My franchise decision helped van hire firm on road to expansion

By Jim Howard - MANAGING DIRECTOR VEHICLE SAVE (UK) LIMITED/VEHICLE SAVE CONTRACT HIRE AND LEASING

WITH more than 20 years’ management experience in contract hire, leasing and daily rental, I wanted to take control of my future, so in 1994 I established Vehicle Save (UK) Limited as a franchisee of Kenning Car and Van Rental with just two full-time staff, including myself. Twice in the following eight years, the franchisor changed hands and changes resulted in Kennings losing a substantial part of their customer base. Consequently, I took the commercial decision to terminate the arrangement and negotiate a new franchise with market leader National Car Rental. This involved a substantial investment to purchase the rights to become official franchisee for the South West peninsula.

As a result, Vehicle Save (UK) Limited rapidly expanded from two to five branches across Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. This involved the transfer of a large number of National employees to our staff under TUPE employment laws. Today we have 95 staff at branches in Exeter, Taunton, Newquay and two in Plymouth, with over 800 cars and vans.

It is always important to look at business growth and it was a natural progression to launch our second company, Vehicle Save Contract Hire & Leasing Limited, 12 months ago, offering long-term contract hire and leasing of cars and light commercial vehicles to business clients. This service complements the daily rental business and was a major contributory factor in recently winning a prestigious three-year contract with Babcock Marine at Devonport Dockyard, Plymouth. We provide them with daily rental, long-term contracts and pool vehicles ranging from vans through to flatbed trucks and cars. Following a full tender process, we beat off stiff competition.

As a business owner, you will face many challenges, not least the big decision to initially start your own company and the raising of capital. Ensuring you find a good accountant and developing a close working relationship with your bank manager is invaluable. The recruitment, training and retention of good staff are of paramount importance, as is the ability of the business owner to delegate to, and develop, personnel as the company evolves. There will undoubtedly be highs and lows. However, growing a successful company far outweighs my previous achievements, giving me a buzz and constant job satisfaction. I recommend you do your research, create a realistic business plan and set of objectives. Be customer service focused and cautiously optimistic. Promise to deliver and deliver on your promise.
 

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