IT IS plain sailing for Hirefone, the York-based international mobile phone rental business.

The company, in York Business Park, Nether Poppleton, has signed an exclusive deal with another Yorkshire firm, Super Yacht Supplies Ltd (SYS), to provide mobile phones to those who own or charter luxury yachts.

SYS provides the very best products to its customers, which the company describes as "among the wealthiest people in the world".

It supplies everything from gourmet foods and vintage wines to the most luxurious toiletries, and even freshly-cut flowers. The company will ship anything, whatever the quantity, to provision a yacht worldwide.

Ian Jarvis, managing director of SYS, said: "All Super Yachts have satellite communication equipment on board. However, when going ashore, our customers often need a mobile phone as a security measure and to stay in touch with their businesses."

Penny Roberts, international sales director at Hirefone, said: "Our two businesses complement each other very well. This agreement allows us to broaden our customer base by tapping into a very high-end market. Whether for pleasure, business or security, no matter where you are in the world, we can provide a mobile or satellite phone that will work."

Super Yachts are defined as being at least 30 metres long and there are 2,500 in the world, with a further 200 in production.

Mr Jarvis said: "We are delighted to have Hirefone on board, who we know will be able to meet the demanding deadlines of our clients."

SYS, based outside Beverley, East Yorkshire, uses a hub at Heathrow to transport goods, primarily by airfreight, as far afield as the Indian Ocean and The Caribbean.

Hirefone, established 11 years ago, with one desk and a handful of mobile phones, now has a turnover of more than £2 million with headquarters in York and operations in London, Europe and America. It also rents out Blackberry devices, which allow people to receive and send emails on the move.

The Hirefone deal with SYS follows hot on the heels of a contract worth more than £1 million with Avis Rent A Car to provide mobile phones to American travellers.

Updated: 11:24 Tuesday, May 04, 2004