Bray, who as chairman saw the fleet grow to 55,000 cars, vans and HGVs, said: ‘Developing the business gave me enormous pleasure and excitement, but there comes a time when succession moves to the fore.’ 

Bray built the business with his wife, Ina, who retired last summer, and was said to be instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition to new management over the past year following the acquisition in 2011 by ARI, the world’s largest privately-owned fleet management company.

Recently appointed managing director Keith Allen said: ‘Geoffrey’s strong relationships with our customers, his industry knowledge, and his enthusiastic promotion of ARI programmes and technology have helped us further strengthen existing relationships and opened the doors for new opportunities.’

ARI president Carl Ortell thanked Bray for helping to introduce ARI to the UK, noting that his passion for the UK fleet market and insight into UK customer needs have been tremendous assets. 

He added: ‘We thank him both for his support over the past year and his offer to contribute, as needed, in the future.’

Bray concluded: ‘My journey from a kitchen table concept to an industry-recognised quality vehicle and driver management company fills me with enormous pride. I shall be forever grateful to the loyal team that helped me build the company and to the many clients who recognised my passion and commitment to do things better.’