Anthony K Associates celebrates 20 years in business

The Anthony K Associates Team

Starting in December 1995, Anthony K Associates was originally set up by Tony Nugent following a ten year career in the fleet sales sector. At the time Tony stumbled across a franchise opportunity with ‘Network Vehicles’ – a subsidiary of the world’s largest vehicle leasing company, LeasePlan.

Anthony K Associates was started in Tony’s front bedroom with just a phone and a few contacts, with 14-year-old Robert Nugent responsible for designing the company’s red ‘A’ logo.

The following year, Rod Hallworth joined the business, and brought extensive leasing experience and knowledge with industry contacts along with him.

In 1998 Sue Nugent left a career in nursing to ‘help out’ part time in the office. Sue now runs all of the administration and accounts for dozens of deliveries every month.

In 2005 Robert Nugent, Tony and Sue’s son, joined the company. After admittedly “playing at it for a while” he became a director in 2013 and is spearheading growth over the next few years.

Like many businesses, 2008 hit the company hard as the recession hit.

In 2012 the company started recruiting apprentices and their first apprentice, Sam, has gone on to set up and grow his own graphic design company.

Sue Nugent said: “Over time the business has developed relationships with a number of the UK’s largest and most respected vehicle funding houses and hundreds of supplying dealers to ensure our customers get a full broker model when sourcing the best deals for new cars, vans and minibuses.

“The company now looks after hundreds of satisfied customers driving thousands of cars. Serving a variety of the market from small fleets up to around 50 vehicles to many businesses and consumers.

"Clients see the benefit of using an experienced broker along with 100 years industry experience across the four directors.

“Anthony K is now embedded in the local business scene through a commitment to networking and events. Tony identified the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce as a great networking arena and has been local president for Rochdale.

“Robert’s mantra of 'do the right thing' has our customers at the heart of the business. Even in tough times our principles have never wavered and we are proud that even in the new economy customers will buy you over the competition, when they can trust you.”

Over the years the company has been voted the ‘UK’s Most Loved’ Finance Broker, the ‘Most Loved Business in Rochdale’ and they recently became a ‘Business Buddy’ to support Springhill Hospice.

From January the company plans on taking on junior staff members in sales and administration roles. Robert Nugent hopes to find people that will grow with the company and take them to the next level with a new generation of vehicle leasing experts from the local area.