The new facility will mobilise life-saving support from Britain’s best businesses and charities in the critical hours after a disaster strikes.

Supplies, experts and vital aid are too often tied up with paperwork, rather than being deployed straight to the disaster zone, International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell said.

The new facility allows organisations with experience in disaster response to access funding within hours, thereby reaching affected people faster and saving more lives. It will mean the best organisations from across the UK can be mobilised in the critical first 72 hours following a disaster.

Guava International is one of an initial 34 non-government organisations which specialise in disaster response which has been invited by the UK Government to join the network.

Guava also manages one third of Land Rover’s global markets in Europe, Asia and Africa and thus is able to provide the Service support through the Dealer network which organisations require. As part of RMA Automotive, Guava has access to a number of services to add value to the customer including Vehicle Modification, Leasing, Fleet Management, Contract Maintenance or Insurance. Guava holds a large quantity of vehicle stock to be able to react quickly and effectively to support disaster relief efforts on the ground. Our specialism is providing innovative vehicle solutions to organisations operating in the developing world.

The new Rapid Response Fund will be activated in the event of a large scale crisis. The selected organisations will be approached within two hours and expected to take immediate action.

Andrew Mitchell said:

“Clearly we need our best experts, equipment and aid on the scene as quickly as possible after a disaster, not tied up in red tape. Guava International need to be able to do their job in that vital window of 72 hours, to save as many lives as possible.

“Only the professionals, with relevant skills and equipment will be approved.  By working with a small pool of specialists, we will end the dangerous crush of aid organisations which often pour into a disaster zone.

“These organisations represent the very best performing disaster response agencies. This will allow them to focus on delivery.  Make no mistake, however, qualification for the fund will be revoked at the first sign of poor performance.”

Marguerite Idziak, Aid and Project Manager for Guava International said “The ability to move personnel and relief supplies efficiently and reliably in country is paramount to supporting relief efforts on the ground. Guava takes its responsibility as an official supplier of transport solutions very seriously knowing the impact that logistics can play in the overall successful delivery of support.”

 Lord Ashdown’s review of how Britain responds to humanitarian emergencies said that a pre-qualification process would ensure there was a focus on delivery, not bureaucracy, in the first critical stage of disaster response.

Further information please contact:

Marguerite Idziak

Aid and Project Manager

Guava International Limited

Marguerite.idziak@guavauk.com

Tel: + 44 (0) 1483 543 700

At AidEx 2011, we will be launching as the sole authorised distributor of Land Rover to the Aid and Development sector worldwide.

We will also be launching our approved modified Land Rover (AVM) Vehicles.

Through our extensive network of dealers in over 60 countries in Asia, Europe and sub-Saharan Africa and strong relationships with the rest of the Land Rover dealer network worldwide, and 24/7 after-sales support, we can meet your global fleet requirements.

Come and meet us on stand D26.

Land Rover has undertaken a strategic review of its Aid and Project business with the result being a rationalisation of Land Rover supplier to a single partner – Guava International Limited.

We recognise that Service Support is key to operating a successful and efficient fleet. The Land Rover Dealer network is extensive. Guava International has responsibility for 60 of those countries in the developing world in addition to our Aid and Project remit. Our aim is to provide coverage for Land Rover products and services in every market whether through a Dealer or remote support to give you confidence in operating Land Rover vehicles in your fleet.

Guava International is owned by the RMA Group and, through RMA Automotive, has access to an extensive network of resources. As a combined entity we provide the following services, designed to help ensure that your operations run cost effectively and smoothly:

• Fleet Management Services
• Leasing
• Insurance
• After sales and driver training
• Supply of spare parts
• Land Rover’s first Approved Vehicle Modifier (AVM)

Please explore our website further for details of the Land Rover products and Guava’s services which can assist you in the future – www.guavauk.com