Analysis of attitudes to leasing companies, carried out by automotive research company Sewells, revealed that 77% of fleet operators rated their leasing company good, very good or excellent, but more importantly the vast majority were prepared to share their positive opinions.

Eight out of 10 fleets said they would be happy to recommend their leasing company to another fleet operator.

However, for the first time fleets were asked if they had actually acted on this goodwill by making a recommendation and 57% said they already had recommended their leasing company to someone else.

The value of these recommendations in business wins for leasing companies represents millions of pounds worth of potential orders and emphasises the benefits of to suppliers of providing good service levels to fleet operators.

John Maslen, brand director of Sewells, said: “When companies use leasing firms to supply their vehicles, they tend to have a very high satisfaction level.

“This very high satisfaction rating translates into a willingness to recommend the supplier with more than half already having recommended their leasing company to someone else.

“This is a valuable lesson for all industry suppliers, not just leasing companies, as it is clear fleets reward high service levels by actively promoting the benefits of using your company to other industry contacts.”

A total of 200 fleets took part in the leasing survey, representing fleets ranging in size from small businesses running fewer than 50 vehicles to major fleets operating in excess of 1,000 cars and vans.

It also revealed that fleets are increasingly aware of salary sacrifice as a potential funding option, with one-fifth (20%) of companies saying they are considering the option, while 19% surveyed said they were currently offering it or introducing the benefit in some way.