RACER James Nash moves up to vGroup International, a major provider of accessory essentials to the contract hire and leasing industry, as the company founded by his father celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The newly-created post sees international racing driver Nash, who has been directly involved in the business for seven years – latterly as operations director – lead the company on a day-to-day basis.
Meanwhile, vGroup International chairman Martyn Nash, who founded the company which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2017, will continue to take a “hands on approach” with key customers and suppliers, while increasing his focus on the management of the long-term direction of the company, which includes both organic growth and acquisitions.
Milton Keynes-based vGroup International operates in the UK, China and the United States of America, has plans to open in Australia and is seeking to establish itself in the Middle East and South Africa.
The company’s product portfolio currently includes: vehicle number plates, mats, boot protectors, seat, wheel and vehicle covers, safety kits, first aid kits, travel kits, weather-related kits, valeting solutions and towbars.
Additionally, for commercial vehicles, accessories include vehicle security, lining protection, lighting, bulkheads, internal and external racking and livery.
vGroup International’s UK market dominance is underlined by the fact that one in three new cars sold is equipped with at least one of its products. What’s more the company:
- Sells more than 500,000 car mats a year
- Counts more than 100 of the UK’s major vehicle contract hire and leasing companies amongst its clients
- Supplies more than 300,000 roadside assistance and motoring first aid kits to fleets a year
- Fits out more than 5,000 light commercial vehicles annually.
Martyn Nash, who launched the company in 1992, said: “James’ strong product knowledge and operational and IT background will have a positive effect in enhancing the company in its product innovation and offering and in the provision of IT solutions and platform enhancement.”
He continued: “The senior management team has a vision for the business focused on growth in both the domestic UK market and overseas. The company’s expansion plans – both organic and through acquisition – meant building the management structure was a prerequisite to achieving those goals.”
James Nash, 30, who combines his work at vGroup International with his racing commitments, was second in the 2016 TCR International Championship driving a SEAT Leon for the Craft-Bamboo LUKOIL Team. He has previously raced in numerous championships including the British Touring Car Championship and World Touring Car Championship.
He said: “I am delighted with the opportunity, the challenges presented and look forward to meeting our customers, while contributing to bringing the company’s three-year expansion plan to fruition and introducing new products and solutions to meet client needs.
“I intend to extend the gap between vGroup International and our competitors throughout Europe.”
Vicky Arnold, who completes vGroup International’s senior management team as sales and customer service director along with finance director Bryan Ackers, said: “James’ appointment further underpins an exceptionally robust infrastructure to deliver both an exceptional customer experience and differentiation with competitor companies.
“Whilst still working with Martyn on sales and customer development, James’ engineering, sporting and IT background will be further utilised to drive the company forward.”
