Watch out for quirky double-act vans

FIT-OUT contractor Morris & Spottiswood is challenging members of the public to take snaps of its quirky new vans after making a £1m investment in its fleet.

The firm’s 66 new vans have all been branded with the names of classic double-acts such as Batman & Robin and Tom & Jerry, with four also featuring comedy painted arms on the doors.

Any passer-by who sends a photo of one of the distinctive fleet to Morris & Spottiswood before November 30 will be in with a chance of winning an iPad Air 2.

Morris & Spottiswood chairman George Morris said the eight new double-act combinations were settled upon following an in-house competition.

“Our fleet of vans, branded with the big blue ampersand and a selection of famous double acts, have attracted attention on the nation’s roads for several years now,” he said.

“Previous combinations included Echo & The Bunnymen, Mince & Tatties and Salt & Sauce.

“However, as we have just upgraded our fleet we decided the time was right to add a few more classic combinations. Double-acts like Bert & Ernie were chosen following a staff competition because of their universal appeal.

“The upgrade to our fleet marks a £1m investment over the next four years. This investment will enable us to drive up reliability as we become far less dependent on hired vans. It is a testament to the continued growth of the business.”

All of the vans are Ford models – mainly Transits and Fiestas – apart from a single Volkswagen long wheel base van for Morris & Spottiswood’s flooring division.

Eight of the vehicles will operate from the firm’s Warrington and Leeds offices, 15 for the firm’s mechanical and electrical (M & E) division, 30 for its maintenance and east Scotland team and 13 for housing and the west of Scotland.

As well the new classic combinations – Tom & Jerry, Batman & Robin, Bert & Ernie, Arya & The Hound, Maverick & Goose, Ant & Dec, Woody & Buzz and Starsky & Hutch – the vans also feature the new Morris & Spottiswood logo.

The logo showcases Morris & Spottiswood’s mechanical and electrical (M & E) expertise, as well as its fit-out, housing and maintenance offering.

The £74.4m turnover firm, which has offices in Leeds, Warrington, Glasgow and Edinburgh, saw sales double in its M & E division last year.

Among its key objectives is to increase income from work in the north of England from £19.5m to £35m this year by targeting key sectors such as healthcare, education, retail and commercial offices and banking.

“Morris & Spottiswood offers a complete, multi-faceted service,” said Morris. “We pride ourselves on working closely with customers to ensure their specific aims are achieved. Our extensive experience in M & E only enhances our fit-out services too.

“It means we can offer a better value service, can prepare for jobs more efficiently and can react more quickly to each client’s needs.”