Leeds fleet management innovators Global Autocare invest £5m in growth

Fleet management business and Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos’ sponsors Global Autocare have invested £5m to help facilitate further growth of the business.

The company, led by director Geoff Bloore, has acquired a 105,000 sq. ft. warehouse and 5 acres of adjoining land, close to its head office on Gelderd Road, to provide additional storage capacity and expand their operational capabilities.

Global was formed in 1997 as a vehicle maintenance centre and over time has expanded into corporate vehicle rental, contract hire and storage.

Geoff spoke to TheBusinessDesk.com last week. He said: “We aren’t like other rental companies and having built up strong relationships with the premium manufacturers we are able to provide specific top quality vehicles without lead times. We are now at a size where we have a significant presence in the national market and are continuing to grow.”

Global have also completed a managerial coup, attracting former head of product at BMW UK Steve Chater, as commercial director.

Chater said: “It was time to do something different after 31 years at BMW. I had the opportunity to move to a brand I respect as well as make a difference at and one that was also more entrepreneurial. Global was a company I admired and knew they looked after their customers and had premium standing. It’s a very exciting time for Global as we look to invest in people and grow.”
Lawyers from Schofield Sweeney facilitated the acquisition, with Natwest providing the funding.

David Smithies, relationship director at Natwest Leeds Commercial added: “Natwest, including Lombard, are delighted to be able to work with Global as it continues its expansion and realigns its operational needs. Natwest provided additional funding for the purchase of these additions to the company’s property portfolio.”
www.globalautocare.co.uk