GE Capital Woodchester is to invest £4m to create a regionalised sales structure designed to give dealers a faster and more consistent service when providing finance for customers.

Sales and marketing director Neil Clyne said: “Dealers dislike a centralised call centre as much as anyone else. The regional set-up will put them in touch with people who understand local needs, as well as providing rapid decision-making.”

Mr Clyne said there would be a major investment in training for retail staff, as one of GE Capital Woodchester's aims was to increase dealers' profits.

The regional teams will be based in Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham and Borehamwood. The directors running them, and reporting to Mr Clyne, are Steve Jackson (Scotland and Northern Ireland), John Simpson (northern England), Dave Ellis (Midlands and South- west) and Steve Archer (South-east).