Brakes are off for vehicle brokerage firm after independence switch
Owner of Next Gear Leasing now looking forward to a new chapter after almost two decades under franchise model
The owner of a vehicle leasing brokerage firm is looking forward to a new chapter after taking his business independent.
Stuart Smallwood has run E-Drive West Midlands in Shrewsbury under a franchise model for 18 years but has now switched to become fully independent and has also undergone a rebrand.
The new company is called Next Gear Leasing and Mr Smallwood said the move marked a shift towards providing customers with greater vehicle choice and direct-to-source pricing.
He added that the move to independence was fuelled by his desire to offer more flexibility and choice, away from the limitations of a franchise system, giving him a more agile, client-focused operation.
"This isn't just a name change, it's about removing the barriers between the customer and the best possible deal," he said.
"By going fully independent, I can now go directly to the source, offering a wider range of vehicles and more competitive, transparent funding solutions. I've always believed in a consultative approach.
"Whether it's helping a business owner decide between personal or business leasing based on tax efficiency, sourcing a bespoke tipper for a builder or finding the perfect vehicle for getting all the children in the back of the car with minimal faff, I'm here to solve the practical problems that dealerships often overlook."
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