Centurion Truck Rental Magazine Spring Summer 2026

ON THE ROAD WITH ARCHBOLD LOGISTICS. KEEPING BRITAIN SLEEPING WELL

FLETCHERS’ FAMILY FARM GIVE THEIR TESTIMONIAL

Table Of Contents

03

Warren Fletcher: Spring Updates at Centurion Truck Rental

Warren Fletcher shares his latest insights on business growth, industry challenges, and Centurion’s continued commitment to delivering reliable, customer-focused solutions.

04

Customer Testimonial: Fletcher’s Family Farm

Fletcher’s Family Farm share how Centurion’s reliable vehicles and responsive support play a vital role in keeping their day-to-day operation running smoothly.

06 What We Do: The Team Everyone Trusts

A clear overview of Centurion’s full range of services, from contract hire and spot hire to quality used vehicle sales, all backed by a team customers rely on.

10

Iceotemp and MM Freight: No Downtime. No Surprises. Just Support That Delivers

A closer look at a carefully specified vehicle alongside a testimonial from Iceotemp, plus a spotlight on MM Freight’s latest investment in 15 Schmitz refrigerated trailers for contract hire.

11 The Fleet That Keeps Britain Sleeping Easy

A long-standing partnership with Archbold Logistics highlights how Centurion delivers reliable contract hire vehicles and consistent, high-quality service.

15 Used Fleet, Smart Investment! Top Tips With Chris Tutton

Used Sales Manager Chris Tutton shares expert advice on choosing reliable vehicles that deliver long-term value for your fleet.

19

Getting The Specification Right: Why The Details Matter

Darren Moore shares his passion for matching the right vehicle specification to each customer’s needs, ensuring performance, efficiency, and long-term value.

23 A Day With Matthew Hickman

Step into a typical day for Matthew Hickman, one of our Contract Hire Sales team, and see how he keeps customers supported, vehicles moving, and operations running smoothly.

26 Ask Our Experts: Andrea Etches and Aaron Clegg

Andrea explains the latest updates on Vehicle Excise Duty, while Aaron Clegg shares his highlights and experiences with some of the trucks he’s driven.

29 Four Sites, One Standard

Updates from across the Centurion network, including our new service partner Sapphire Vehicle Solutions at Tankersley, local sports sponsorships, and community engagement initiatives.

38 Tim’s Top Tips: Technician’s Tips and More

As we move into the warmer months, it’s a good time to give your vehicle a once-over. Tim, on of our experieced technicians shares a few simple checks to keep things running smoothly.

42

Karen’s Corner

Karen, who keeps our Manchester, Middleton base looking its best, shares her seasonal, practical gardening tips for fellow green-fingered enthusiasts.

44 Contact Us

Get in touch with the Centurion team to find out how we can support your fleet with reliable, flexible transport solutions.

Spring Updates at Centurion Truck Rental

A Message from Warren Fletcher (Managing Director)

As we move into spring, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the year so far and look ahead to what’s to come. At Centurion Truck Rental, the focus remains on steady progress, supporting our customers and continuing to evolve as the industry changes.

Over recent years, the business has grown and developed in a way that allows us to operate more efficiently while still maintaining the flexibility our customers expect. Bringing different parts of the group together has strengthened how we work behind the scenes and improved the way we support day-to-day operations. What hasn’t changed is our approach. We continue to focus on long-term relationships, understanding our customers’requirements and adapting as those needs evolve. Much of what we do is shaped by ongoing partnerships, and that continues to guide the direction of the business.

We have also continued to invest across the network, whether that is in our fleet, our facilities or the way we deliver support. Developments at sites such as Tankersley are part of that ongoing progress, helping us strengthen our overall capability. As the industry continues to shift, particularly around technology and sustainability, we remain focused on staying practical and considered in how we move forward. The aim is always to ensure that any changes work in the real world for our customers.

This magazine is a way of sharing some of those updates, along with insight from across the business and the people behind it. I hope you find it a useful read.

Warren Fletcher

Customer Spotlight

Flexibility When It Matters Most

At Fletchers’ Family Farm, flexibility is essential. From seasonal peaks to major events, having the right vehicles available at the right time is critical. That’s where Centurion Truck Rental continues to support Kelvin and Liz Fletcher and their growing business.

