Commercial vehicle hire and fleet management specialist Prohire is continuing to strengthen its management team with the promotion of chief operating officer Jay Edwards (pictured) to the new post of MD.

Edwards’ promotion closely follows a number of new management hires at the firm, including the recruitment of John Robinson, fomer Ryder fleet sales director and 40-year industry veteran, who joined Prohire earlier this month as chief commercial officer.

In his new role, Edwards will lead the business and shape the long-term strategy for the company’s commercial vehicle arm and ProGreen, its alternative fuels division which it launched in 2021 to help customers meet their net zero plans. 

Edwards will also oversee Prohire’s finance, IT, operations and commercial functions.

In the five years since Edwards joined Prohire as chief financial officer, the company has grown revenues by 60% to £60m and its core contract hire fleet by 700 vehicles to 2,400, an increase of over 40%. 

Edwards said: ”I’m delighted to be stepping into this new role at an exciting time for Prohire as we look to the future.

”The commercial vehicle sector is going through a period of legislative and technological change and it’s our vision to lead the charge as the UK’s most trusted provider of sustainable vehicle hire.

”We have the best team in the industry, and I look forward to working with them in the delivery of our strategy.”

 Pat Skelly, Prohire chief executive, said: “Jay’s ability to balance short-term efficiency with long-term vision has been instrumental in Prohire’s sustained growth over the last five years.

”Jay has supported the business in developing the finance function alongside putting in place the operating platform, reporting and more importantly the significant funding required to support that growth. 

“As we continue with our ambitious growth strategy, the board is delighted to name Jay as Prohire’s new managing director, and I’d like to congratulate him on his well-deserved promotion.” 

Prohire launched its sustainable vehicle hire and alternative fuels division ProGreen in 2021 to help customers meet their net zero plans. By the end of March this year, 26% of Prohire’s 700-vehicle uplift over the last five years will feature an alternative technology.

The company provides nationwide commercial vehicle rental and long-term vehicle contract hire, together with fleet maintenance, accident repair management, and fleet compliance to customers across the UK.

Prohire employs over 90 people across its head office in Stoke-on-Trent and depot in Tunbridge Wells and has seen rapid growth since NorthEdge Capital acquired a majority stake in the company via a management buyout in 2018. 

Prohire employs over 90 people across its head office in Stoke-on-Trent and depot in Tunbridge Wells. The company has seen rapid growth since NorthEdge Capital acquired a majority stake in the company via a management buyout in 2018. 

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