Small businesses – those employing between 1 and 50 people – made up nearly a third (30%) of the UK rental market, a survey by car rental company Avis UK has found.
The study, developed in partnership with the Guild of Travel Management Companies, looked to identify the UK’s most frequent users, those that rent a car six or more times per annum.
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The research found that 57% of overall users were male and 43% female, although frequent users were equally male or female.
Whilst there was a good spread across all age groups, over half (52%) of business car renters surveyed were in the 30-49 year old age group.
Out of 22 business sectors represented in the study, the most frequent users of car rental services, were manufacturing (11%), education (10%) and information technology (8%).
Another finding was that only a small proportion of users rented a car for more than 8 days. The majority of rentals, especially those in the UK, were for short periods (one day or 2-7 days) with only 24% of rentals in the UK and 37% of rentals abroad lasting eight days or more.
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By GlobalDataThe study also set out to determine the key factors which contributed to a frequent user’s decision to rent a vehicle.
It revealed that not only was the market very price sensitive, with 67% of respondents identifying cost as ‘very important’ in their decision making process, but that it was also largely driven by convenience. 24/7 emergency assistance (60%), speed of service (58%) and the ability to book online (51%) were all considered ‘very important’ to UK business travellers.
Louisa Bell, commercial director at Avis UK said: “Even within a stable economic market, price will always be a driving factor, but it is fascinating to see the value placed on convenience by the UK’s business travelling community.
“Whether on the move within the UK or overseas, customers are clearly looking for minimum impact on their work commitments and anything from waiting in a line or making a lengthy call to arrange a reservation can be a deal breaker.
“From our own experience, we know that for time-poor customers, it’s the small things that count, and being able to make a reservation online or via an app can make all the difference.”