“Having the flexibility to access vehicles when we need them takes a lot of pressure off during our busiest times.”

“We’ve found Centurion Truck Rental to be an incredibly reliable partner for our business at Fletchers’ Family Farm. As a working farm, our needs change with the seasons, so having the flexibility to access vehicles on a spot hire basis makes a huge difference.

Most recently, we used one of their refrigerated vans to store and transport produce for our Christmas event and farm shop sales. Knowing we can quickly get exactly what we need, when we need it takes a lot of pressure off during our busiest times.

The team consistently go above and beyond to make sure everything is right. The vehicles are always maintained to a very high standard, and if something needs attention, it’s dealt with straight away.

It’s a dependable operation and gives us real confidence knowing we have that level of support behind us. Centurion has become a trusted part

You can watch Fletchers’ Family Farm:

Main broadcast (new episodes):Sundays at 11:30am on ITV

Repeat showings:Mondays 7:30pm on ITV1

Streaming:Available ondemand via ITVX after broadcast

What We DO...

At Centurion Truck Rental, everything starts with people, our team and our customers.

From nationwide fleet solutions to tailored partnerships, we deliver reliability, flexibility and long-term support to businesses across the UK.

Contract Hire

Fully managed, longterm fleet solutions

Vehicles tailored to your exact operational needs

Designed for efficiency, compliance and peace of mind.

Spot Hire

Short-term, flexible vehicle rental

Rapid response to changing demand Ideal for seasonal peaks or urgent requirements

Long-Term Flexible Hire

Medium to long-term solutions without full contract commitment

Scalable for growing or evolving operations

Used Vehicle Sales

High-quality excontract trucks, trailers and vans

Maintained to the highest standards Ready to perform from day one

Centurion consistently delivers vehicles configured exactly to our needs. The team is accessible, responsive and solutions focused.

— Gary Washer, MM Freight

At A Glance

3,200+ vehicles & trailers operating nationwide

200% fleet growth over the past 6 years

4.9 Trustpilot rating (300+ independent reviews)

Decades-long customer partnerships

86% employee retention

“We stay with Centurion because they do what they say they will do.”

— MMA Transport Ltd.

Built Around You. Service You Can Rely On

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Every partnership begins with understanding your operation, fleet usage, compliance needs and growth plans, so we can build solutions that work in the real world, not just on paper.

With dedicated account management, a nationwide support network, proactive maintenance and compliance, and fast, empowered decision-making, we deliver a service you can depend on, backed by senior leaders who stay closely involved with our customers every step of the way.

Powered By People

Behind Every Vehicle is a Team that Cares

Connected

teams across all depots

Open communication and visible leadership

A culture built on pride, collaboration and accountability

“There is real pride in what we do and genuine enjoyment in doing it together.”

-Karen Wilson

Your Partner in Service Provision

Whether it’s a single vehicle or a national fleet, our approach stays the same:

Be reliable

Be responsive

Deliver on our word

That’s why so many customers stay with Centurion for the long term.

Nationwide Hire Made Easy

Centurion Truck Rental delivers a complete end-to-end fleet solution, from trucks, trailers and vans to fully bespoke build options all with nationwide maintenance support. With decades of industry expertise and depots in Manchester (Middleton), Bridgwater, Taunton and Barnsley (Tankerlsey), we provide the full package: reliable vehicles, flexible contracts, tailored fleet management and a personal service you can trust, wherever your business operates.

No Downtime. No Surprises. Just Support That Delivers

Paul Gould, Managing Director at Iceotemp and his team operate in specialist transport, covering mainly food and bespoke deliveries where larger pallet networks don’t always meet customer needs. With a varied operation that includes everything from marketing samples to more complex collection and delivery points, flexibility and reliability are essential.

Trailers - Schmitz

Having worked with Centurion across a range of vehicles, including multiple Sprinters over the years, Paul highlights the importance of consistent service and clear communication. Most recently, the addition of a new 18-tonne DAF XB with a refurbished refrigerated body has further strengthened their operation, with the specification carefully matched to their requirements. For Paul, it’s the combination of responsiveness, transparency and dependable support that makes the difference day to day.

Driving Freshness Across Europe

MM Freight have recently added 15 new Schmitz refrigerated trailers to their contract hire fleet with Centurion Truck Rental, strengthening their capability to move perishable goods across Europe. Built with the latest temperature-controlled technology, these specialist trailers deliver the reliability, efficiency and performance needed to keep critical supply chains moving.

