ZenAuto, the direct-to-consumer brand from leasing company Zenith, has launched a business contract hire (BCH) proposition for small- to medium-sized companies.

Tim Buchan, CEO at Zenith, said the move into offering small business contract hire was a natural extension

The new solution will enable SMEs to access all the benefits of car leasing, supported by a digital platform and the ZenAuto team.

Delivered via the company’s digital-first brand, BCH customers can set up their contract and order cars completely online. Cars are delivered with road tax, breakdown cover and the manufacturer’s warranty included in the lease. There are also packages available to help spread servicing and maintenance costs.

It’s the latest addition to the Zenith group offering, which already provides fleet management, salary sacrifice schemes and short-term rental to some of the UK’s largest blue-chip companies.

By offering BCH to SMEs, the group will support smaller businesses that need to keep their team on the road, but don’t want the additional administration. Once the order is placed, all delivery and service communications will take place between ZenAuto and the employee.

Tim Buchan, CEO at Zenith, said: “Since ZenAuto entered the personal leasing sector just four years ago, it’s made a huge impact. Not only do we offer customers a cutting-edge online experience, it’s supported by our first-class customer service and underpinned with the knowledge and expertise of the Zenith group.

“As a business, we’re continually exploring innovative new ways to support customers with their mobility. As an established name in fleet leasing, personal contract hire and salary sacrifice schemes, small business contract hire is a natural extension to our offering and one which we think will resonate with a growing market sector.

“This new proposition provides companies, typically with less than 10 employees, the opportunity to make the transition to battery electric vehicles, taking advantage of the benefit-in-kind rates as well as the flexibility to build a lease that meets the needs of their business, now and as they grow.”