Finding time and money to source any vehicle is hard for a small business, but when you’re a charity who depends on having a reliable means of transportation; cost and convenience are top of the agenda. Finding something that will serve purpose, yet will not break the bank is a constant juggle. For Recycling for Charities, this was not a problem, as Lifestyle Renault in Eastbourne was able to lend a hand by sourcing the perfect vehicle.
Recycling for Charities is a charity organisation that provides removal services of decommissioned electronic and computer equipment that is no longer needed or wanted by companies, recycling these products for reuse in other places such as schools, churches and other low-income organisations.
“For a charity, every penny spent should be considered carefully,” explains Scott Warner, Sales Executive at Lifestyle Renault. “When Simon from Recycling for Charity approached us looking for a vehicle, we were set the task of providing a van that would suit their needs, whilst keeping within a tight budget. As the vehicle would be used to transport bulky equipment on a daily basis, it had to be large, adaptable and provide a long-term solution. We suggested opting for the ex-demo. Not only would the van be practically new, it would provide a cost-effective solution.”
Ex-demonstration vehicles are perfect for anyone seeking a newer vehicle, without the additional costs of the car being completely unused. Pre-registered vehicles serve to demonstrate the model to any prospective buyer. They are therefore more likely to include more features as standard. Although these vehicles are largely unused, they retail at a cost of a used one. An ex-demonstration Renault Trafic model was therefore chosen as the best option for Recycling for Charities, providing the price of a used vehicle with the quality of a new.
“When we approached Lifestyle, we explained our situation and requirements. We needed something that would be reliable, with low mileage, yet would not cost us much.” Explains Simon Rooksby, Founder of Recycling for Charities. “The Lifestyle team offered the pre-registered model, which suited our requirements perfectly. We were able to buy an essentially new vehicle, something we didn’t think we could afford on a budget of a charity! The team also threw in a Diamondbrite treatment, meaning the appearance of the vehicle would require less effort to maintain and would appear cosmetically better. ”
Electronic goods, such as computers contain hazardous substances which are difficult to recycle. This is therefore one of the main initiatives of the charity, reusing and recycling rather than adding to the ever increasing waste load companies produce. The Renault Trafic model purchased by the charity helps to back up this initiative of being green. With cleaner emissions, the vehicle is more environmentally friendly and will cost less to run than previous vehicles of a similar specification.
“We have been delighted with the vehicle since the day we bought it,” explained Simon. “In fact, we have just taken the van on a mammoth trip to Eastern Europe to deliver Christmas shoe boxes. Clocking up around 6,000 miles, with up to 15 hours driving a day, in somewhat challenging conditions, the van really did us proud. Not only were our team comfortable, they were pleased with the ease at which the van performed.”
For more details on the services provided by Recycling for Charities, please visit www.recyclingforcharities.co.uk.
