PRACTICAL Car & Van Rental is pushing for growth in its fleet business as it launches a new corporate-owned rental division. The move will be targeted at major cities and aims to increase the current level of corporate business from 40% to 60% of total rentals. The firm - which has a fleet of 3,000 vehicles - already has a network of 175 franchise sites and Bolton Agnew, co-founder and managing director, said it will be looking to open new sites in fresh locations rather than taking over already successful franchised sites in cities.

The moves follows a successful year-long trial during which Practical acquired and ran an outlet in Derby as a showcase for its franchisee network. The outlet is also being used for staff training purposes and has now relocated after building its fleet from 10 to 75 vehicles. A second outlet will open this month in Hereford. Agnew said: 'We have never been in a stronger position to roll-out a division of outlets entirely owned by Practical Car & Van Rental and managed by head office staff. The remarkable growth of the Derby pilot scheme has given us the confidence to press ahead. '