Member Article

Northgate Vehicle Hire makes multi million pound investment

With the launch of depots in Luton and Brent Cross imminent, Northgate Vehicle Hire, market leaders in flexible vehicle hire and complete fleet management solutions, is set to increase its number of UK sites significantly over the next four years, as the £400m+ turnover business looks set for growth in the next financial year. With another depot due to open this financial year, Northgate will be substantially adding to its 51,000 strong fleet, and initially bringing more than 20 new jobs to the London area.

On difficult ground when the recession hit in 2009, Northgate was faced with sinking profits and an unrecognisable brand. Subsequently going through a process of stabilising, re-structuring to remove 10% of its work force, and strengthening by moving all administrative functions to its head office in Darlington, it is currently sitting proud in its market leading position. It has also nearly completed a recruitment programme to increase the size of its regional sales force by 50% to more than 90 across the UK over the past six months to support the anticipated growth.

Northgate CEO, Bob Contreras, comments:
“There have been some difficult times over the last 24 months but also some key learnings. One such learning was our Irish operation where we’re now performing at a 15% growth rate per annum and are actually more profitable than we were pre-recession, despite the difficulties faced by many Irish businesses in the current market.”

“Behavioural change brought about by the recession has also had a huge impact on our customers, with the concept of renting increasing as a more favourable option to purchasing in the UK. Throughout the UK and Ireland, we have made it through a tough transition, invested in local teams who understand the local markets and are now prospering thanks to the experience we’ve gained. We have managed the expectations of our stakeholders and kept our customers happy; a feat in itself we are incredibly proud of.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Northgate Vehicle Hire .