A firm which sources hire vehicles from around the world to save businesses thousands of pounds a year is expanding at a rapid rate.

Bradford-based Skylark Automanagement - part of the Lyne Baxter Group - was formed last October by Justin Whitston, 27, who has experience in vehicle contract hire with muti-national companies and vehicle rental firms.

The company, which currently employs 12 staff as call-centre operatives in its Shipley offices, expects to see that figure treble in the 18 months.

It has already hired vehicles for UK firms in France, the USA and Singapore. This is a side of the business it expects to see increase in the next few years.

Justin Whitston says the company expects to see this year's £1 million turnover treble next year as the business takes off.

The firm is involved in the contract hire and leasing of vehicles and corporate daily rental.

He said: "Many businesses will often spend valuable time trying to source a deal for the acquisition of a new vehicle. In many cases this will detract from that particular employee's core activities. The person may also not be versed in acquisition methods.

"The aim of Skylark Automanagement is to manage this process for the client and consult the business over finding the right solution," he added.

He says other firms will benefit from his company's buying power which will result in a reduction in expenditure. The firm also has access to a massive fleet of vehicles world-wide and has branches throughout the UK.

"Over the next 18 months there are plans to develop the organisation to encompass a complete call centre operation and involve increasing recruitment levels."

Mr Whitston said he believed in recruiting talented and local young people and giving them a chance to develop as the company grew.

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