Vehicle Leasing for SMEs during Covid-19

Synergy is an FCA authorised vehicle finance and credit broker based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Synergy Car Leasing is one the UK’s leading vehicle leasing providers offering cars and vans to SMEs, private individuals as well as businesses of all sizes. Newable acquired the business last year and now offer vehicle finance as part of the wider Newable lending portfolio.

Paul Parkinson, CEO of Synergy Car Leasing, part of the Newable Group of companies, answers some key questions from SMEs on vehicle leasing during and post Covid-19.

A nationwide vehicle supplier, Synergy Car Leasing offers best-in-class customer experience evidenced by the Feefo Platinum Service Award 2020, dedicated Account Management, easy Online Application Process, all backed by its Best Price Guarantee.

What are the advantages of vehicle leasing during Covid-19?

Social distancing measures seem to be here for the foreseeable future, and with some employees required to return to the workplace, businesses and individuals are looking for safe and cost-effective alternatives to public transport.

Vehicle leasing offers a secure and convenient online experience to order a brand-new vehicle via website, email and telephone.  Synergy’s website offers in-stock vehicles for quick delivery (subject to supplier availability); and the ability to factory order a car, adding options and personalising the terms of the contract, such as the initial rental, term period, and yearly mileage.

Our friendly and professional team is on hand to offer help and advice, with our easy online application process along with e-signature documentation and administration, and free mainland UK contactless and sanitised delivery to your home or office.

Open seven days a week, offering an easy remote process, clean contactless delivery and all at a great price.

How will my vehicle be delivered safely?

Synergy is working with vehicle manufacturers and logistics firms to offer contactless deliveries of new vehicles.  Your new lease vehicle is driven or transporter delivered, the driver wears PPE and key areas of the vehicle are protected by coverings.  These are removed on handover, the vehicle and keys are sanitised, and the driver maintains social distancing at all times.  Rest assured, all deliveries are made in line with the latest government guidelines and advice.

What are the benefits of a business lease versus a personal lease?

The decision to take out either a business or personal lease will depend on individual circumstances.  In most cases, businesses can claim back 50% of the VAT on the cost of the monthly rentals, but, where applicable, drivers can become liable to pay Benefit-in-Kind tax where there is private use of the vehicle.

Synergy’s team can offer information in this area, including P11D information on the car and tax liability information, which we encourage our clients to provide to their accountant ensuring they can make the right decision for themselves and their business.  The alternative to a business lease (commonly known as Business Contract Hire or BCH), is a personal lease (Personal Contract Hire – PCH) as a private individual.  It’s common for our SME clients to offer their directors, managers and staff a car allowance for them to take a personal lease agreement (PCH).  This can, and usually, forms part of a safe company vehicle scheme.

Many owner managers and directors of SMEs are taking advantage of the government’s green agenda, with fully Electric Vehicles taxed at 0% followed by 1%, then 2% to tax year 2022-2023.  Our team are supplying a range of electric vehicles and helping individuals and businesses reduce their carbon footprint as well as their tax liability.   We can help with the installation of both domestic and commercial charging points, with our partnership with one of the UK’s leading EV charging units suppliers and installers.

Do you offer a fleet management service?

Synergy offers a fleet management service, with a dedicated Account Manager to help manage your vehicles and access to a safe and secure online portal to keep track of your fleet and ensure safety measures are up to date, such as driver licences checks, and reminders for servicing and MOTs.

Do you offer leases on electric vehicles?

Yes, we’re seeing more and more of our clients take advantage of new green technology and opt for a fully electric or hybrid vehicle.  Many of our owner manager clients, directors and company car drivers or those businesses which offer a salary sacrifice scheme are reducing their tax liability with an electric vehicle, and installing charging points at both their office and home addresses.

With a wide and growing range of electric vehicles now available, mileage range improvements and the proliferation of charging points, as well as low taxation and grants supporting the government’s green agenda, electric vehicles offer a more financially attractive 21st century choice.

How do I maintain my lease vehicle?

All lease vehicles must be serviced and maintained to the manufacturer’s guidelines.  For both business and personal lease agreements, maintenance packs are available. These ensure that all routine maintenance and servicing is included in one simple monthly cost, one number to call to book the vehicle into a local approved repairer, and collection and delivery of the vehicle or a courtesy vehicle provided for a hassle-free experience.

At the end of the leasing agreement, the car is returned in line with industry standards, the vehicle is collected, and your next car delivered.

For a no-obligation quotation or a free review of your current fleet or leasing arrangement, or to simply find out more visit www.synergycarleasing.co.uk

Call Synergy’s friendly team on 0330 134 5998, seven days a week – Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday to Sunday 10am – 8pm.

Newable Limited Special Offer

No Sourcing Fee (save £198 including VAT) for Newable Group Companies, Newable Employees, Newable Clients and their Employees, Newable Business Partners and their Employees – quote “NEWABLE” to your Account Manager prior to placing an order.  Terms and Conditions apply.  This offer may be withdrawn at any time.

Synergy Automotive Ltd, trading as Synergy Car Leasing, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 660618 .  Synergy Automotive Ltd is a credit broker and not a lender.