LAST week I managed to catch up with Peter Leyden.

I’d first met Peter towards the end of last year – he had just been appointed head of SME sales at the leasing company
Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions. And I was keen to know what Peter, and Hitachi, would be offering small businesses by this appointment. (See
Blog 93 – Hitachi considers BVRLA membership for brokers)

However, following a review of operations, Hitachi decided on an about-turn and ditched the SME operation. And Peter. Which, to put it mildly, was a bit harsh. And, having had experience of Hitachi as a leasing company for many years, most uncharacteristic of the company. But perhaps that‘s a sign of the times.

We had exchanged a few calls since that moment, but since then it had gone very quiet. Which probably meant Peter was up to something. Indeed he was.

Peter has joined www.NationalAutomotive.co.uk as operations director. And putting his knowledge of the small business market to good use there.

“National Automotive is basically a website for brokers to place their special offers,” Peter told me.

“However, it‘s not an aggregator of all special offers. These brokers have to be BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Assocition) or

NACFB (National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers) approved to get on the site so they meet proper car leasing broker standards. And we limit the number of brokers who can advertise.

“It’s a bit like a club in many ways. And an exciting project. But web development is always challenging!”

The site is worth having a look around. Although there are elements that feel like a work in progress – some of the buttons don’t lead anywhere. But Peter has a useful blog with some good advice. You can also read an insightful piece on personal leases in our Special Report Is the personal car lease under threat?.

And there are some attractive offers. Although I couldn’t find any initially for my Audi A4 once I’d filled in all the criteria. However, I did when I just put in “Audi”, “Saloon”, and for price “Any”.

There was an Audi A4 2.0 TDI 143PS Executive SE for £283 a month on contract hire – although there was no reference to terms. So it’s hard to judge how good that is. But the headline rate certainly looks attractive. It’s certainly worth having a dig around if you are in the market.

In addition, there is a short hire area – where you can lease a car for a period up to 18 months if that’s what suits. And a van leasing area. It will be interesting to see how this one develops. But the good thing about it is, that the brokers do have accreditation. And that’s reassuring when you’re searching for a car. National Automotive brings together accredited broker best deals