We’ve worked closely with Sovereign’s Fleet Manager, Andrea Richards, to provide vehicle conversion solutions for the vans and other vehicles servicing the site. Every vehicle needed to meet the specific needs of the tradespeople working on the project. From electricians and plumbers in small vans to large flatbed truck drivers, it was vital to satisfy every user's requirements to keep things both safe and efficient.
We worked with Andrea to understand both the basic requirements and the nice-to-haves. We wanted to not only meet but exceed the expectations of the vehicle operatives. We also ensured the tradespeople were able to get hands on with the vans, previewing everything, from the Van Vaults to Safe Stows.
In addition to the operatives’ needs, we listened to the expectations of the stakeholders. This relationship worked both ways, to reach an agreement on the right specifications. Although we were managing different van sizes, they were all based on one spec to help keep production efficient on both sides. Crucially, this also meant that if one tradesperson leaves, a different operative can pick up the van and adapt it to suit them easily. This helps to future proof the fleet.
We worked with Andrea to ensure each vehicle was up to spec for the job, with two key vehicle solutions becoming firm favourites after phase one of the replacement programme.
Previously, ladders were held onto the vehicles with ropes or ties. While this got the job done, there were obvious risks. They would often bend, get damaged and erode the aluminium steps. The Safe Stows eradicate these pain points to allow for safe, damage-free transportation.
When a van’s interior lacks order, day-to-day operations become difficult. With the self-fit professional van racking solutions installed for Sovereign, each tradesperson could be confident in the safety, security and organisation of their tools and equipment. Built to last, our industry-leading van racking is lightweight (supporting fuel efficiency) and adaptable - meaning that it can be easily altered to suit the changing needs of the driver and the project. For example, somebody specialising in a different trade to the previous operator can add or remove elements to suit their tools, equipment and style of working.
Of course, not every element can be tested ahead of launch. The vans and other vehicles needed to be working live on site before the job was complete. We ensured any problems were resolved in a timely manner as well as making sure any needs for additional requests were met. We were able to fulfil extras such as decals, stickers, and interior adaptations. A key addition was the need for Grab Rails. These elements were added to keep everything running efficiently for every operator.
Sovereign was undergoing a huge amount of change at the same time as the vehicle replacement project. Not only were they tendering for a new lease provider, but also implementing a whole company rebrand. Everything from the headed paper to the van wrapping underwent a revamp. We worked closely with Andrea as this would obviously impact the van aesthetic, with several iterations from specific graphic elements of the decals to van colour.
As bott worked on the van decals, this saved Sovereign the time and money associated with employing an external design agency. Our expert team are well versed in all things van wrapping, working hard to develop custom solutions for our clients. For Sovereign, we produced all of the designs. Additionally, we managed printing internally, and the actual application. Keeping all things decals in-house at bott enabled a speedy turnaround that matched Sovereign’s deadlines.
Andrea was able to trust the bott team to get things done professionally and accurately. Working with a number of suppliers, she prioritises finding reliable collaborators who work just as efficiently as she does!
“It’s rare to have a supplier relationship where the supplier drives value. I can’t ask for more.”
We’ve really enjoyed collaborating with Andrea on the Sovereign project, formulating and producing the right spec conversion for each vehicle. To chat about all things vehicle conversions, get in touch. Our experts are always on hand to help transform your working environment.
