Arc Fleet Services is celebrating several new national business accounts, taking the investment into its vehicle hire fleet to more than £4 million in 2019. 

The business, which has locations in Hillington as well as its Greenock headquarters, was established in 2016 and the latest account wins help to firmly establish Arc as one of the country's leading fleet service providers, it says.

Arc is part of the Arranglen Group, owned by the Easdale family, which has an annual turnover of more than £125m and is independent of any vehicle manufacturer or dealership.

Its portfolio of business interests including public transportation, manufacturing, property, parts distribution, vehicle rental, vehicle accident repair centres, vehicle maintenance and repair centres.

Arc's other fleet management service offerings are also enjoying growth in line with its business plan, with its accident repair centres and vehicle maintenance services firmly established as the first choice for many leading national fleets and insurance companies, thanks to high service levels through its experience and dedicated team.

Ian Moffat, managing director of Arc, said: “These significant national business wins helps to firmly establish Arc as a leading fleet service provider.

“In line with our business strategy, Arc has focused on targeting key market sectors to grow the vehicle rental fleet, and I am pleased that we have now established ourselves as the first-choice supplier to many local and national businesses.

“It is a regular comment now that Arc vehicles are seen more and more on our roads, however over 60% of our fleet is supplied in customers own livery under a contract hire agreement.”

James Easdale, co-owner of Arc Fleet Services, added: “The growth of Arc has bucked the national trend where the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market has declined by over 20% as we enter into the final quarter of 2019. In contrast, Arc has grown year on year by over 70%.

“The decline in vehicle registrations has been affected by economic uncertainty and vehicle supply issues.

“Through being a genuinely independent business, coupled with our national vehicle procurement networks, we have managed, in most circumstances, to navigate our way around the supply issues that have plagued the industry.

“This, coupled with our tailormade services to match customer's requirements, has been significant in securing the levels of growth we are currently enjoying.”

Arc says its success has come despite the continued uncertainty around external elements including Brexit.

Moffat explained: “History has shown under times of uncertainty and fear of recession; companies tighten their belts on long term capital investment in substantial and uncertain depreciating assets.

“Although this will play its part in our future growth plans, our keys to success will be to stick to our business strategy and focus on penetrating targeted markets further.

“This is due to our staff knowledge and experience within the industry, our investment in our depot facilities, national backup from our partners and our ability to procure and source vehicles timeously and at competitive rates.”

Arc has set itself a target to increase its fleet by a further 40% in 2020, expanding through organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

As the company continues to grow, it focuses on its social responsibility, with further full-time permanent employment opportunities for locals in the areas in which it operates.