TrustFord’s investment in its fleet operation and the determination to ensure it stands out from other dealers has led to further UK expansion, with a focus on its mobile division.

As part of its dedication to “minimising downtime and maximising ease of operation” TrustFord appointed aftersales representatives within its fleet team to its expanded mobile servicing operation, which now consists of 50 units.

This has led to the appointment of an aftersales development manager and an assistant manager who sit within the sales division.

TrustFord said: “This unusually joined-up approach has won us business, so we know it’s working for our customers.” 

A crucial part of this expansion was extending business to Scotland, with a singular intention to support its fleet client base. 

Alongside this expansion, TrustFord invested and developed its own logistics booking system, allowing all of fleet operations to interact electronically with transport providers to minimise workload.

The success of this initiative has seen the system rolled out across the wider TrustFord Group.

Operating 60 dealership sites across the UK, with nine dedicated business centres and compound and preparation centres across the country, TrustFord offers a holistic solution to customers of all sizes.

Its continued investment in infrastructure has seen its Long Marston site expand to 33 acres from seven, with the ability to prepare more than 30,000 vehicles per year. In what TrustFord calls a “blueprint for success” it will use the Long Marston expansion to develop other UK sites, including a three-acre one in London and a 16-acre site in the north of England.

Close collaboration with Ford of Britain has seen TrustFord assume management of its direct sales admin team and responsibility for all UK direct sales, which enables its ability to “offer seamless partnership with no distinction between franchise and manufacturer”.

TrustFord achieved this by attending joint site visits and collaborative meetings. In addition, both teams share respective fleet marketing plans to ensure a joined up and consistent message is delivered to customers.

It is also now working in partnership with Ford of Europe to bring expertise on future developments in alternative fuel and smart mobility.

Finalists: Norton Way Corporate and Johnsons Fleet Services