Chris Simpson
Director of Business Development · Vehicle Consulting East Anglia
With over 25 years in the UK automotive industry, Chris is the first point of contact for most new enquiries at VCEA. His approach is straightforward: understand how your business works first, then find the right vehicle and finance solution — not the other way round.
Chris in numbers
The experience behind the advice
Facts that help businesses understand who they are talking to — and why the advice they receive is grounded in genuine, long-standing expertise.
& Vans
Chris's professional philosophy
Why the right vehicle isn't always the cheapest vehicle
"The right vehicle isn't always the cheapest vehicle. My role is to understand how a business operates, how its people drive, and what its long-term goals are before recommending a solution. That approach has helped hundreds of businesses make better fleet decisions — and it's also why so many come back to us when it's time to renew. Long-lasting relationships are built on trust, not transactions."
Areas of expertise
What Chris specialises in
Chris provides expert guidance across the full range of business vehicle funding and fleet solutions available to UK companies.
Business contract hire
The most popular business vehicle funding method in the UK. Chris guides businesses through contract length, mileage, initial rental, and maintenance options to secure the right agreement for their operational needs.
Fleet management
From sourcing vehicles to managing renewals, maintenance coordination and driver support, Chris acts as a dedicated fleet partner for businesses running three vehicles through to over 300.
Electric vehicle (EV) transition
As UK businesses transition away from fossil fuel vehicles, Chris advises on EV suitability, range requirements, charging infrastructure, and the financial case for switching — including benefit-in-kind tax implications.
Salary sacrifice car schemes
A cost-neutral benefit for employers that delivers genuine savings for employees. Chris advises businesses across East Anglia on setting up and running effective salary sacrifice schemes, with a particular focus on electric vehicles where BIK rates currently stand at just 3%.
Business van leasing
Extensive experience sourcing light commercial vehicles for businesses of all sizes — from sole traders needing a single panel van to construction companies managing mixed fleets of crew vans, dropside trucks and specialist vehicles.
Company car tax & BIK
Navigating benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax, P11D values, and the tax implications of different funding methods is complex. Chris provides straightforward guidance to help directors and HR teams make informed decisions.
Career background
A career built on vehicles and relationships
Chris brings decades of hands-on automotive industry experience to every client conversation — not just theoretical knowledge.
Director of Business Development — VCEA (Vehicle Consulting East Anglia)
Leading new business relationships across East Anglia and the UK. Advising companies of all sizes on business contract hire, fleet management, EV adoption and salary sacrifice car schemes. First point of contact for new enquiries and long-term account management.
Manufacturer franchise experience — Toyota, Lexus, Subaru
Extensive experience working within manufacturer franchise networks, developing deep knowledge of how vehicles are specified, funded and delivered. This background gives Chris a genuine understanding of the difference between manufacturer finance and independent whole-of-market advice.
Over two decades in the UK automotive industry
A career spanning more than 25 years in the UK motor trade, covering both the retail and business-to-business sides of vehicle sales, funding, and fleet consultancy. The breadth of that experience is what allows Chris to give balanced, impartial advice — regardless of which manufacturer or funder provides the best deal.
Credentials & compliance
Why you can trust Chris's advice
Chris operates within a fully regulated, transparent framework — so the advice you receive is always in your interest, not driven by hidden incentives.
FCA regulated
VCEA is an appointed representative of Vehicle Consulting Group Limited (FRN: 673523), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Full commission disclosure
As an FCA-regulated broker, VCEA always discloses the commission received on any agreement, before you commit. Full transparency, always.
BVRLA full member
VCEA is a full member of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association — the UK's leading industry body for responsible vehicle leasing.
Treating customers fairly
VCEA operates in full compliance with the FCA's Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles, ensuring every client interaction is fair, transparent and in the customer's best interest.
What clients say
Businesses that have worked with Chris
Most of VCEA's business comes through referrals and repeat customers — which says more than any award.
"Highly recommend Chris at VCEA. From start to finish he made the whole process effortless — knowledgeable, responsive and refreshingly straightforward."
Business client — Peterborough
"They went out of their way to help us secure fleet vehicles, looking for the best deals possible. Always easy to get hold of if we had questions or wanted further information."
Business fleet client — East Anglia
"They made a recent car lease straightforward with consistent communication from start to finish, all while offering highly competitive pricing. We would recommend their services to others."
SME client — Cambridgeshire
Talk to Chris directly
No call centres, no departments. Chris handles new enquiries personally and typically responds within one working day.