Fast-growing City Access Scaffolding is running its first FUSO Canter, after being convinced by the local Dealer’s new sales specialist that the tough little truck is more than up to the job.
Amy Purnell joined Mercedes-Benz Dealer Western Commercial last year – like other members of the manufacturer’s franchised network, its representative in Scotland’s Central Belt also sells and supports the FUSO light truck range.
Having worked previously in the financial sector, she has since graduated from the award-winning Mercedes-Benz and FUSO Truck Sales Trainee Programme, and made an impressive start in her role as the Dealer’s primary sales contact for popular Canter models.
Amy has won a string of orders from scaffolders, the latest of which is so pleased with its new 3.5-tonner that it is already contemplating the addition of a second. Based in Gorebridge, just outside Edinburgh, City Access Scaffolding works across the Central Belt and undertakes a diverse portfolio of work, ranging from small-scale residential projects to major schemes such as the construction of the new Boroughmuir High School. The firm’s commitment to quality, and determination to exceed client expectations, has led to rapid expansion since it was established in 2014.
Canter customers can choose ready-to-work 3.5-tonne platform dropsiders and tippers, and 7.5-tonne tippers, pre-bodied at FUSO’s main European production facility in Tramagal, Portugal, by the highly regarded Italian manufacturer Scattolini. This programme allows customers to put their new vehicles to work a lot more quickly than would be the case if chassis were sent to third-party bodybuilders. Finished trucks are also covered by single invoices, simplifying administration and reducing associated costs.
The subject of a flexible, low-cost Agility funding agreement from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services, City Access Scaffolding’s Canter 3C13 has a Comfort day cab and Scattolini’s dropside body. Its high-torque 3.0-litre engine produces 96 kW (130 hp) and is paired with a dual-clutch DUONIC automated transmission – the 3C13 model is also available with a five-speed manual gearbox. Customers needing a more powerful 3.5-tonner can choose the Canter 3C15, which employs a 150 hp version of the same engine and the DUONIC system only.
Fuel-efficient and exceptionally manoeuvrable, the smaller Canter shares its larger stablemate’s ladder-frame chassis, which gives it the strength and durability of a ‘proper’ truck. Most of its competitors in the 3.5-tonne GVW segment have van-based underpinnings, so these qualities appeal particularly to builders and others in associated trades for whom toughness and reliability in a vehicle are crucial.
City Access Scaffolding is using its Canter to transport poles that can be just under four metres in length, as well as other fixtures and tools. It has lined-up alongside the contractor’s three other 3.5-tonners, and two larger vehicles at 7.5 and 18 tonnes GVW, and is certainly living up to Amy’s billing.
Jonathan Allan, who co-founded the business with Mark Skinner and Kirsty Allan, recalled: “I’d seen a few Canters before and liked the look of the product, but it wasn’t until Amy contacted us that we really started to give it serious consideration.
“Amy did a brilliant job. She was very professional, answered all of our questions and made a compelling case for the Canter. She also provided us with a demonstrator which we tried for three days and were very impressed with. That vehicle had a manual ’box but we’ve specified our own with the DUONIC system, which is proving a wise decision – there’s so much traffic in and around Edinburgh these days that it’s a relief not to be constantly dipping a clutch. The Canter’s excellent turning circle is also a big advantage in tight spots.”
He continued: “The fact that our Canter came pre-bodied from the manufacturer was a definite plus in terms of reduced hassle. The finance was also competitively priced and simple to arrange. From our point of view, therefore, Amy’s ‘one-stop shop’ solution made for a nice, easy life.”
Mr Allan added: The Canter looks very smart in our branding and doubles as a great mobile ad for the business. We’re working the truck hard but I’m confident that it will prove strong and durable enough to take the punishment, while it’s also reassuring to know that it’s backed by Mercedes-Benz. Given the growth we’re currently experiencing, if the Canter continues to perform reliably I’m sure we’ll be considering another before too long.”
Amy Purnell said: “City Access Scaffolding is still a relatively young company but it’s clearly going places. As Jonathan and his colleagues are discovering, the FUSO Canter’s many attributes make it an ideal platform on which to base their continued expansion. It really is a fantastic little truck, and one with which I’m very proud to be associated.”
Commenting on her decision to change career tack after four years in financial services, Amy explained: “I’d always been in sales but was looking for a fresh challenge, something more exciting that would get me out and about. My grandad used to be a truck driver and when I saw the opportunity at Western Commercial I knew immediately that it would be right up my street.
“I absolutely love my Canter Sales Specialist role. The training was superb and my colleagues have been very supportive. I’m still learning, of course, but I’ve also been given plenty of space in which to do things my way, and it’s going very well. Best of all, this isn’t just another job… I have a great opportunity to build a rewarding and fulfilling career with a company that represents two world-leading brands in Mercedes-Benz and FUSO, and I’m determined to make the most of it.”
Western Commercial has created its #ASKAMY campaign, to highlight Amy’s specialism and dedicated to the light truck market.
