In a recent survey conducted by top industry magazine and website, The Chauffeur.com, the results indicated that a hefty proportion of those involved in the limo hire business had noted a decline in custom during the difficult period of 2009, whereas agent brokers within the industry seemed unaffected by the slump. The survey sought to gain a snapshot of how the luxury transport business was fairing during the economic downturn, and how these businesses feel about the future of the industry.

Limo Broker

Out of all the limo hire operators interviewed by The Chauffeur Magazine as part of the survey, 62% said they had noticed a marked slowdown in their business over the last 12 months. 50% of those who had reported a decrease in business said that they estimated that the number of their bookings had dropped by 25%, but 40% said they’d noted a 50% drop in bookings received through 2009.

However broker agents within the industry tell a very different story, with many reporting a surge in business as more and more people choose to shop around to find cheap deals for limo hire. One of the UK’s leading limo hire brokers, Limo Broker Ltd, seemed to buck the trend in 2009 and reported one of their busiest years ever. This marked contrast in fortunes between the independent limo operators and the brokers, could raise a question mark over the future of the limo hire firms as the broker agents gain more power within the business.

Limo Broker is also displaying encouraging signs for the New Year. The enquiry rate has been extremely high during January and the company have reported an increase in wedding car and wedding limo hire bookings for the coming summer season. Limo Broker’s January sale promotion which saw hire prices heavily reduced has also helped boost bookings.

Other results from The Chauffeur website survey revealed that limo hire operators are looking towards the future with optimism as 46% of those questioned saying that they were planning to invest in a new vehicle for the fleet within the next year.