The 16 year-old company currently has a fleet of 3,800, of which around a fifth are based in Great Britain, and is looking to lift its total fleet size in the UK and Ireland to more than 5,000 by 2016.

Fleet Financial, which was acquired last year by Lookers’ Charles Hurst division, said it is keen to leverage its Northern Ireland success and experience by maintaining its focus on strong customer service and competitive pricing to grow a greater UK market share, particularly among businesses with a fleet size of around 500 and under.

As part of its growth strategy, Fleet Financial has appointed experienced contract hire and leasing specialists Neil O’Connor and Mark Proudfoot as business development managers in Manchester and Newcastle to drive sales in the key North East and North West areas.

Fleet Financial’s sales and marketing director, Philip Miley, said: ‘Fleet Financial is an ambitious, forward-looking company which puts customers first – regardless of the size of their business. To capitalise on our success closer to home, we are delighted to invest in the deployment of additional staff in Great Britain, which will ensure that our focus on customer service, quality and price is fully and properly maintained.

‘Backed by the experience and success of Lookers, one of the UK’s largest motor dealer groups, we’re confident that this latest investment in our plans for expansion demonstrates our commitment to deliver.’

Miley added: ‘Fleet Financial already has a strong footprint in the local market and its commitment to deliver for its customers is already paying dividends.  Customers are genuinely thrilled by our “can do” attitude and our partnership approach – and not least by the level of support and advice we provide and which isn’t replicated elsewhere.’