Epyx is to expand its 1link Service Network e-commerce platform into Ireland this year.

Tim Meadows, commercial director at epyx.

The platform is used by major fleets to buy service and maintenance from suppliers online, with benefits including cost control and processing efficiencies, and is already used in the UK, France, Portugal and Australia by vehicle fleets operating more than four million vehicles buying from almost 30,000 franchise dealers, independent garages and fast-fits.

Tim Meadows, commercial director at epyx, explained that the move into Ireland was a logical next step as 1link was already supporting fleets in Northern Ireland.

He said: “Expanding 1link into Ireland is very much something that has been done to meet a need that has been expressed by major fleets who operate vehicles there.

“During the second half of 2017, we put key infrastructure in place and the platform is now ready, taking into consideration local regulations including taxation and vehicle roadworthiness.

The firm is also in the process of recruiting a supplier network and is inviting applications from suppliers who would like to be part of the platform.

Meadows added: “Within the next couple of months, everything should be in place and it is very much our intention to hit the ground running.”

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