This area of the East Midlands represents a clean slate
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for the sales team. Despite having "100% of the market to go at", group sales manager Mike Burgess (right) says truck sales in general have struggled and new business will mean plenty of effort.
"The market has been depressed, but we have held our own. The recession has made operators question their purchasing process, which has opened a few doors for us, and off the strength of the product and soft-products around it, we have been able to gain a few footholds.
"The only way to get yourself out of a downturn is to work harder, knock on more doors. You have got to be proactive," he says. A distribution-dominated market offers a broad mix of vehicle specifications varying from the fleet tractor to 7.5-tonners and vans, which is the make-up of the three-strong demonstration fleet.
Speaking about current demand, Burgess says: "Van sales are stable; the 7.5-tonne sector is still a volume market it is decreasing, but it remains traditional, a very viable product; plus we delivered two new 26-tonne Premium rigids to Gefco."
He adds: "[The site is located] in a brand new area, there are some head offices nearby, at Magna Park, for example."
Chris Hammond says: "As a new business, we will see much through service, as well as canvassing local businesses. The fact we have to go out and talk to businesses, to people who have not been approached by Renault before, opens doors for us. The aftermarket is a selling point"