Stobart Energy agrees fleet tyre deal with Bridgestone

Bridgestone has signed a new commercial fleet partnership with Stobart Energy, the UK’s number one supplier of biomass fuel. The fleet will run exclusively on the Bridgestone Duravis R002. The tyre is designed to lower cost per kilometre through both wear performance and fuel efficiency. Designed for the versatility segment, the Duravis R002 is available to all types of on-road fleet operation and deliver outstanding wet grip.

Bridgestone said the Stobart Energy deal underlines its environmental credentials and attention to detail. It said its “consultative approach” resonated with Stobart Energy, allied to its understanding of the fleet’s unique requirements. Stobart Energy has long-term contracts in place to supply nearly two million tonnes of fuel to Energy Recovery Facilities, generating renewable energy equivalent to the annual domestic electricity needs of 2 per cent of the UK population.

Simon Cartwright, Stobart Energy’s director of logistics, said: “We were highly impressed by the Bridgestone team, right back when we were first introduced in May 2020.

“We were made to feel extremely valued by Bridgestone, who spent a great deal of time understanding what we wanted. No stone was left unturned in this regard and we struck up a good rapport immediately.

“We were well aware of the quality and performance benefits associated with Bridgestone’s tyres, but the commercial agility shown during the tender process as a whole – from an operational perspective – was something that really resonated.

“The Bridgestone Partner network impressed us too, as we knew we’d be dealing with independent tyre dealers who are passionate in providing a memorable service, precisely because they are running their own businesses. This model really appealed to us.”

The alteration of Bridgestone’s tyre specification for the fleet’s operation in Scotland, where the roads and weather patterns are typically more demanding than other areas of the UK, provided an example of its adaptability to meet the bespoke needs of the Stobart Energy fleet.

Cartwright added: “We work from 14 locations from the north of Scotland to the south of Wales and south east of England. Bridgestone didn’t come to us with a ‘one size fits all’ solution, but a bottom-up approach, having understood the unique demands of our fleet to begin with.”

He added that the environmental credentials of the Duravis R002 were key factors when deciding to partner with Bridgestone.

“Being so closely aligned with renewable energy means that we have an absolute obligation to manage our carbon footprint responsibly and continually improve in this area. This manifests itself in a number of areas, one of which being the rubber on our wheels. Bridgestone’s products impressed us in this regard.”

Bridgestone’s UK fleet sales manager Ian Davis said that there were synergies between both businesses, which managed to shine through despite talks taking place over online meetings.

“It is a huge coup to be able to work with Stobart Energy, who share our passion in developing solutions that benefit the community and environmental as a whole.

“We were keen to demonstrate a consultative approach from the word go. There are a lot of bespoke factors that work together to comprise a fleet package and it was crucial that we worked up with a solution around these factors, explaining every aspect clearly as talks progressed.

“From the moment we met Stobart Energy, we felt we were dealing with a company we could really relate to on a cultural level, as well as a professional one. Communication has been brilliant from day one and we are extremely excited to work with the Stobart Energy team and support them on a daily basis with our products and services.”