Sarah Shum joins Grosvenor as BDM
Sarah Shum has been appointed Regional Business Development Manager for leasing company Grosvenor. Her remit is the Midlands.
Sarah joins Grosvenor following leadership roles at Ford Fleet Management to client relationship management and commercial banking roles at Lloyds Banking Group, to corporate business development manager at Lex Autolease.
In her new role, Sarah will be responsible for driving strategic business growth across the Midlands, collaborating closely with clients to understand their needs and offering tailored fleet and mobility solutions that align with their long-term goals.
“We are delighted Sarah Shum has joined the team. Her varied background in fleet and finance means she’s well-versed in helping develop and nurture new and potential customer relationships, driving business growth, whilst ensuring we deliver the best mobility options for customers’ needs.”
Three new board directors for VRA
- Pictured left to right: Keron Hurlstone, Melissa Seckington and Chris Plumb
THE Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) has appointed three new board members.
They are Keron Hurlstone, a Business Development Manager at automotive web site and media specialists mtc and who has a track record in the motor industry dating back more than two decades, including positions at G3, iVendi, RAC and Eurotax Glass’s; Melissa Seckington, who is Head of Corporate Sales at Wilsons Auctions and has wide ranging experience in the motor auctions sector, having worked at SMA Vehicle Remarketing for 15 years; and Chris Plumb, Head of Current Car Valuations at cap hpi where he has worked since 2009, having previously held a variety of remarketing and fleet roles at Vauxhall and General Motors.
The appointments have been made following the decisions by Derren Martin and Jayson Whittington to step down, although both remain committed to the VRA.
Philip Nothard, Chair at the VRA, said that the industry body was continuing to expand, now numbering more than 60 businesses, and had recently created a key strategic partnership with CARA, the Car Remarketing Association of Europe.
Vardy-backed FlexAuto invests £250,000 in AI-powered systems
FLEXIBLE leasing provider FlexAuto has invested £250,000 in a new IT infrastructure aimed at transforming the fleet management experience through advanced technology at its Grangemouth in Scotland HQ (pictured).
According to the Peter Vardy Global business, the investment underpins FlexAuto’s broader growth and innovation strategy, as it continues to disrupt the traditional vehicle leasing market with its ultra-flexible, month-to-month leasing model.
The updated technology stack will utilise AI and machine learning to enhance efficiency, transparency, and environmental accountability across fleet operations. By analysing usage patterns and vehicle performance, FlexAuto says the system will support fleet managers in making data-driven decisions to reduce costs, streamline operations and improve sustainability outcomes.
“We aim to lead the industry through innovation and our latest investment will give fleet managers the tools they need to drive efficiency. Our technology and expert team are able to enable fleets to accelerate greener fleets and reduce carbon emissions without compromising operational performance.”
Select Car Leasing is Official Leasing Partner of the 2027 London International Motor Show
The London International Motor Show (LIMS) has named Select Car Leasing as its Official Leasing Partner for 2027
Broker News Newsletter 06 October 2026
Catch up on the latest leasing broker news in the 06 October 2026 Broker News newsletter
James Pestell appointed Joint Vice Chair at the AFP
James Pestell has been elected as the new joint vice chair of the Association of Fleet Professionals
Select Car Leasing West Midlands marks ten years
Congratulations to the West Midlands office of Select Car Leasing, celebrating ten years in business
Mike Fazal makes The Times One to Watch list of business leaders
Mike Fazal, CEO of Leasing.com, has been named a ‘One to Watch’ in the LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders 2026
Ex-fleet EVs lead as diesel residuals fall in September
Used retail values experienced their first monthly dip of 2026 in September, according to the latest market data from Cazana
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.
