A scheme launched by Allstar Business Solutions today will help small and medium businesses reduce their fleet service, maintenance and repair (SMR) bills.

A recent report revealed that economic pressures are increasing for SMEs due to slowing revenue growth and a rise in costs. As the SME index falls to its lowest point since 2014(1), research conducted by Allstar has revealed that 82% of SME fleets receive no discounts from suppliers on service, maintenance and repair work.

In a bid to address the downwards pressure that is being exerted on SMEs, the UK’s leading fuel card provider, Allstar, has teamed up with major UK garage groups to provide 10% off any vehicle SMR cost, including glass and tyres, when using the hybrid Allstar Plus VISA card.

More than 1,000 high profile garages nationwide, including major brands Arnold Clark, Halfords and RRG, are already participating.

The research also revealed that 65% of SME fleet managers manually approve all SMR work by phone or e-mail, which can be time-consuming, however, the Allstar Plus VISA card simplifies and speeds up this payments process. The combined fuel and general expense card provides the fleet manager with a single, consolidated HMRC-friendly invoice, and the card can be tailored to the needs of individual customers to help manage and control fuel and non-fuel spend.

ThoreVestergaard, SVP and MD, Commercial Cards at Allstar’s parent company FLEETCOR, commented: “It’s clear that the financial pressure on SMEs is growing, and as a result fleet management budgets are reducing.  With that in mind, we’ve achieved an important step in delivering on our promise to bring additional value and support to customers through the Allstar Plus VISA card.

“By leveraging our network and strong partnerships, we have passed on the benefits to our customers with a minimum 10% rebate across all purchases, service, maintenance and repair work. We look forward to expanding the scheme this year to cover other expenses that fleet managers regularly incur, including subsistence and accommodation.” 

Fuel card provider Allstar is offering the first of its kind vehicle maintenance rebate programme, enabling customers to choose from over 1,000 garages across the UK at their convenience.

Robert Mooney, National Fleet Manager at Arnold Clark, said: “Arnold Clark prides itself on offering the very best service to its customers. By joining the Allstar Plus VISA discount scheme, we are enabling fleet managers across the UK to get their vehicles back on the road with the peace of mind that they are also receiving the best value for the work that has been carried out.”

More participating garages and merchants will be added to the rebate scheme throughout 2018, giving on the go employees more choice to make purchases at the discounted rate.

If you would like to find out more about the Allstar Plus VISA card, visit: https://www.allstarcard.co.uk/choose-a-card/allstar-plus-visa-card/