PAUL Austin, managing director of BSM Qualified Driver Training for almost two years, has left the company by 'mutual consent'. Austin has been responsible for spearheading the dramatic expansion of the business and for raising the profile of driver training within the fleet industry.

His shock departure follows his decision that BSM Qualified Driver Training now needs to consolidate its market-leading position following expansion, which has seen it win a huge number of fleet deals both direct with businesses and with contract hire and fleet management companies.

Austin joined the company in July 1994 from BUPA, where he was head of strategic sales. Previously he had held senior positions in sales and operations with companies including the RAC and Mars. He joined the company six months after its re-integration back into BSM. Previously the fleet training arm had operated as BSM Health and Safety.