New venture hits the road with national contract

A North East fleet management specialist has launched with ambitious growth plans after securing a major nationwide contract within weeks of opening its doors.

North Star Vehicle Management has been founded by Gateshead motor industry veteran Gavin Hewitt, who has launched the business from Blaydon Business Centre following 27 years in the commercial vehicle sector.

Having held senior roles at Bell Truck and Van, Northside Truck and Van and fleet management firm MaxAssist, Gavin has established the company to provide businesses with fully managed commercial fleet services.

North Star handles repairs, defect management, compliance documentation and live vehicle tracking through a bespoke digital platform designed to improve vehicle uptime and reduce operational downtime.

Gavin said: “After serving customers for the past 27 years, I saw a real gap in the marketplace. 

“A lot of the big fleet management companies have lost that personal touch. 

“Everything is hidden behind video calls and automated systems.

“We want to bring back proper customer service, face-to-face communication and hands-on support, while also using bespoke software and AI technology to improve the whole process.”

The business has already secured its first contract with cash transportation company Loomis, managing a fleet of 450 armoured vehicles across the UK.

Gavin added: “I set myself a target of managing 1000 vehicles within the first 12 months, so to secure a contract of this size so early on is overwhelming.

“It’s a nationwide contract, from the top of Scotland to the south coast, and we’ll be making sure those vehicles are compliant, roadworthy and operating safely.”

A spokesperson from Loomis added: “Loomis UK has selected Northstar Vehicle Management as its fleet management provider due to its industry expertise and extensive knowledge of dealer networks. 

“They will oversee the operational vehicle fleet, delivering comprehensive support across maintenance, tyres, security systems and more, with a phased approach towards full fleet management responsibility.”

Alongside fleet management, North Star will offer consultancy services to garages and dealerships, helping improve customer service, operational performance and profitability. 

The company is also developing bespoke software for the motor industry.

Gavin added: “If a business has five vehicles or 500 vehicles, our job is to take the hassle away. 

“We deal with defects, bookings, repairs, customer communication and reporting. 

“We track trends, identify recurring issues and work proactively to improve fleet performance and compliance.”

North Star currently employs three people in the North East and plans to expand to between five and seven staff by the end of the year as it secures further contracts.

Gavin said the business was created to offer a more customer-focused approach to fleet management, drawing on nearly three decades of industry experience to help operators improve efficiency, compliance and service standards while keeping vehicles on the road.

He added: “We’re proud to be based in Gateshead and want to keep that North East heritage as we grow. 

“There’s a huge amount of talent in this region and we want to create opportunities locally.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.