York-based fleet management company Autohorn is reaping the benefits of its new graduate management trainee programme.

Since starting the programme in July last year, the company has employed four local university graduates and one, Vicky Lobb, a graduate from York St John University, has recorded top sales figures for January across the company.

Throughout the programme the graduates are able to spend time in all areas of the business to ensure they have a thorough understanding of the company ethos and to increase their commercial awareness.

They undergo sales, marketing and customer service training as well as having the opportunity to manage a team.

The graduates are also encouraged to spend time out in the field learning more about the wider industry.

Lee Underwood, managing director of Autohorn, said: ‘Having the right attitude is always the most important thing for me when hiring new employees and the high level of enthusiasm and ambition which our graduates have brought to the company is already proving to be a winning formula.

"We are able to tailor the programme to suit each individual and I believe by investing in high-quality graduates we are only going to benefit the company.

"They bring with them a lot of fresh ideas and, coupled with the industry training we can offer them, we are hoping to develop great managers who can grow alongside the company."

Autohorn is also currently recruiting for two more interns to join the company on a three-month basis with the opportunity to join the company on a permanent basis thereafter.

The company specialises in fleet management for and its services include vehicle hire, vehicle leasing, flexible leasing, fuel management, driver training and accident management.

It also provides personal vehicle leasing under its 1^st Car Leasing brand and offers vehicle rental from its Europcar franchise which is based at York Railway Station.