AMT Group, the Leeds headquartered independent vehicle leasing and rental business, has appointed Ben Craven as a new area manager for the north for its vehicle rental division.

Craven has more than 15 years’ sales experience having previously worked for a range of blue chip companies including Vodafone and Scottish Power.

He will be based at the group’s Leeds head office and will be responsible for developing AMT’s presence in the north, with particular focus on the leisure, business and insurance sectors and supporting the development of the Manchester Stockport depot.

Andy Crinson, general manager of AMT Vehicle Rental, said: “Ben has a wealth of experience and his appointment will help build our market share in both the corporate and private client sectors.

“Ben’s people development and communication skills, combined with his understanding of the commercial landscape, will be of great benefit to the company as we build our presence across the North West with our recently launched Manchester Stockport depot next to the M60.”

Craven added: “Being independently owned, AMT Group is able to not only provide a bespoke service to customers, but also to supply vehicles that are not widely available in the leasing and rental markets – something which it has become well known for.

“Consistently delivering excellent levels of customer service is paramount in the prestige and specialist vehicle sector and I’m very much looking forward to building on the company’s existing reputation and increasing its profile across the north.”

The group also has a leasing division offering a substantial short term leasing fleet comprising all types of cars and commercial vehicles.

Established in 1995, AMT Group is a privately owned business employing 180 staff around the UK.  It offers a complete automotive solution via its vehicle rental; short term lease; contract hire and leasing; and specialist cars divisions.