Tim Porter (pictured), who retired from Lex Autolease at the end of October, was recognised with the John Leigh outstanding achievement award at the 2018 FN50 dinner.

The award was introduced last year in memory of John Leigh, a prominent and respected figure in the vehicle rental industry for more than 40 years, who sadly passed away two years ago. It recognises the person who has shown exceptional leadership over the past 12 months.

Five years ago, Porter set a hugely ambitious target for his leasing company: to grow by 100,000 vehicles.

That goal was achieved last year as the company won business from complex blue-chip van fleets to SMEs, and public sector to white label manufacturer contracts.

But Porter has achieved more than simple business successes.

He has driven his company to become the leading leasing company in alternative fuels, with more than 18,000 electric and hybrid vehicles on fleet.

He was also instrumental in the creation of a £1 million fund to offer contributions of £1,000 towards the cost of 1,000 electric vehicles.

The company pledge helped to ensure that the fleet sector was a key part of the world’s first Zero Emission Vehicle Summit in September, at which ministers, officials and business leaders from over 40 countries gathered to accelerate investment in zero emission technology and infrastructure.