Scott Norville, Managing Director at Silverstone Leasing
Scott Norville owns Silverstone Leasing, which provides car and van leasing solutions for businesses and consumers across the UK, often sharing insights within his industry on social media.
He is passionate about the customer journey and his team.
- Tell us a little bit about your business…
Silverstone Leasing is a UK-based vehicle leasing company that I, Scott Norville, founded in 2012. We specialise in providing a wide range of leasing options for various car makes and models, tailored to the specific needs and budgets of our customers. Our offerings include Silverstone EV, Silverstone Fleet Management, Embrace Leasing and Silverstone Van Leasing, all under the umbrella of Silverstone Corporation Limited.
Our mission is to provide market-leading offers with outstanding customer service. We aim to be the best premier leasing broker in the UK, offering our customers a remarkable experience. We have strong partnerships with top funding partners and main dealers, which enable us to provide exceptional market-leading offers.
We started as a one-man operation and have since grown to a team of 13 dedicated professionals. We’re based in Northamptonshire, a region with a rich heritage in motor racing, and we’ve seen significant growth over the years. This year, we’re anticipating delivering up to 1500 vehicles nationwide.
- How did you get into the industry?
By default. I left working for BMW, having enough of the motor industry, which I was supplying brokers, to start a new career in a very different industry, which within a few weeks, it wasn’t meant to be, so I started my brokerage, Silverstone Leasing.
- What are the biggest opportunities and challenges in your industry?
With an increasing shift towards sustainability, there’s an opportunity for companies to expand their portfolio to include more electric and hybrid vehicles. Leasing can lower the entry barrier for people looking to transition to EVs.
External factors like economic recessions or global pandemics can affect consumer confidence, impacting the car leasing industry. It’s challenging to predict these fluctuations and mitigate their effects.
- How would you describe your leadership style?
As a visionary leader, I set clear, long-term goals for Silverstone Leasing and communicate these to the team. I identified a gap in the market and took the initiative to create a business that could fulfil this need. This vision drives our strategy and helps us navigate the ever-changing landscape of the leasing market.
In terms of participative leadership, I believe in the power of collaboration and the value of each team member’s input. I hand-pick each member of the team and trust in their expertise and judgement. I encourage open communication and value their ideas and feedback.
- How do you get the most out of the people who work for you?
Getting the most out of my team at Silverstone Leasing involves a combination of clear communication, empowerment, recognition, and fostering a positive work environment.
Firstly, I believe in the importance of clear and open communication. By setting clear expectations and maintaining transparency about our company’s goals and progress, everyone on the team understands their role and how their work contributes to our overall success.
Secondly, I strive to empower my team members. I hand-pick each one for their unique skills and expertise, and I trust them to do their jobs well. By giving them the autonomy to make decisions and solve problems, they feel valued and are more likely to take ownership of their work.
Recognition is also crucial. Everyone wants to feel that their work is appreciated, so I make a point of acknowledging and celebrating the team’s achievements. This not only boosts morale but also encourages a high standard of work.
- What are the most crucial elements to your business running smoothly and being successful?
Firstly, our team is at the heart of everything we do. Each member has been carefully selected for their expertise and commitment to providing exceptional customer service. They are the ones who interact with our customers daily, and their dedication and professionalism are vital to our operations.
Secondly, our strong relationships with our funding partners and main dealers are essential. These partnerships allow us to provide our customers with market-leading offers and a wide range of options. We work closely with these partners to ensure we can offer the best possible deals to our customers.
Customer service is another key element. We strive to provide an outstanding experience for every customer, from the initial enquiry right through to the delivery of their vehicle. We believe that by focusing on the customer’s needs and exceeding their expectations, we can build long-lasting relationships and ensure the continued success of our business.
Finally, our ability to adapt and innovate is crucial. The leasing market is constantly evolving, and we need to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. This means continually looking for ways to improve our services and offerings, and being open to new ideas and technologies.
- How has the past 12 months been for you?
The past 12 months have been a period of significant growth and development for Silverstone Leasing. Despite the challenges presented by the global situation, we’ve managed to adapt and thrive.
