Retail finance company Open and Direct is launching into the automotive market with a range of products it believes will widen customer choice and deliver increased profit opportunities for dealers.

The company is aiming for franchised dealers, used car supermarkets and the motor-cycle market, but claims it won’t go head-to-head with the likes of Black Horse and GE Capital.

“We’re not looking to rival the key players but are hoping to be more of a niche player.

“That said, we have ambitions to grow significantly,” says Steve Penistone, Open and Direct sales and marketing director.

The company is the third largest insurance broker in Northern Ireland and one of the top 50 in the UK.