A motoring firm left everyone else behind them when they earned a prestigious industry prize.
Astute Motoring sped away with the special recognition award at the Small Fleet Leasing Awards ceremony in London.
The prize was picked up by Astute’s senior account manager, Peter Burkinshaw, from ADT’s Dr Jim Golby (pictured).
“We found out about the award last Thursday and it was a surprise we won really,” admitted Simon Booth, Astute’s managing director.
“You put yourself forward for things like that but it’s always a surprise when you win, especially when we went in against much bigger and more established businesses.
“When that’s the case, you don’t expect anything because it’s more about being there and putting yourself out a bit.”
Astute have been in existence for three-and-a-half years now, employing five members of staff and enjoying a turnover of £1.5m.
The firm – based in Poulton-le-Fylde – offers customers assistance with acquiring vehicles, be it through leasing or contract hire.
Their responsibilities also extend to: vehicle supply and disposal; new and used cars and commercial; road risk; CO2 evaluation, management and reduction; fleet management; and all types of finance.
“Rather than just saying we want to do this or that, we’re growing through referrals from our clients,” said Mr Booth.
“Seventy per cent of businesses do come from that and what we’ve found is we get a lot of people coming back.
“The way we’re ultimately doing it is that it’s what we want rather than just being the cheapest; we can do that if we want but I don’t believe that’s what people need.
“It’s definitely a tougher path but it’s one that we believe is the right one to take.”
As well as a trophy, success has also opened some new doors for the people at Astute.
Despite being a relative minnow among big fish, their award has caught the eye of other, larger firms.
“We’ve got appointments with the top three leasing companies in the world; they have come forward, want to talk to us and see what we’re about, so that gives us another platform,” said Mr Booth.
“Indirectly, that doesn’t give anything to our customers but it’s another feather in our cap and a reassurance that we’re doing the right thing.”
