ESSEX-based leasing broker, Balgores Leasing, reached a significant landmark over the weekend (January 26, 2020).
The company celebrated 30 years in business.
Started by managing director Martin Wilson in 1990, having left the Cowies dealer group, he began by knocking on doors at industrial estates and local businesses.
“My first success, which I’ll never forget, was a Suzuki Super Carry on a finance lease to a florist – the sliding doors on both sides made them ideal for such trades,” commented Wilson.
Wilson added that finding credit lines was difficult because “we were ahead of the game – the finance companies wanted us to have a forecourt or a dealership, they just didn’t understand what we were trying to do”.
After 30 years that has changed significantly with seven funders on board, and the company has expanded successfully into personal lease deals to supplement its business clients. The latter includes a 220 fridge van fleet for the biggest fish wholesaler in the UK, itself part of a 560 vehicle fleet that Balgores also manages.
“Much of our success has been down to our staff and looking after them. Our longest serving is Treena King who joined the company 24 years ago. I think being attentive to the needs of our staff is one of the reasons our customer service is so high,” adds Wilson.
Nevertheless, with 30 years under the company’s belt, Wilson says Balgores has stayed ahead of the game because it’s not afraid to reinvent itself and embrace new technology.
“When Balgores started it was all about cold-calling companies – now it’s about the internet and the use of algorithms to monitor the online market and attract new customers.
“We are not afraid of change. It’s not what is happening now that’s important, it’s about what will happen next. I think that’s why Balgores has survived and prospered over these past 30 years.”
Read Martin Wilson’s personal report of his 30 years at Balgores
Click on the link to read Balgores at 30: how times have changed! on the Balgores website.
Ralph Morton is the leading journalist in the leasing broker sector and editor of Broker News, the website which provides information and news for BVRLA-registered leasing brokers. He also writes extensively on the fleet and leasing market in both the UK and Europe.
