Sandicliffe has announced that non-executive chairman Ian Middleton retired after 37 loyal years on April 30.

With the support of Andrew Woodhouse he started the contract hire business in 1983 from the corner of his desk when he was fleet sales manager at the Stapleford dealership.

Although he retired from his role as managing director in December 2008 he has continued as a non-executive director providing the board and business with his extensive knowledge of both the business and industry.

Middleton and his team grew the contract hire fleet to almost 4,000 vehicles and consistently provided substantial profitability to the group

A spokesperson for Sandicliffe said: “He has enjoyed a remarkable career in the leasing industry we are sure everyone who knows him will join us and wish him well in his retirement.”