that the Plan events are always oversubscribed. However, if you would like the chance to attend a forthcoming event please contact Tony Childs or Chris Forecast at our Enfield Branch on 01992 650439. http://www.planyourcar.com/images/uploads/Razor_Ruddock_car.JPG News 2010-02-13T07:14:23+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/contract-hire-guide/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/contract-hire-guide/#When:07:11:53Z Plan publish a free guide to contract hire. Download it here! Leasing seems to be THE way to acquire your new car or commercial in todays world, but do you really know what contract hire is? Our mini guide will help you understand how it works as well as highlighting the features and benefits. Contract Hire Guide PDF News 2010-02-13T07:11:53+00:00 http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/plan-your-rental/ http://www.planyourcar.com/car-leasing-contract-hire/article/plan-your-rental/#When:06:51:11Z Plan, one of the UK's most prominent vehicle leasing companies, has launched a remarkable business rental solution. http://www.planyourcar.com/images/uploads/planyourrental.png As you would expect from Plan, our facilities and services are second to none. As a Plan Your Rental account holder you can benefit from more than 300 UK depot locations, a 30,000 plus vehicle fleet, guaranteed availability, delivery to your door and special pricing on every rental; whether it's for a day, a week, a month or more. Plan Your Rental will work with you to tailor a rental solution calculated exclusively to meet your individual requirements, aimed at saving you time and keeping your accountant happy. Call your local branch for details and a brochure today. When you need a car, MPV, or van for a month or more, you'll find what you need with Plan Flex-Plan. With great savings off our already low monthly rates, Flex-Plan is ideal for corporate relocations, temporary work assignments, new members of staff, while waiting for a new lease car or seasonal variances. http://www.planyourcar.com/images/uploads/flexplan.gif Flex-Plan also has a range of fixed rental deals on an ever changing range of models from 6 to 12 months. News 2010-02-13T06:51:11+00:00