“We focus extremely hard to ensure our relationships with all manufacturers are good because our success very much pivots upon their level of support and flexibility to help us through these difficult market conditions,” he says.

Agnew targets sub-250 fleets

A key part of Agnew Corporate’s plans for expansion in mainland UK, is to target companies with fleets of up to 250 vehicles.

Thompson says this will mean his team can ensure a high level of service can be maintained and is also where its recently-developed in-house fleet management system, Agnew Fleet Manager, will be of the most benefit.

“If you go to a company that has less than 50 cars you will generally find that there isn’t a dedicated fleet manager but someone who has the responsibility of the fleet bolted on to their everyday role,” he says.

“Agnew Fleet Manager is a definite help to them.”

The system helps customers manage mileage, fuel, staff time, service, maintenance and repair, licence checking and tyre management.

Telematics is also offered in conjunction with TomTom.It is not sold as a standalone product but is available to existing leasing customers.

Where Agnew Corporate has been nominated as the preferred supplier, the customer can use the software across their entire fleet, even if they have purchased only one vehicle from the company.

The system has been running for the past two years and now has more than 100 users, equating to approximately 4,000 vehicles.

Thompson is confident this product will help to win more business, and he says the fact he hasn’t lost a customer since implementing the technology demonstrates it has been very well received.

“It’s the best-kept secret in the fleet market, but now we need to shout about it,” he says.

Relationships make difference

Thompson believes that the relationship with customers is what makes Agnew Corporate stand out from its rivals.

He wants the company to take on an increasingly consultative approach, offering advice and support to customers to improve efficiencies and help them to make the right business decisions.

“We want to be competitive,” he says. “We are not always going to be the cheapest, but hopefully with the people that we have and our product offering we can supply the most cost-effective solution overall.

"When we go and see customers we talk to them about best practice and costs and have a meaningful conversation.”

Agnew Fleet Manager is instrumental in Thompson’s growth aspirations for Agnew Corporate as he believes it gives the company an edge over its closest leasing competitors.