“With Centurion, there’s no messing around and no hidden costs, just great service, clear communication and a team that always picks up the phone. In our line of work, being off the road isn’t an option, and that’s why reliability and responsiveness matter so much to us.”

-Paul Gould

Looking for reliable, temperature-controlled transport solutions? Get in touch with Centurion Truck Rental today to find out how we can support your operation. Subscribe here for email updates.

The Fleet That Keeps Britain Sleeping Easy

The Partnership Behind the Fleet - Centurion Truck Rental and Archbold Logistics

In transport and logistics, strong partnerships rarely happen overnight. They are built over time through trust, consistent service and clear communication. For more than fifteen years, Archbold Logistics and Centurion Truck Rental have developed exactly that kind of relationship.

Archbold Logistics carries a proud legacy within the UK logistics sector. Founded in 1919, the business has built its reputation on reliability, professionalism and delivering for customers day after day. Maintaining that standard requires dependable partners throughout the supply chain, including those responsible for providing and managing the fleet that keeps operations moving. Centurion is proud to be one of those partners.

A Relationship that Goes Beyond the Vehicles

At the centre of the partnership is a long standing working relationship between Alan Maher, Managing Director at Archbold Logistics and Aaron Fletcher, Operations Manager at Centurion Truck Rental. Over many years they have built a working rhythm based on responsiveness and a shared understanding of what the operation requires.

In a sector where timing and reliability are everything, clear communication makes all the difference. Whether discussing future fleet requirements, resolving an operational challenge or simply ensuring the right vehicles are in the right place at the right time, that ongoing dialogue has helped both businesses work effectively together.

It is this trust that has allowed the relationship to grow steadily over the years.

“Centurion’s service and support is what keeps us coming back.”

Aaron Fletcher, Centurion’s Operations Manager, has developed a strong working relationship with Alan Maher, built on years of consistent reliability.

Supporting a Fleet that Keeps Operations Moving

Today, Archbold operates a core fleet complemented by a Centurion-supplied contract hire fleet, with additional spot hire vehicles from Centurion to support seasonal spikes. This includes a mix of tractor units, 18-tonne curtainsiders with tail lifts, yard shunt vehicles and supporting light commercial vehicles, each playing a role in meeting the daily demands of Archbold’s UK distribution operation. Providing the vehicles is only part of the service. Centurion’s team works closely with Archbold to ensure the fleet is managed effectively throughout the life of the contract. From specification and delivery through to ongoing fleet support, the focus remains the same: ensuring the vehicles continue to support Archbold’s operation without disruption.

Delivering a Good Night’s Sleep

Archbold Logistics handles a wide range of goods as part of its UK distribution work, with mattress transport forming a key part of that operation. While mattresses may appear straightforward to move, their size and shape create very specific requirements for transport. They are bulky yet relatively lightweight, meaning vehicles must maximise load space while still allowing safe and efficient loading. Curtain-sided bodies, careful load planning and tail lifts all play an important role in ensuring products can be handled quickly and arrive in perfect condition. When you are delivering something designed to give people a great night’s sleep, the last thing you want is a fleet that keeps the operation awake at night. Thankfully, with the right vehicles and the right partnership in place, Archbold can ensure every delivery lands as comfortably as the mattress itself.

A Team Approach to Customer Support

One of the reasons the relationship has lasted so long is Centurion’s approach to customer support. Rather than relying on a single point of contact, the wider Centurion team remains accessible to customers whenever support is needed.

This team approach allows Archbold to rely on Centurion not only for vehicles, but also for guidance, problem solving and fleet management expertise. The shared goal is simple. Keep vehicles on the road and keep the customer’s operation running smoothly. Going above and beyond for customers has always been part of Centurion’s culture, and relationships like the one with Archbold demonstrate the value of that commitment.

Supporting a Legacy of Reliability

Archbold Logistics has spent more than a century building a reputation for dependable logistics services across the UK. Supporting that legacy requires partners who understand the importance of reliability and service.

For Centurion Truck Rental, being trusted to provide and manage part of the fleet that supports this long-established logistics business is something the team takes great pride in.

