AMT Group is targeting SMEs with an 'everything in one place' product which unites its vehicle rental, short-term leasing and contract hire businesses to provide a blended fleet service.

The company's consultancy team has been assembled by group sales director Neil Burroughs, who joined privately-owned AMT from Northgate last year.

Burroughs has recruited former Northgate colleagues Gavin Kirkwood, Sabrina Brown, Gareth Hanvey and John Deacon, while Jonathan Pearce has also joined as group head of marketing.

Further investments have been made in IT systems, back office support, and new showroom facilities in Salford and Birmingham.

The company currently operates more than 2,000 premium and specialist rental vehicles from seven UK branches.

Burroughs said: “Sourcing company vehicles is one of the most complex procurement processes an SME will undertake, yet it’s a decision typically handled by someone without the necessary expertise and without independent external advice.

"This brings high risk and doesn’t make commercial sense. Company vehicles are expensive, depreciating assets that serve both a functional and emotional role.

"To deliver the best value, choices made need to reflect the needs of the business with that of individual employees, balance short, medium and long term requirements, and factor in softer issues such as corporate brand and personal preferences.

"Good decisions are also made with an understanding of benefit-in-kind implications, emissions and road tax bandings, and total cost of ownership factors such as residual values, predicted maintenance costs and the consequences of early termination."