This includes the implementation of the Fleetondemand technology to increase efficiencies and drive down costs, as well as the appointment of Kathleen Whittam, formerly at Europcar Group, as the firm’s new head of rentals.

The adoption of the new Fleetondemand system, which went live earlier this week, allows customers to book hire vehicles over the internet at any time of the day, speeding up the entire rental process.

Using a bespoke self-serve sign up process, the new Fleetondemand system means individual customers can log in 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to their own fully customisable dashboard to get access to competitively priced daily rental vehicles from over 200 independent rental companies. The system also means fleet managers wishing to monitor costs and usage can download real-time reports detailing who has hired what, for how much, when and why.

The Fleetondemand software has major benefits in processing damage recharges, saving time and money for fleet managers. Previously managed by a separate system, photos and descriptions of de-hire damage are now loaded directly onto the system by rental suppliers, and can be automatically recharged to a customer.

‘We reviewed all the systems on the market and this was by far the most advanced and flexible system. It’s simple to use and easily scalable when our fleet grows organically or through acquisition – and most importantly it gives us a foothold in the market place for daily rentals,’ explained Jon Lawes, divisional managing director at Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicle Solutions.

In addition, the firm has announced the appointment of Kathleen Whittam as head of rentals from Europcar Group, where she was director of the new business team.

Whittam has over 20 years’ experience in new business sales and management in varying sectors, working for large national and international businesses.

On her arrival at Hitachi Capital, Whittam said: ‘I am really pleased and excited to join the rentals team and building up the expertise that we have in the team to further meet customer requirements, growing an even more successful rental business for the future.’

Currently the business has a select portfolio of customers who contact the department directly for their hire vehicles, as well as providing pre-lease vehicles and replacements for company car drivers and additional vehicles when required.

Using a wide network of suppliers they supply anything from a Ford Fiesta, a motorbike, a horsebox to a 32-tonne tipper grab.