Bristol specialist vehicle leasing firm Vanaways and business finance provider Crystal Business Finance SW, also based in the city, have teamed up to help a local community charity buy a new luxury minibus.
Bristol Rovers Community Trust will now save precious funds with the support of the two businesses while also ensuring its users enjoy vastly more comfortable journeys. 
Formed in 1992 as part of the Professional Footballers’ Association’s Football in the Community scheme, the trust works with a wide spectrum of groups around the city, offering social inclusion, health, education and sports participation projects.
Now those who benefit from the trust’s services will enjoy the use of the new, bespoke Ford Transit 430 L4 H3 minibus, which will play a key role in supporting these operations.
Trust chief executive Adam Tutton was persuaded to buy a replacement vehicle for their outdated minibus after talking with Nick Kew from Vanaways and Crystal Business Finance SW director Sam Bilo.
Adam, pictured, centre, with Nick and Sam in front of the new minibus, said: “Our previous vehicle was tired and in need of replacement. Following discussions with our advisers, it became clear that purchasing was a much better option than contract hire,” he added. 
“Funds are precious for all charities and we have an opportunity to use this vehicle as a way of generating revenue for us.
“Plus, it will hold its value and be something we can sell on when we come to replace it, providing us with a deposit for our next vehicle.
“Most importantly, the groups we support have already given us brilliant feedback on how much better it is.
“For the elderly users, especially, it is easy to access, extremely comfortable and spacious too.
“Whether it’s delivering supplies for community events, transporting our over-60s Extra Time Group to local attractions, or taking our Community College students to and from our matches, this minibus is essential to our mission. 
“So we can’t thank Nick and Sam enough for their advice and support, and in particular Vanaways for their ability to source the perfect vehicle for us with efficiency and confidence in the process.”
Sam has supported the Trust for many years and, as it became clear the previous minibus needed replacing, called on Nick for advice after meeting at a Synergy Networking event.
Together they came up with a solution which was quickly fulfilled thanks to Vanaways’ unrivalled relationships with vehicle manufacturers around the UK.
Nick said: “As well as this solution being the most financially practical for the charity, it’s great for Vanaways to be able to give something to support the community.
“It’s a significant upgrade on what the Trust was using previously and is an asset which they will find easy to sell when they want to replace it.
“While contract hire does suit some larger companies that don’t want the administrative burden of replacing large fleets, we would definitely encourage smaller organisations in particular to consider the purchasing route.
“Charities and SMEs often get an unpleasant surprise regarding mileage excesses, condition charges and other penalties at the end of their contract.
“What we want to offer these organisations is a partnership which is in our customers’ best interests. Our business will continue to thrive if we offer the best service we can.
“So we’re delighted to help the Trust and look forward to spotting it out and about around the streets and neighbourhoods of Bristol.”
Vanaways, which is on track to sell more than 6,000 vehicles this year, works with a large network of suppliers across the UK.