After more than fifteen years of working together, the partnership continues to be defined by the same principles that started it: trust, excellent service, reliability and open communication. In an industry that depends on strong relationships, those values remain the foundation of success for both companies.

Used Fleet, Smart Investment

Top Tips with Chris Tutton

When businesses review their fleet strategy, one of the most common questions is whether to invest in contract hire or purchase vehicles outright. The truth is that both models offer clear benefits depending on how a business operates.

For many companies, contract hire provides certainty and simplicity. At Centurion Truck Rental we provide the full package. Vehicles are specified correctly from the outset and supported throughout the life of the contract with professional fleet management, maintenance and compliance oversight. Our specialist systems track large fleets to ensure servicing schedules, inspections and regulatory requirements are managed effectively. Behind those systems sits a highly experienced team who work closely with our repair network and service providers to maintain consistently high standards. The result is a fleet that remains well maintained, properly managed and reliable throughout its working life.

When Used Vehicles Make Perfect Sense

While contract hire is the right solution for many businesses, there are also companies that prefer to own their fleet or expand capacity with used vehicles. This is where Centurion’s used vehicle programme comes into its own.

A large proportion of our used vehicles are ex-contract hire units that have been maintained by Centurion from day one. Because we manage the fleet ourselves, we know the full service history, the maintenance standards applied and how the vehicles have been looked after throughout their life.

For operators looking to invest in quality used trucks, this provides a level of confidence that is often difficult to find in the open market.

Many customers find used vehicles particularly useful when they want to expand quickly, add vehicles to cover seasonal peaks or invest in fleet assets without committing to a long term contract.

Vehicles and Trailers You Can Trust

Because Centurion manages the maintenance and compliance of its contract hire fleet so closely, many of the vehicles that return to us are still in excellent operational condition. They have been serviced correctly, maintained professionally and supported by a fleet management team that prioritises reliability and uptime.

Customers purchasing these vehicles are effectively benefiting from the same high standards that supported the vehicles during their contract hire life.

What Our Customers Say

Centurion’s reputation for service is reflected in the feedback we receive from customers. Reviews highlight the team’s professionalism, clear communication and the quality of the vehicles provided. Customers regularly describe the process as smooth and straightforward, praising the helpful staff and the condition of the vehicles supplied.

That same commitment to service applies whether a customer is hiring a fleet, renting a vehicle or purchasing one of our used trucks.

Excellent service and really nice customer experience. Staff are very friendly and supportive” - Trustpilot

Stay Ahead of What is Coming in Stock

Used vehicles often sell quickly, particularly when they come from a well-maintained contract hire fleet. One of the best ways to stay ahead of availability is to speak directly with me about upcoming vehicles.

By having that conversation early, customers can learn what vehicles are scheduled to return to us before they even arrive on site. This gives businesses the opportunity to plan ahead and secure vehicles that fit their requirements.

If you would like to discuss upcoming availability or register interest in specific vehicle types, please get in touch.

Stay Up-To-Date:

• Visit our sites to see the latest vehicles available

• Contact Chris directly to discuss upcoming stock

• Register for our regular used vehicle emails to receive updates on vehicles coming into availability (sign-up link below)

For tailored advice, contact Chris Tutton at:

Chris.tutton@centuriontruckrental.co.uk 07990 672525

Getting the Specification Right: Why the Details Matter with Darren Moore

After almost 42 years in the truck rental and transport industry, I’ve seen a lot of different approaches to selling trucks and trailers. In some cases, salespeople focus on whatever product they happen to be promoting at the time, rather than what the operator actually needs. Early in my career, someone once told me: “Don’t get caught up with what customers say they want, just sell plain white, basic specification trucks. It’s all they really need.”

That approach has never sat well with me. My view has always been simple: every customer deserves the right vehicle for their operation, not just whatever happens to be easiest to sell. If we get the specification right, the truck works better for the business, the driver is happier, and the overall operation runs more efficiently.

“Every customer deserves the right vehicle for their operation, not just whatever happens to be easiest to sell.”

Building Trust Through Understanding

Earning trust in the transport industry takes time. Often it comes from reputation, recommendations, and demonstrating that you genuinely understand the customer’s operation. For me, that means doing far more than discussing the vehicle itself. Whenever possible, I like to visit the customer’s site, see how the operation works, speak to the people who load and unload the vehicles, and have conversations with drivers as well as management.

