MASTERDRIVE Leasing and rental has announced a 28% increase in its profits for the year to September 30, 1998 despite maintaining a static fleet size. The company, a member of the Dutton-Forshaw Group, generated profits of just over £1.6 million on turnover of £35.6 million (1997: £33 million) following a business strategy focused on maximising profit per vehicle rather than expanding fleet volume.

A reduction in overheads, improved maintenance and service controls and controlling risk areas such as vehicle disposals all played their part in the rise in profits. Tony Elliott, director and general manager of Masterdrive, said: 'Over this period the fleet industry has been subject to numerous pressures and changes. Masterdrive has used the last financial year to consolidate our achievements and to look at what we do, how we do it and to see how we can do it better.'