Economic boost from contract to make the county’s ambulances

An 18-month contract between Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) and a Goole-based business has ploughed £1.77m back into the UK economy.

In 2018, YAS placed an order with O&H Vehicle Technology for over 300 new units, to modernise its fleet of ambulances.

This week saw the handing over of the 250th unit from O&H’s Managing Director Oliver North to YAS Chairman, Kathryn Lavery.

North used the occasion to champion the importance of UK ambulances being built in Britain. He cited the example of YAS choosing to partner with a UK-based manufacturer, instead of an international supplier.

He said the money injected back into the British economy thanks to this deal included employee contributions and business tax. The contract used 102,000 skilled labour hours, helping to secure jobs, and used 118 local suppliers.

North said: “Before I joined O&H as MD in January, the business was set to reduce its staff levels because of the impact of internationally-built ambulances. With Brexit impending, I knew the time was right to step in and help to grow this magnificent company.

“We are so proud of the level of quality in these ambulances and we chose to host this event, as our way of thanking YAS in an official capacity.

“We’re now already on the path of an intense period of growth and have all the essential elements in place for a successful Brexit, which is partly due to YAS’ commitment to working with a UK supplier, whilst in turn, recirculating valuable taxpayers’ contributions.”

YAS receives an average of 2,500 emergency and routine calls per day, highlighting the need for a modern, efficient fleet of vehicles to ensure paramedic and patient safety.

North added: “This is precisely what a positive and fruitful partnership between public and private sector looks like, all in conjunction with the single most important aspect – improving first responder safety in conjunction with casualty care.

“And the pride every single one of us at O&H feel when we see one of our ambulances responding on the streets of Yorkshire, couldn’t be higher.”

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