What customers initially ask for isn’t always the full picture. Sometimes small adjustments to the specification can make a big difference to productivity, efficiency and driver satisfaction. Drivers may naturally ask for more power or extra features, but in reality the best specification is the one that makes their job easier.

“The

best specification isn’t about more power or features, it’s about making the driver’s job easier.”

refrigerated trucks. Their loading area requires vehicles to reverse down a steep slope into a building with a restricted door height. Out of their three existing trucks, only two can just about clear the door, the third has to be loaded at the roadside, which causes delays and operational issues.

Initially the customer’s focus was simply on ensuring the new trucks were low enough to enter the building. But by visiting the site and observing the operation, I noticed something else. The existing trucks had up-and-over rear doors, which reduced the available loading height when the vehicle was being loaded with empty plastic trays. Drivers were having to break down pallets manually to make them fit. By slightly reducing the overall body height and switching to rear barn doors, we were able to provide full floor-to-ceiling access. The result is that trays can now be loaded directly without breaking pallets down.

The best part? These improvements didn’t increase the cost of the trucks, they simply required the right specification.

Every Detail Counts

When specifying a new truck, there are countless factors to consider, including:

Location of the manufacturer’s dealer network

Cab size and driver comfort

Axle weights and payload requirements

Body size and wheelbase

Overall vehicle height

Tail lift selection

Load securing systems

Operational routes and access restrictions

Future resale value

Potential adaptations for the vehicle’s second or third life

Each of these details can have a significant impact on how well a vehicle performs over the course of its working life.

The Centurion Approach

At Centurion Truck Rental, our aim is to create bespoke contract hire packages that truly fit our customers’ operations. That means taking the time to understand how the vehicles will be used, how they are loaded, where they operate, and what matters most to the people driving them every day. I’ll be the first to admit that after four decades in the industry, I’m still learning. I’ve made mistakes over the years, but those experiences have helped me understand just how important the details really are.

What I still enjoy most is the challenge of putting the right specification together and presenting a solution that genuinely works for the customer.

When everything comes together, the right truck, the right specification and a driver who’s happy with their vehicle… That’s when you know you’ve done the job properly.

with Our Team

0333 121 5362 info@centuriontruckrental.co.uk

A Day With Matthew Hickman

A Day in the Life of Exceptional Support: How Centurion’s Bespoke Service Keeps Customers Moving.

The alarm goes off early. For Matthew Hickman, known across the business for his enthusiasm and energy, the day begins while most of the world is still hitting snooze.

Before his first coffee, he is scanning emails, reviewing priorities and mapping out the day ahead. In contract hire sales, preparation ensures customers receive responsive and dependable support.

“No two days are ever the same” Matthew says. “But being organised means I can focus on what matters most; our customers.”

Mornings are often spent prospecting, making calls, preparing quotations and following up on previous conversations. There are also regular catch ups with the Bridgwater branch to flag urgent rental needs and coordinate solutions. It is a team effort, and that collaboration is something Matthew values.

Trust is built through consistency and reliability, supported by a genuine understanding of each customer’s operation.

For transport operators managing demanding schedules and complex logistics, having a dependable point of contact makes a real difference. Matthew sees these visits as the foundation for partnerships that lead to referrals and repeat business.

“Face to face conversations remain one of the strongest ways to build lasting relationships.”

“Across the business, there is always someone willing to share insight or advice. That knowledge helps us find the right solution quickly.”

Much of Matthew’s role takes place face to face. His diary is often planned in advance with visits to long standing customers and new businesses exploring the benefits of a consultative transport partner. Not every visit is about contracts or upgrades.

“Sometimes customers just need a listening ear” he explains. “Other times it is about sharing industry updates or introducing myself so they know we are here when they need us.”

“It sounds simple, but people buy from people. Face to face conversations remain one of the strongest ways to build lasting relationships.”

A career in sales and management can be rewarding, but it also brings pressure and time spent on the road. Fortunately, Matthew has discovered a few regular customer stops where a warm welcome, and occasionally a free coffee awaits. “Chocolate cake is much rarer” Matt laughs.

As the day winds down, Matthew is already planning visits and anticipating customer needs. This proactive approach, combined with a strong commitment to supporting customers, reflects both his role and the wider culture of the business. At its core, great service is not just about vehicles or contracts. It is about people who go the extra mile to keep customers moving.

