1990
Our birth
Shire Leasing was launched by Joint Chairmen and cousins Martin Smith and John Worton.
2001
Automated underwriting
Shire prides itself on making the process as smooth as possible for the customer. That’s why in 2001 automated underwriting was introduced, which at that time only banks were using. From then on, a significant proportion of its supplier business went through the online channel. With an auto accept capability, a transaction could be sealed in as little as 6 seconds, and pre-approved deals were also introduced.
2009
Shire Online
Our unique, secure online programme management tool, Leaseman Online, was launched. Revamped in 2015, Shire Online allows our approved suppliers to have all the information they need available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from business volumes to end of lease. It is a proposal system, which provides instant finance decisions, online documentation and insightful reports and analysis
of your customers.
2014
Shire iPhone app is launched
Our approved vendors can now use the Shire iPhone App to create or view proposals and calculate competitive rates on the go.
E-Signatory
Documents are now available to sign online, making the proposal completion process much quicker.
2015
Click2Finance
Our bespoke online payment option can be integrated into your web shop, giving your customers the option to buy on lease.
British Business Bank investment
Shire Leasing PLC is financially supported by the government-owned British Business Bank. The British Business Bank matched our current private funders and invested an additional £40 million into Shire Leasing.
2016
Leasing World award winner
Shire Leasing PLC was named as Independent Lessor of the Year at the Leasing World Awards 2016.
The Independent Lessor of the Year award exhibits the continuous successes of Shire Leasing PLC, and the ever-evolving commitment to support British SMEs obtain alternative finance options to acquire business critical equipment.
Diversity Champion of the Year
Another achievement recognised, Shire Leasing PLC were declared as Diversity Champion of the Year by the Leasing Foundation.
We provide a great deal of commitment to our staff training and development, both male and female. Shire were awarded for our commitment to a sustainable framework to recruit and develop women at every stage of their careers.
2017
New £37.4m ENABLE Funding facility
The British Business Bank agreed a new £37.4m ENABLE Funding facility with Shire Leasing to boost asset finance for smaller businesses. The transaction follows on from the £40m block line funding provided by the British Business Bank’s commercial arm – British Business Bank Investments Ltd – in late 2014.
Top Hybrid Funder of the Year
We were proudly awarded as Top Hybrid Funder of the Year at the 2017 Leasing World Awards.
The award recognises Shire Leasing as the leading company that has most successfully increased their Own Book funding portfolio and has now surpassed the 50% barrier of own-book to brokered deals, a great achievement for a truly independent company.
2018
Innovator of the Year
Shire was awarded with ‘Innovator of the Year’ at the Leasing World Awards. The award is testament to the innovation at Shire Leasing, a key value that is rooted within the company and the basis for previous industry breakthroughs, such as record-breaking auto-decision speeds and advanced e-signatory processes
2019
Outstanding Operations Team
Shire Leasing were handed the trophy for Leasing World’s ‘Outstanding Operations Team’, awarded to the department or team that demonstrates the most dedication to driving up standards in customer service. Malcolm Workman also took away the COO of the Year award.
Top Independent Lessor of the Year
Another big win for the year, as Shire win Top Independent Lessor at the 2019 Leasing World Awards. Coinciding this, our company solicitor Hemesh Chohan won the Next Generation award!
2020
Celebrating 30 years
On 2nd of March 2020, Shire Leasing reached it’s 30th year of trading. Over the course of 30 years, the company has grown from a start-up, founded by two cousins, into one of the largest independently owned funders in the UK.
Shire Leasing drives clean air initiative
Shire Leasing PLC was appointed by Bath & North East Somerset Council to deliver the UK’s first financial assistance scheme to support businesses affected by the introduction of clean air zones to invest in lower emission vehicles.
2021
Top Independent Lessor of the Year
Shire was awarded as ‘Top Independent Lessor of the Year’ at the 2021 Leasing World Gold Awards. The award is a great achievement, recognising how we tackled the challenges of the past year and seized new opportunities.
2022
Supporting Customer ESG Goals Award
Award winner at the Leasing World Customer Service Excellence Awards 2022. Recognised for various pioneering initiatives allowing us to deliver flexible funding solutions to British businesses as an enabler for positive change.
‘Digital Direct 2 Customer Development’ Award won for Click2Finance solution
Award winner at the Asset Finance Connect Summer Awards 2022 in recognition of its e-commerce leasing solution, Click2Finance. Also Highly Commended in the ‘Mobility Services Innovation’ category.
Our values
Service
We apply our knowledge and expertise to provide a professional and consistent service to all our customers.
Honesty
We offer an honest and accountable service, which is key to the integrity of our business.
Innovation
We promote innovation through a team of dedicated, motivated and well-trained staff, instilling confidence in our customers and colleagues.
Relationships
We build lasting relationships with customers and colleagues through a flexible and approachable attitude.
Efficiency
We offer reliable, accurate and consistent processes that support our customers’ business needs.