FIRST National Vehicle Contracts is starting the New Year by passing the landmark of 10,000 vehicles on its fleet. And the expansion further adds to the dominance of the number 10 in the list of landmarks in the history of FNVC. The company started as Elton Financial Services in March 1985 with £10,000 in the bank, and was sold in 1996 to First National Bank, part of the Abbey National Group, for £10 million in 1996.

Continuing the series of tens, the company's funded fleet has just passed the 10,000-vehicle mark, and its goal is to occupy a place among the top 10 leasing and fleet management companies in the UK. This ambition has become much more realistic since the acquisition by First National Bank, and the association with Abbey National has helped to open doors with fleets which will only deal with major financial institutions. It has also given FNVC massive financial clout to use on the acquisition trail.

The company has already geared up for significant growth, expanding its staff from 45 before the acquisition by First National to the current figure of 105, putting in place regional offices with local managers encouraged to use the authority and responsibility entrusted in them.