U-Drive investing £10 million in new North West Business Hub

U-Drive Ltd is proud to announce the launch of a new business hub in Manchester, as the family-owned and operated vehicle rental company expands into the North West of England. U-Drive will invest more than GBP10M into the new business hub, located on the Oakhill Trading Estate in Walkden, Manchester, that will provide support to existing and new corporate customers throughout the North West. Offering a “one stop shop” for corporate users, U-Drive aims to supply businesses throughout the North with a wide range of high-quality cars, light commercial and specialist vehicles.

Mark Hamblin, Director at U-Drive, said: “We’re delighted to be expanding into the North of England and looking forward to welcoming new customers to our business hub while supporting our existing clients. “This new location in Manchester, provides our first operational location within the North West. Our investment into the North marks a significant moment in the history of U-Drive and underlines our commitment to continued growth in the UK.

“We operate a network of branches across the south and in Wales and every branch team has contributed to the company’s continual growth and success, something we are extremely proud of.” Julie Peters, Branch Manager at the new business hub, said: “We’re excited to be launching in the North West and I have no doubt that myself and our team at the new business branch will continue U-Drive’s excellent track record of providing superb customer service to support all our customers’ fleet requirements. “Whether you’re looking for short to long term vehicle hire, flexi-hire and contract hire, vehicle livery supply and fitting or commercial vehicle sales, U-Drive is a ‘one stop shop’ facility for all of our business customers’ needs.”

In addition to these services, U-Drive also offers in-house facilities to fit vehicle accessories such as beacons, racking and towbars, 24/7 national breakdown and recovery support, mobile service units available to minimise customer down time and strategically located maintenance partners for additional support. Another new addition to the U-Drive team is Graham Gates who recently joined the business in the capacity of National Sales Manager. Graham will help expand the sales management team as well as working close to Julie to build a portfolio of customers for the Manchester business hub and beyond.

Julie and Graham have over 50 years of experience within the rental industry with Julie spending over 10 years at Hertz and Graham spending the last 11 years at SHB vehicle hire. As well as celebrating the launch of the new branch, U-Drive is also celebrating its 40th anniversary. The family-run business was launched by David and Gill Hamblin in 1982, shortly before Richard Sutton joined their team.

Today, they continue as directors of the company alongside Richard and their son, Mark Hamblin.

U-Drive is currently based in nine other locations in the UK, with branches in Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Poole, Salisbury and Southampton, vehicle delivery hubs in Dorchester and Fareham and the head office in Poole.