A NEW venture will create a nationwide network of contract hire companies for the supply of vehicles to small and medium-sized fleets.

The company, called Fleet Alliance, is the brainchild of Allen and Marjory Flynn, owner of Glasgow based A&M Vehicle Finance. The plan is to give support and buying power to 20 new starters in the contract hire industry, with the proviso the businesses give solus commitment to the Alliance.

'For the first time ever new starters in our young industry will be given real support and service,' said Marjory Flynn. 'They get buying power, industry knowledge and a comprehensive product portfolio leaving them free to engage at the highest level with their clients.

'To some extent, it is similar to a franchise operation but there is no franchise fee or start-up costs. The lessons we have learned with A&M over the past seven years will enable us to assist highly motivated people with ambition and appropriate motor industry-related experience to set up in business without having to go through all the growing pains we had to.' The firm is aiming to share best practice among its members, who are essentially brokers. It is looking to source between 500 and 2,000 cars for its members in the next year.

For more details, visit www.fleetalliance.co.uk.