APPLEYARD Vehicle Contracts, one of the UK’s largest contract hire and leasing companies, is championing its revamped website at the moment.

The firm, which is ranked among the 20 leasing largest key players in the market, has made a series of subtle changes to the site, designed to make the user-experience more enjoyable and informative.

First impressions are that there has been a concerted effort to steer site design away from the complex-is-clever school of thought that has seen competitors like Lloyds TSB autolease, Lex Vehicle Leasing and Leaseplan provide websites that are like Continental produce markets – bursting with colour and goodies but leaving you unable to decide where to fill your basket.

So Appleyard strives for minimalism: two shades of blue on great swathes of white. It works to highlight the company’s new logo, which is bold and memorable – just what is needed in the bustling fleet marketplace.

The site offers probably the most straightforward presentation of a firm’s products.

Click on the Products and Services link and a vertical menu appears with headings divided into vehicle finance and vehicle services, such as contract hire, personal contract motoring, risk management, breakdown assistance and commercial vehicles.

Appleyard also has a comprehensive section on drivers’ responsibilities. Topics include repairs and servicing, replacement vehicles, tyres, travelling abroad and managing lost keys. The FAQ section is particularly useful.

But when you have found what you are after, there is no relief from ‘words, words, words’. Too long on the site and you’ll have its Verdana font burned into your eyeballs.

The lowdown:

The site: www.appleyard-contracts.co.uk.

We like: Clear and uncluttered

We don’t lie: Text-heavy. Design borders on amateurish