Celebrations for Synergy: The 20-Year Story of Growth and Customer Success

Cast your mind back to 2006. The first iPhone was still a year away, Twitter was just taking its first steps, and the biggest film was Pirates of the Caribbean. It feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it? Well, that's the same year a vehicle leasing company in Harrogate first opened its doors. Now, that company, Synergy Car and Van Leasing, is getting ready to pop the cork on some bubbly as it celebrates a massive 20 years in business. Sticking around for two decades is no small feat, especially in the ever-changing car world. It's a story of navigating some seriously choppy waters, growing from a tiny office into a local success story, and never forgetting the simple idea it all started with.

From a simple idea to a Harrogate headquarters

Every big business starts with a simple idea. For Synergy, that idea was born in 2006 at its original base in the Evans Business Centre in Harrogate. The founders had a clear vision: to make the whole process of leasing a car a lot less confusing. They wanted to create an excellent leasing experience that was simpler, more transparent, and genuinely put the customer first.

That clear vision obviously struck a chord. Fast forward to today, and the company is a long way from its first small office. In 2015, Synergy relocated to its current headquarters on Hornbeam Park, a move that reflected its significant growth. The team has expanded too, with 39 employees now part of the Synergy family. It’s a proper local success story, showing how a company founded in Harrogate can grow and thrive while staying true to its roots. This journey over 20 years shows a consistent dedication to their original mission of providing a customer-focused leasing experience.

Navigating the bumps in the road

Twenty years is a long time in any business, and it’s fair to say the world has thrown a few curveballs in that period. Just two years after Synergy was founded, the economy took a massive hit with the 2008 credit crunch. For a young company, that could have been the end of the road. But according to the new managing director, Will Voisey, the firm managed to ride out that particular storm. He says the firm has ‘been through a lot’ in its 20-year history:

“We weathered the 2008 credit crunch, after which we grew and strengthened our relationships with manufacturers and suppliers. This enabled us to offer more vehicle choices and leasing options for our personal and business customers.”

Surviving that period wasn’t just about luck; it was about building strong foundations. And Synergy didn't stop there. The company has continued to adapt. In 2015, they put a lot of money into their digital systems to make things even smoother for customers online. Then, in 2018, seeing which way the industry was heading, they added electric vehicles to their line-up. It's this ability to look ahead and adapt that has been a key part of their story, from dealing with economic downturns to embracing the electric revolution. The journey of Synergy Car and Van Leasing has been one of constant evolution.

The people behind the five-star service

A company can have the best ideas in the world, but it’s the people who make it work. Synergy’s team seems to be a testament to that. The current client services director, Gemma Manning, was actually Synergy’s first full-time employee way back in 2008. The fact that she’s still there, in a director’s role, says a lot about the company culture. It’s a similar story for the new managing director, Will Voisey. He joined in 2013 as part of a small team of sales account managers and worked his way up, being appointed to the top job in 2024.

This focus on people extends to their customers. In 2024, Synergy was given a Decade of Excellence award from Feefo. For anyone who doesn't know, Feefo is an independent review platform, so this award isn't just a pat on the back from an industry body. It means the company has received verified five-star customer feedback, consistently, for ten solid years. That’s a rare achievement and shows a serious long-term commitment to great customer service. Will Voisey sees reaching 20 years in business as ‘a fantastic achievement’: “Our success as a business is testament to the hard work of everyone in our team and the trust that suppliers and customers have put in us over the years. We have grown, expanded our offering, and continually adapted to a changing global market, whilst remaining true to the vision set out in 2006.”

Looking ahead to the next 20 years

So, what does the future hold for Synergy? According to the managing director, Will Voisey, things are looking pretty good. The company has a series of events and activities planned throughout the year to celebrate its big anniversary. It all kicks off in May with a team day at Cedar Court in Harrogate, and there will be other celebrations to mark the achievements of long-serving team members, alongside some fundraising activities.

Beyond the party, the business focus is clear. The vehicle leasing market is still going strong, and the world of cars is getting more exciting. As Will Voisey says:

“The vehicle leasing market remains buoyant, and the increasing choice of affordable electric vehicles, state-of-the-art technology, increased vehicle range and charging infrastructure make the future exciting.”

“At the core, continuing to deliver a best-in-class leasing experience remains the main measure of our success. The future is looking bright for Synergy, and I couldn’t be more excited to keep pushing the business forward with our talented team.”

After 20 years of growth and adaptation, it seems the company founded in Harrogate back in 2006 is still firmly focused on the road ahead.