If you’d like to discuss contract hire solutions or explore how we can support your fleet, Matthew is always happy to help.

Matthew Hickman

Contract Hire Sales

Manager

07591 837939

matthew.hickman@centuriontruckrental.co.uk

Ask Our Experts: 2026 Fleet Insights

With recent increases in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for HGVs, what does

this

mean for fleet operators and how can businesses manage the additional cost pressures?

Andrea Etches Business Development Manager

Recent changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), which have seen rates rise in line with inflation, are adding to the growing list of cost pressures facing HGV operators. While the increase itself may appear relatively modest, it comes at a time when the logistics sector is already managing higher fuel costs, rising employment expenses and broader operational overheads.

For context, a typical 44-tonne HGV incurs over £1,600 per year in VED. When multiplied across a fleet, even incremental increases can have a noticeable impact on overall operating costs. This is particularly significant when combined with ongoing uncertainty around fuel prices and other regulatory costs, which continue to fluctuate.

Industry insight suggests that fuel remains one of the largest cost drivers, with annual expenditure per vehicle running into thousands of pounds. As a result, even small shifts in taxation or duty can quickly scale into substantial financial pressure across a fleet.

Planningahead

Whiletaxandregulatorychangesremainoutsideofoperators’control, Regularlyreviewingfleetutilisation,vehiclespecificationandfunding offsetsomeoftheimpactofrisingoperatingcosts.Formanybusinesses, outrightownershiptowardsacontracthiremodeloffersgreaterfinancial flexibility.Workingwithaproviderthatcanalsosupportbespokevehicle tailoredcontractstructuresallowsoperatorstoaligntheirfleetmore requirements,ratherthanrelyingonone-size-fits-allsolutions.Inan costscontinuetoevolve,havingastructured,predictablebutflexible managementallowsoperatorstostayfocusedonkeepinggoodsmoving industrycontinuestonavigatecostpressuresandthetransitiontowards transport,havingtherightfleetpartnerandfundingstructureinplace consideration.

At Centurion, we’ve seen firsthand how the landscape for fleet planning has changed. Rising vehicle prices and extended lead times mean operators can’t afford to leave decisions until the last minute. Today, planning often starts 12–18 months ahead, with careful consideration of duty cycles, payloads, and seasonal peaks. Our customers tell us the same thing, they need vehicles that can adapt to operational changes throughout the contract period. With lead times stretching, getting the specification right first time is critical.

Aaron’s take: just his opinion

Centurion Truck Rental | Manchester

Volvo

Smooth ride

Driver-focused

Premium feel

Mercedes-Benz

Reliable

Robust

Versatile

“A joy to drive”

Scania

Powerful

Luxurious “Rolls Royce of trucks”

FUSO

Nippy

Easy to manoeuvre

Compact (tight on space)

DAF

Consistent

Practical

Customer favourite

MAN

Solid all-rounder

Comfortable

Built for the long-haul

Four Sites, One Standard: Keeping Fleets Moving Nationwide

Tankersley Manchester

Bridgwater

Tankersley: Off the M1 for easy access across Yorkshire, the Midlands, and Northern England.

Bridgwater: South West hub on the M5, serving Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall.

Taunton: Extends South West coverage with quick routes to Bristol, Exeter, and beyond.

Centurion Manchester (Middleton)

Centurion’s Manchester Middleton Head Office has been the operational backbone of the business for nearly 30 years, supporting its growth and expansion across the UK. Strategically located near the M60, with easy access to central Manchester and direct links to the M6 and M1, the site is ideally positioned for both customers and colleagues travelling from all directions.

The office is known not only for its accessibility, but for the people who have shaped it. Managing Director Warren Fletcher has guided the business through major periods of change, while Karen Wilson is widely recognised for her outstanding customer care and her much-loved unofficial role as the team florist.

Commercial Director Oliver Boucher is also a regular presence, working closely with teams to ensure clear communication and swift decision-making. Alongside him, the wider Middleton team, including administration, rental coordination, finance and planning, plays a vital behindthe-scenes role in upholding Centurion’s reputation.

With its strategic location, experienced team and long-established presence, the Middleton Head Office remains central to how Centurion delivers for its customers today.

