Breathing new life into decommissioned NHS ambulances — DLL’s sustainable solution

Watford, United Kingdom – November 14, 2024 – , West Midlands Ambulance Service University NHS Foundation Trust (WMAS) is renowned for maintaining a high-quality fleet of emergency vehicles. As part of their ongoing fleet management, they sought an economical and sustainable solution for decommissioned vehicles. WMAS selected De Lage Landen (DLL) – a global asset finance company for equipment and technology – as their chosen partner for this service due to their extensive experience in ambulance remarketing and alignment on sustainability.

Finding an expert partner in fleet management 

With sustainability aspirations in mind, WMAS began its procurement process and issued an invitation to tender, highlighting the requirements and key criteria that they sought in a supplier, quality, price and sustainability.

Responding to the invitation, DLL proposed a sustainable solution for the decommissioned vehicles to be repurposed and given a second life, benefiting UK ambulance operators. The solution would remove the burden from WMAS of selling the vehicles and allow them to focus on running their operation, whilst generating income to benefit patients.

DLL is a global leader in asset finance solutions and a long-established partner of many NHS ambulance trusts, including WMAS and private ambulance operators. Its extensive experience in asset management and commitment to sustainability made it the ideal partner for this initiative.

Under the new agreement, DLL will act as an agent to breathe new life into the decommissioned vehicles by repurposing and selling them to their extensive network of private ambulance providers.  

Tony Page, Head of Fleet & Facilities Management at WMAS comments “We have worked together for many years in the financing and management of our ambulance fleet. DLL have always delivered a high level of service, especially when we return vehicles at the end of their lease. The combination of DLL’s experience, in-depth knowledge of the public sector and their proven process for the repurposing of decommissioned vehicles, make them the perfect partner for WMAS”.

Supporting the NHS in the drive to a sustainable future  

The National Health Service (NHS) is the first health system in the world to embed net-zero targets into legislation. It has set ambitious sustainability targets for emissions that they control, such as from vehicles, by 2040. WMAS aims to align its fleet management with its environmental responsibilities and net-zero targets. 

This partnership supports the NHS’s journey towards a circular economy by reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Repurposing the ambulances provides functional and affordable vehicles to new partners and customers at a low environmental cost. Additionally, DLL flexible financial solutions help organisations access the equipment they need while avoiding obsolescence and improving operational efficiency. 

The DLL UK Asset Sales team has over 40 years of experience in managing the return of diverse types of equipment at the end of their lease, reintroducing them into operation. Stephen Richards, DLL Head of Global Asset Sales, explains how working with DLL benefits organisations such as the NHS.  “Our financial products aid manufacturers to distribute new energy-efficient products, getting them into the hands of customers that need them. We partner with customers to offer an end-to-end service that gives them flexibility in accessing the equipment they need. Customers often want the ability to upgrade equipment to avoid obsolescence and improve their operational efficiency. Repurposing the used ambulances supports the circular economy, minimises waste and provides new partners and customers with functional and affordable vehicles at a low environmental cost.” 

DLL’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its strategy to support partners, such as the NHS, in their journey towards a more sustainable, circular economy.