25 Years in Motion: The Story of Nexus
In 2000, a local fleet management arm of the Skylark group of companies started operating from a small office in Shipley near Bradford. While it started as a team of just five people, it wasn’t long until their journey veered into uncharted territory, fuelled by a visionary approach that sought to transform the commercial vehicle rental industry.
Humble beginnings and a vision
Nexus’ story started with a shared vision between its founder and one of the company’s first employees, John Ellis (pictured on the left).
The mission? To be the first to take commercial vehicle rental online. At a time when the web was still emerging as a platform for business, this was a bold and ambitious goal. They set out to automate processes and scale the business without the traditional need for a large workforce.
It was this innovative thinking and dedication to automation that allowed Nexus to grow rapidly and lay the foundation for its continued success.
The birth of a name: why Nexus?
The company wasn’t always called Nexus. Initially, it was set to be named Solus. However, a trademark challenge led to a rebranding, and thus, Nexus was born.
The name, meaning both “a connection or series of connections linking two or more things” and “a central or focal point,” was a perfect fit for the company’s mission. It symbolised how the business would serve as a pivotal connection in the vehicle rental market, linking customers to services and providers through a cutting-edge, tech-driven platform.
Having been involved for the full 25 years, working alongside four different CEOs and five different investors, John Ellis has had a front-row seat at every stage of the journey.
“Our first office in Shipley was barely the size of the company’s current boardroom!
“In the early years, my role involved every aspect of the business including answering calls and taking reservations, raising invoices, managing disputes, managing customers and suppliers, IT support and system enhancements, through to reporting on the overall business performance.
“After becoming Operations Director in 2006 I spent several years more focused on the internal operation and supply chain management side of things. By 2010 I had been promoted to Managing Director which again became more of a wide-ranging role with responsibilities for Operations, Supply Chain, Outsourcing, Tenders, Account Management as well as lots of interaction with the new business teams. This title remained up until the end of 2024 although the role very much changed over the years dependent on the needs of the business and our various shareholders over the period.” John Ellis
Key milestones: from vision to reality
Over the past 25 years, Nexus has seen several significant milestones that have shaped its trajectory:
- The Launch of Iris (2006) The introduction of the Iris system marked a turning point for the business. It was the result of years of hard work and dedication, and its launch helped elevate Nexus to a serious contender in the market. With Iris, Nexus began to scale more effectively, gaining attention from larger businesses and expanding into new sectors.
- Acquisition of FMG’s Vehicle Rental Arm (2008) This strategic acquisition was a game-changer for Nexus. Not only did it double the company’s size, but it also eliminated a major competitor in the market, further cementing Nexus’ position as a leader in the industry.
- National Contract Win (2018) For nearly a decade, the team worked tirelessly to secure a contract with a high-profile, national company. When it finally came through in 2018, it was a major victory, marking a significant moment in Nexus’ history and highlighting the company’s ability to build long-term, successful relationships with clients of all sizes.
But beyond these business milestones, Nexus has also created countless memories thanks to the incredible people who’ve been part of the journey. The company has always been driven by a dedicated, passionate team that cares deeply about its mission and success. This loyalty and commitment have been key to Nexus’ ability to overcome challenges and continue to grow.
“I have fantastic memories of working with some great people over the 25 years. Truly loyal to Nexus and our shared goals, as well as being some of the hardest-working and most committed people you could ever meet. Each one should feel very proud of what we have achieved together.
“After nearly two decades in leadership, I transitioned to the role of Executive Adviser to the Board in 2024, offering guidance to the new executive team, sharing valuable insights, and helping ensure that the company’s next chapter would be just as successful as the first.”
John Ellis
The secret to Nexus’ success?
One of the key reasons Nexus has been able to thrive for 25 years in such a fast-paced industry is its relentless commitment to innovation. The company’s tagline, “We Never Stop,” perfectly encapsulates this ethos. Whether it’s through developing new systems, exploring new ways to serve customers, or constantly refining their technology, Nexus has always stayed ahead of the competition.
But beyond innovation, Nexus’ success is also due to its incredible team. Over the years, the company has attracted top talent who are passionate about the business and dedicated to delivering exceptional service. This combination of cutting-edge technology, an unbeatable team, and a customer-centric approach has allowed Nexus to build a reputation that stands out in the rental industry.
Looking to the future
Nexus’ journey over the past 25 years has been one of growth, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From its humble beginnings in a small office in Shipley to becoming a market leader in the vehicle rental industry, the company has never lost sight of its core values. It’s a story of hard work, dedication, and a passion for disruption that has made Nexus a standout success in an ever-changing market.
In 2023 the company welcomed its current Chief Executive, Scott Haddow. Scott has been working in technology sector for more than 25 years, specifically in private equity-backed tech-led businesses over the past 19 years.
Scott Haddow, Chief Executive Officer
As Nexus celebrates its 25th anniversary, the focus is squarely on the future. The goal is to continue growing, remain a leader in the rental market, and expand into new territories and markets. But equally important is maintaining the company’s culture as somewhere people are supported, developed, and encouraged to thrive.
“Nexus has had an amazing journey so far. In the last 25 years it has grown every single year, and I’m not sure there’s very many businesses around the world that have done that, let alone in Yorkshire!
“Why has it succeeded? I think that the business has acted with integrity the whole time. We are very conscious of our opportunity to serve our customers and deliver value for our customers, but equally, we act with integrity and honesty. We establish trust and confidence within our network, and we deliver a great service and partnership for our suppliers. We’re constantly innovating, constantly changing the way that we do things, looking to add more value in the sector.” Scott Haddow
Looking ahead, the vision is clear: to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, to diversify into new markets, and to continue offering a workplace where employees are inspired and excited to contribute to the company’s success.
Here’s to the next 25 years—and beyond.
