MORE than 400 leading figures from the fleet industry attended a gala dinner to see the unveiling of this year's FN50 guide to the UK's largest contract hire and leasing companies.

The event, sponsored by Kwik-Fit Fleet, Oasis Global Systems and National Car Rental, was held at the Café Royal in London.

The list, included in last week's FleetNewsNet, was officially unveiled by John Lewis, director-general of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association and showed Lloyds TSB autolease as the largest leasing firm in the country, following a series of acquisitions.

Lewis also took the opportunity to thank departing Fleet News editor Jonathan Manning for his work on the industry's leading newspaper over the past eight years following the announcement he was moving to become the new editor of Country Walking magazine. He also welcomed John Maslen as the new editor of Fleet News.

Martin Sixsmith, an ex-BBC correspondent and former director of communications at the Department for Transport, was guest speaker at last week's event.

Extra copies of the FN50, priced at £40, are available by calling 01733 468319. A copy of the top 50 list can be downloaded from our sister website, www.fleetnewsnet.co.uk.