PRESTIGE dealer group William Jacks has posted record results for the third year running. The company, which runs 10 dealerships - three BMW franchises, two Mercedes-Benz, two Range Rover, one Rover and one Chrysler Jeep - increased pre-tax profits by 43% to £2.7 million (£1.9 million) on turnover up 14% to £139.3 million (£122 million) for the year to January 31, 1999.

Last year Jacks launched a contract hire operation called Automotive Strategy led by former Leasecontracts directors Rod Jeans and Peter Gunter. They are trying to forge closer links with the group's dealerships, to spearhead fleet growth. The company already has 500 cars on its books, and is on course to meet its target of 900 by its first anniversary in July, according to business development director Gunter.

He said Automotive Strategy's size had not been an obstacle to its growth, and it has won contracts from a variety of companies typically running 20-40 cars. 'There is no evidence that the major contract hire companies are more competitive than small and medium players, so customers can make their decisions on other criteria such as service,' said Gunter.