Construction company Mick George has branched out into leasing and fleet management with the launch of a broker division.

The company has agreed terms with Lex Autolease and Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions to offer funding for all vehicle types, from cars to trucks.

The two FN50 top 10 leasing companies will be looking to raise their profile in new market sectors, while Mick George intends to lean on its own in-house fleet management knowledge to provide a new service to both business and private customers.

Heading the new BVRLA-accredited Mick George Leasing operation is Steve Howell (pictured).

He was part-owner of independent vehicle sourcing, funding and management specialist Neva Consultants when it launched in 1992, helping to build the business into a £40m turnover, 2,000-car fleet over 25 years.

Howell said: “The decision was easy to join Mick George. Commercial operators are continuously seeking innovative methods to stay ahead of the game, tasked with adding value in one form or another.

“It’s often what sets those who are successful apart from those who sit back and become stagnate over a period of time.

“You only have to look at the strategic diversification that Mick George have made in recent times, complimenting their core business services and consequently reaping the rewards. With my experience, I anticipate this will be another example of that.‘’

Within its first week of trading, Mick George Leasing secured two clients, supplying 25 Citreon Berlingos to one and 20 Mercedes C350E Hybrid company cars to the other.