Pictured: Flexible Vehicle Contracts directors Adam Mellor (third from left) and Phil Roberts are joined by the team at the company's headquarters in Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire

A car leasing specialist is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the launch of its ground-breaking flexible short term contracts.

Phil Roberts said Flexible Vehicle Contracts was the first company in its sector to develop the Flexi-Contract - a product designed to provide businesses with the flexibility of having a vehicle but without the long-term commitment.

Phil, managing director of the Staffordshire-based company, said: "Over the years our first product has often been imitated and we seem to have gained a lot of flexible friends in the industry who have recognised what a great product it is.

"Fifteen years after we first launched Flexi-Contract the benefits it brings customers are as relevant and as important as ever. As we said in our marketing material way back in 1996 - 'our Flexi-Contract was developed as a way of providing a vehicle rental deal that is suitable for the rapidly evolving business world'.

"In today's turbulent economy benefits such as low initial outlay, contracts from one month upwards, fixed cost motoring, and service and breakdown cover included, are extremely attractive to companies. They may be recruiting staff on probationary periods, experiencing an increase in business, new companies trying to build a client base - Flexi-Contract can be used in any number of situations."

He added: "With the uncertainty caused by the economic situation the product is as relevant as it has ever been. Our products bridge the gap between expensive daily rental and the commitment of traditional long-term contracts. For those unsure of how the economic climate will affect them it is the ideal product to give them the flexibility to alter their vehicles depending on circumstances."

There has been a proliferation of similar products in recent years, he said. "If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, I am extremely flattered but I am also very proud that our first product is still going strong - and helping businesses to succeed."

Since its launch in 1996, Barton-under-Needwood-based Flexible Vehicles has delivered more than 20,000 vehicles to business and personal customers across the UK. It has the ability to supply vehicles for periods from three months to four years.

Services include contract hire and leasing, personal lease, vehicle finance, vehicle rental, outright purchase and commercial vehicles. Its Flexible Fleet Management system also allows companies to focus on their core business and not become distracted by the everyday problems associated with operating company vehicles and the ever-increasing grey fleet vehicles.