We’ve seen a substantial increase in our vehicle deliveries, with projections for this year reaching up to 1500 vehicles nationwide. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and the strength of our customer relationships.
We’ve also continued to strengthen our partnerships with top funding partners and main dealers, which has enabled us to provide our customers with exceptional market-leading offers. These relationships are crucial to our business, and we’re proud of the trust and collaboration we’ve built with our partners.
However, it hasn’t been without its challenges. The market is constantly changing, and we’ve had to stay agile and innovative to keep up. But these challenges have also presented opportunities for growth and learning.
On a personal level, it’s been a rewarding experience to see the team grow and develop, and to see the positive impact we’re having on our customers. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, and I’m excited about what the future holds for Silverstone Leasing.
- What will the next 12 months look like for your business?
Looking ahead, the next 12 months for Silverstone Leasing are set to be exciting and full of opportunities. We aim to continue our growth trajectory, with a focus on expanding our customer base and delivering even more vehicles across the UK.
We’re anticipating a continued yearly growth of 25%, with a particular focus on local businesses in Northampton and Milton Keynes. We’re also looking to further strengthen our relationships with our funding partners and main dealers, ensuring we can continue to provide our customers with the best possible deals.
Innovation will remain a key focus for us. The leasing market is constantly evolving, and we need to stay ahead of the curve. This means we’ll be looking for ways to improve our services and offerings, and exploring new technologies that can enhance our customer experience.
We’ll also continue to invest in our team, ensuring they have the training and resources they need to provide exceptional customer service. We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can bring new ideas and perspectives to our team.
- What are the highlights of your career so far?
There have been several highlights in my career so far, each contributing to the journey and success of Silverstone Leasing.
The founding of Silverstone Corporation Limited in 2012 was a significant milestone. It marked the start of a new chapter in my career, transitioning from working with various manufacturers to setting up my own vehicle leasing brokerage.
Another highlight was the rebranding in 2022, which saw the birth of Silverstone Leasing, incorporating Silverstone EV, Silverstone Fleet Management, and Silverstone Van Leasing. This expansion allowed us to cater to a broader range of customer needs and marked a significant step in our growth.
Seeing the business grow from a one-man operation to a team of 13 has been incredibly rewarding. Each new team member brought unique skills and expertise, contributing to the success of the company. Particularly memorable was when I employed my first team member, Aby Mason, who is still with us today.
Moving from our initial office in Brackmills Industrial Estate to a purpose-built barn conversion in 2017 was another highlight. This move signified the growth and success of the business and provided a fantastic workspace for the team.
- What’s the biggest business mistake that you’ve learnt from?
A significant lesson I’ve learnt in business was the initial oversight of the essential role of diversification during the formative stages of Silverstone Leasing. Our focus was primarily on supplying used cars in addition to leasing, believing this to be the blueprint for our business’s future. Unfortunately, this business plan nearly led to our company’s premature closure.
This realisation instigated a vital shift in our business strategy. We decided to concentrate solely on leasing, a decision that not only enhanced our service but also widened our customer base. This experience highlighted the significance of adaptability in business and the ongoing need to evaluate and adjust our strategies in response to customer feedback and market trends.
This error served as a valuable lesson about the importance of flexibility and a customer-focused approach in business. It’s a lesson that has remained with me throughout my career and continues to shape my decisions and strategies at Silverstone Leasing.
- What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
The best piece of business advice I’ve been given is “Focus on the customer and all else will follow.” This advice has been instrumental in shaping the way I run Silverstone Leasing.
In the early days, I noticed that my clients often asked for other products which we couldn’t provide. This feedback from customers led to a significant shift in our business model, allowing us to cater to a broader range of customer needs.
This customer-centric approach has been the cornerstone of our success at Silverstone Leasing. By focusing on providing exceptional customer service and market-leading offers, we’ve been able to build strong relationships with our customers and grow our business.
This advice serves as a constant reminder that our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Their needs, feedback, and satisfaction are what drive our decisions and strategies, and ultimately, our success.
For more information, go to: www.silverstoneleasing.com.
