My Journey by Scott Norville
It is hard to believe that a whole decade has passed since I founded Silverstone Leasing.
Back in 2012, I recognised a clear gap in the vehicle leasing market. There was a need for a company that placed customer service and care at its core. I set out to create a business that could support both local and national fleets while offering a smooth and personal experience for individuals. Ten years later, I am proud to say that Silverstone Leasing does exactly that.
Before launching Silverstone, I worked at a BMW dealership, providing vehicles and quotations to the broker market. That role gave me valuable insight into the world of brokers and the way the industry operated.
At the time, the broker market was already overcrowded. Many so-called brokers operated from bedrooms, often providing a poor level of service. On the other hand, large volume-focused brokerages were more interested in pushing out vehicles than looking after the customer.
Silverstone Leasing was created to offer a better way. A service-first approach. One that prioritised people, not just products.
The idea came to me in March 2012 and by August of that year we were officially incorporated. Starting a business in the wake of a recession came with its challenges. Many finance providers were hesitant to work with a brand new company and rejection was a regular part of those early days.
But with determination and hard work, and by taking small steps forward every day, we began to build something special. Being told it would not work only made me more determined to prove otherwise.
I am especially grateful to my sister Stacy and the directors at Filtration Control Limited, who gave us space in their Brackmills office. In return, we managed their company fleet. That generous support helped get us off the ground.
In our first full year, we delivered just 50 vehicles. By 2019, that number had grown to 756. Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, semiconductor shortages, Brexit and the war in Ukraine, we have continued to grow. In 2022, we expect to deliver 1500 vehicles nationwide, with consistent annual growth of 25 percent.
We work with top-tier finance providers and supply vehicles through a trusted national network of main dealers. This enables us to offer market-leading deals and outstanding support to our clients.
In 2017, we moved into a purpose-built barn conversion in Preston Deanery. It was a big moment for the company and a move that gave us space to grow.
We have created 14 jobs and helped support the local economy. Beyond that, we are proud to give back to our community through local sponsorships and fundraising for Cynthia Spencer Hospice.
We care. It really is that simple. And every member of the Silverstone team shares that same value.
To say I am proud of what we have achieved would be an understatement. The challenges over the last few years have tested everyone, but our team has remained focused, driven and passionate. The reviews we receive and the awards we have collected are a constant reminder of how far we have come.
But we are not finished yet. We will continue to push forward, improve our service and raise the bar for the industry.
Here is to the next ten years.
