Despite the ominous clouds that hang over
the leasing industry, deals are still being signed. A particularly
interesting one that was announced last month concerned the leasing
of fruit machines in schools across the UK.
Although potentially not the sexiest of deals,
but the numbers read well. Under proposals by the European
Commission, which announced the deal, the scheme is worth £90
million and is open to all schools in the EC. The idea is that free
distribution of fruit will be offered in the schools.
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Last month the scheme obtained the green light
from the member states’ Management Committee for the common
organisation of agricultural markets.
The Italian Minister of Agriculture Luca Zaia,
one of the EU politicians who voted in favour of the scheme, said
that the new initiative was aimed at “providing immediate benefits
in terms of health and education for children”, but also “ensuring
an adequate support to the whole fruit and vegetables sector”.
As part of the scheme, which is due to begin
Europe-wide in September 2009 with the start of the next school
year, fruit dispensing machines under lease agreements will be
available inside school buildings.
Meanwhile, although our research has shown
that leasing is dwindling in the public sector, there are still
some deals being signed.
The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport
(SPT), for instance, last month secured a new leasing contract for
its demand responsive transport services, saving over £1.5 million
(€1.6 million).
The body, which co-ordinates public transport
in western Scotland, will spend £8.8 million – compared to £10.3
million it had spent in its previous contract – to run bus services
for people who have difficulty using public transport, until
2014.
The money will be used for Dial-a-Bus, which
provides transport to people who have difficulty using public buses
as a result of disability or age, and Ring’n’Ride, which provides
links to areas with limited public transport.
Councillor Davie McLachlan, who chairs the
SPT’s operations committee, said that the new contract arrangements
would ensure a “vital service” for the Strathclyde area.
He added: “By supplying the vehicle and
leasing it to the operator, passengers are assured of journeys on
the latest model low floor buses that are environmentally friendly
and fuel efficient.”
In addition, specialist greetings card
retailer Clinton Cards has worked in conjunction with printer
supplier Epson and technology supplier Bechtle Direct to set up a
managed printing service involving leased hardware at its 1,000
outlets nationwide.
Clinton has historically purchased equipment
outright, but under the new system will pay lease costs for
printers as part of a price-per-page scheme that also covers the
cost of installation, consumables and support.