Stakehill Industrial Park, Finlan Rd, Middleton, Manchester M24 2RW 0161 654 1270

Backing One of Our Own: Olly Russell

At Centurion Truck Rental, we back our own! We’ve proudly supported Olly Russell for several years now, and the connection runs deeper than most. Our Operations Manager, Aaron, has known Olly since his grassroots days, where he trained and played alongside Aaron’s son, Callum, at St Anne’s Rugby League Club.

From those early beginnings, Olly has gone on to make his mark with the Huddersfield Giants, establishing himself as a dynamic stand-off and scrum-half. Since his 2018 debut against the Widnes Vikings, he’s consistently stepped up, including a match-winning kick against the Catalans Dragons. Now back at Huddersfield, he brings over 100 appearances and 200 goals to his name, continuing to play a key role as an experienced half-back. For us, it’s about more than what happens on the pitch. Olly represents the same values we live by, hard work, resilience, and teamwork. We’ve backed him from the start, and we’ll be right there as his journey continues.

On-Site Support Added at Tankersley

Sapphire Vehicle Solutions Move In

Working together on-site at Tankersley provides:

Maintenance and preparation carried out at the same location

Reduced vehicle movement between sites

Faster turnaround for servicing and checks

Close communication between operational teams

Continued support alongside Centurion’s national network

Centurion Truck Rental has expanded its Tankersley depot with the addition of Sapphire Vehicle Solutions, introducing on-site maintenance support at the location.

Centurion continues to operate a nationwide network of audited service providers, many positioned close to customers or based within manufacturer dealerships. This approach remains unchanged and continues to support vehicles across the UK, with the Tankersley development adding further capability within an established structure.

Located just off the M1 at Wentworth Way, the depot sits within a key logistics area. With Sapphire now operating from the same site, certain vehicles and trailers can be maintained and prepared without leaving the depot, supporting day-to-day operations and allowing closer coordination between the two teams.

Sapphire Facility - built on a vast scale to keep your fleet moving. From comprehensive brake roller testing to full fleet maintenance and repairs, we deliver complete servicing for trucks, vans and trailers. With a wide range of parts in stock and rapid breakdown and recovery support, Sapphire is your all-in-one solution for reliability on the road.

The workshop has been fitted with new equipment, including vehicle lifters and a roller brake testing bay. It is used for servicing, compliance checks and MOT preparation, supported by a team of experienced technicians.

The Tankersley site already plays an important role within the Centurion network, particularly for trailer storage and availability. The addition of on-site maintenance provides a practical extension to the depot’s existing function.

Centurion’s wider support network continues to operate as before, ensuring coverage across different regions and customer requirements. The introduction of Sapphire Vehicle Solutions at Tankersley reflects a continued focus on maintaining operational standards while adapting to site-specific needs.

Centurion Truck Rental - Tankersley

Wentworth Industrial Estate

Wentworth Way

Tankersley

Barnsley S75 3DH

0333 121 5362

Visit the website:

Centurion Truck Rental Bridgwater & Taunton

Our Bridgwater and Taunton depots continue to go from strength to strength, supporting customers across the South West with the flexible vehicle solutions they rely on. The site has recently come under the new Centurion branding, and many will know the team previously as Falcon. While the name on the building has changed, the same trusted services, expertise and great people remain at the heart of the depot.

Centurion Truck Rental Bridgwater, Showground Rd, Bridgwater TA6 6AJ 01278 422221

Centurion Truck Rental Taunton, Galmington Trading Estate, Cornishway E, Taunton TA1 5LZ 01823 324021

Tim’s Top Tips

Spring Checks

As we move into the warmer months, it’s a good time to give your vehicle a once-over. Tim, on of our experieced technicians shares a few simple checks to keep things running smoothly.

Air Conditioning

Check it’s working ahead of warmer weather Book in for a service or regas if needed

Wheel Alignment

Winter roads and potholes can affect alignment Worth checking to avoid uneven wear

Tyre Checks

Inspect tread levels carefully Low tread in warmer weather increases blowout risk

A few quick checks now can help avoid bigger problems later and keepyoumovingsafelyintospring.

From the Workshop Floor to the Racetrack

Tim Flies the Centurion flag wherever he goes

Tim’s banger, bringing together his work at Centurion Bridgwater and his passion for racing.

