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.”
Broker News Newsletter 08 July 2025
Catch up on the latest leasing broker news in the 08 July 2025 Broker News newsletter.
Silverstone adds two more new recruits to its growing team
Silverstone Leasing has welcomed Joe Clark as account manager and Ned Masalskas as customer care apprentice.
Lightfoot offsets carbon footprint of over 13,000 CV Show visitors
Lightfoot has offset the carbon emissions of every one of the 13,000 attendees at April’s Commercial Vehicle Show.
Strong demand and rising prices for used hybrids
The demand for used hybrid cars continues to grow as dealers and buyers remain cautious about used EVs, says Autorola UK.
Tradespeople warned of summer van tool theft
As temperatures rise, van owners are being encouraged to be hyper-aware of leaving vehicles unattended with windows and roofs down.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts predicts key auto industry disruptors
A new report from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts predicts the key disruptors facing the auto industry, including battery production and maintaining EVs.
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.
