Vertu Motors

15/10/19

Vansdirect, the Newport-based on-line retailer (www.vansdirect.co.uk), has been recognised for its excellence with a prestigious national award.

For the fourth consecutive year the business, which was acquired by Vertu Motors plc in January 2019, has been named as Best Van Leasing Broker in the Leasing Broker Federation Awards.

The Leasing Broker Awards, now in their seventh year, are designed to recognise the excellence and professionalism of leasing brokers, providers of lease and finance facilities to the SME and fleet sector.

The judges’ citation said ‘Focusing on the right van for the right person is at the heart of VansDirect. This year, targeted investments in IT, compliance and people has meant they are now reaping the rewards in terms of business success. With market leading satisfaction scores, while focusing on long term sustainable partnerships with OEMs, Leasing and their clients, Vans Direct are worthy winners.’

Award-winning Vansdirect was founded in 1999 in the Welsh valleys and has become one of the top independent commercial van retailers. The business was restructured in 2009 by Jane Pocock and Richard Simmonds and the business began a significant growth trajectory, quadrupling its annual sales. It recently committed to its Welsh roots, signing a new 10-year lease on its Newport premises.

The British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association’s (BVRLA) most recent Leasing Broker Survey showed that the combined leasing broker car and van fleet grew by 10% in 2018, with a similar 10% growth in new business.

Richard Simmonds, managing director of Vansdirect, said: “At Vansdirect we are incredibly proud of the service we provide to our customers, offering independent expert advice to help thousands of people find the best vehicle and finance in a growing market.

“To be recognised yet again at the Leasing Broker Awards, where the judges are experts in our sector, is testament to the hard work of everyone in the team.” approved

Robert Forrester, chief executive officer of Vertu Motors plc, said: “I am delighted for the team at Vansdirect. To win this award four years running is a great achievement and demonstrates ongoing commitment to customer service excellence. Well done!”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF VERTU MOTORS

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Pic caption - Richard Simmonds, managing director of Vansdirect (front with award) with the team

Notes to editors:

Vertu Motors plc (which trades under the Bristol Street Motors, Macklin Motors, Vertu Toyota, Vertu Honda, Vertu Volkswagen, Vertu Mercedes-Benz, Farnell Jaguar Land Rover and Hughes Group brands) was formed in late 2006 to acquire and consolidate UK motor retail businesses. The group was founded as a new entrant into the UK motor retail sector and is listed on the AIM market (UK:VTU).

In 2017, the Group became the first major UK motor retailer to offer customers the ability to purchase a used vehicle entirely online with the launch of Bristol Street Motors Buy Online. The platform enables customers to buy a used vehicle in as little as five minutes if they have the funds in place, arrange financial packages if they don’t, and have the vehicle delivered to any UK mainland home address.

Since flotation in December 2006, the Group has established itself as a major player in the United Kingdom automotive retail sector. The Group operates 125 outlets representing 23 manufacturers across the UK.

www.bristolstreet.co.uk/buy-online/

Find us on Twitter:

Vertu Motors / @vertumotors

Bristol Street Motors / @BristolStMotors

Macklin Motors / @MacklinMotors

Vertu Honda / @Vertuhonda

Vertu Toyota / @VertuToyota

Vertu Volkswagen / @VertuVolkswagen

Vertu Specialist Cars / @VertuSpecialist

Vertu Mercedes-Benz / @Vertu_MB

Farnell Jaguar / @FarnellJaguar

Farnell Land Rover / @FarnellLRover

Hereford Audi / @HerefordAudi

Hughes Group / @Hughes_Group

Find us on Facebook:

Bristol Street Motors / @bristolstreetmotors

Macklin Motors / @macklinmotors

Vertu Honda / @VertuHondaLtd

Vertu Toyota / @vertutoyota

Vertu Volkswagen / @VertuVolkswagen

Vertu Specialist Cars / @VertuSpecialistCars

Vertu Mercedes-Benz / @VertuMercedesBenz

Farnell Jaguar / @FarnellJaguar

Farnell Land Rover / @FarnellLandRover

Hereford Audi / @HerefordAudi

Hughes Group / @HughesGroupUK

Hughes Mercedes-Benz / @HughesMercedesBenz