SMA launched its new ‘SMA Support Services’ division at the beginning of March and within 10 days the demand has been so strong that the business has started to recruit for a further 50 posts across the UK.

SMA Inspection Services, part of the support services division, is available to fleet operators to help speed up the end of lease process. The service is also designed to allow for customisation of the core service proposition to provide the type of bespoke approach that fleets are seeking.

Dedicated ‘branded’ SMA Inspectors undertake end of lease inspections to suit customers with pre-appointed time slots to aid convenience. Inspectors are able to provide an in-depth vehicle appraisal that aims to rapidly connect the inspection, refurbishment costs, cost/value assessment and collection to the fleet management team using newly developed software which can be fully tracked.

Managing director Bob Anderson said: “We recognised from our research that this was an innovative idea, combining productivity, service, safety, speed and even a new car hand-over if required, but the feedback and uptake has been quite amazing, and vindicates the value of really engaging with customers in our product development process”.