This banger race car belongs to Tim. When he’s not helping keep things running smoothly in the Centurion Bridgwater workshop, he spends his time on his hobby, banger racing. The car proudly displays the Centurion logo, combining his work and his passion in one place.

A Passion Passed Down

Bertie enjoying his Centurion van and time at the workshop with his dad, Sam

Meet Sam Bateman, a well-known face at Centurion Bridgwater and a welcome one too when he’s out on local roadside rescues. Sam has a lovely little lad called Bertie, who is a big part of his world. He shares that life has been a constant battle for Bertie, but he’s always happiest playing with his cars, vans, and trucks. He especially loves visiting Centurion with his dad, sitting in the trucks, pretending to drive and even helping with walk-around checks. After some recent health challenges, Bertie has been enjoying a couple of gifts his dad brought home, including his toy Centurion van, and it’s great to see how much joy they bring.

Centurion Truck Rental

A Community Rebuilt Through Football

Centurion Supports Rhode Lane Wanderers

Centurion Truck Rental is proud to sponsor Rhode Lane Wanderers, a grassroots football club that represents far more than just the game itself. The club’s revival is a story of community, opportunity and determination, and one that has a personal connection to the Centurion team.

Rhode Lane Wanderers was originally founded in the 1990s on the Hamp estate in Bridgwater, an area now classed among the 10% most deprived communities in the UK. The club quickly became a vital part of local life, bringing together children, families and schools through football. Over time, however, the club folded, leaving a gap in the community.

In 2023, that gap began to close. Led by Sam Smith and supported by volunteers and family members, including his sister Chloe and their father, now club chairman, Rhode Lane Wanderers was reborn with a clear purpose: to give children an affordable, positive focus and keep football accessible to everyone.

If the club helps even one or two children stay on the right path, the impact is priceless.

Crucially, the club is run entirely by volunteers and keeps fees deliberately low, recognising the financial pressures many local families face. Much of its funding comes from donations, fundraising and sponsorship, making support from local businesses vital.

Centurion’s sponsorship helps provide kits, equipment and stability for the club as it continues to grow.

Beyond visibility, this partnership is about giving children a sense of belonging, structure and hope. As Sam and his team often say, if the club helps even one or two children stay on the right path, the impact is priceless. Centurion Truck Rental is proud to support Rhode Lane Wanderers and the volunteers behind it, and to play a part in rebuilding not just a football club but a community.

Karen’s Corner: Growing with the Seasons

IIf you’ve been by Centurion recently, you may have spotted the stunning displays outside our building. That’s all thanks to Karen, whose love of gardening brightens up our workspace each season. She carefully plans and plants vibrant, seasonal displays that lift everyone’s spirits.

In this second edition of Spring Tips from Karen, she’s sharing her favourite seasonal advice, from what’s thriving in our planters to simple ideas you can try in your own garden at home.

Karen sometimes adds strawberries to the display. A lovely little surpirse as the plants start to bloom!

Karen’s Seasonal Growing Guide: Gardening in Spring

Spring has finally arrived, and we can start to get back out in the garden.

Now is a good time to start tidying up after winter: remove weeds, dead leaves, branches and debris, shape up beds and borders, and remove tired growth from last season to give plants a bit of space. Adding new compost and mulch will help get the soil ready and support plants that are ready to burst into colour, as well as any new planting we’re planning.

If you have a compost bin, all your tidying up can go straight in there. If not, why not think about giving a corner of the garden to the garden bugs? Make a pile of leaves, twigs and branches and let the bugs create a great home. Encouraging insects, as well as pollinators, is incredibly beneficial for your garden.

Try adding a bird bath so birds have access to fresh water as the weather warms. And before trimming hedges, always check for nesting birds to avoid disturbing them. Giving wildlife somewhere safe to rest and feed is a great way to help the environment. Plants such as lavender and verbenas attract bees and butterflies.

Now’s a great time to think about planting your first early potatoes. You can grow them in an old compost bag or potato bag if you don’t have much room, and you’ll still get a great crop. Raspberries and blueberries can also be grown in pots. They don’t take up much room, just remember that blueberries need ericaceous soil.

Whatever jobs we do now will all pay off in the summer months, when we can sit back, relax, and enjoy the visitors that pass through for a drink and a snack.

www.centuriontruckrental.co.uk

touch at lindsay.fletcher@centuriontruckrental.co.uk