Our Journey

David’s journey began as an apprentice mechanic at age 16, and by 22 he had opened his first mechanical workshop. Since then, the company has flourished through decades of steady growth, expansion, and continuous investment in staff, technology, and fleet.

• 1986: Launch of Abacus Vehicle Hire with just two vans.

• 1992: Opening of a 12,000 sq ft industrial unit in Ferndown Industrial Estate.

• 2006: Introduction of the motorhome hire division, starting with four vehicles.

• 2011: Opening of the Andover vehicle hire centre.

• 2021-2022: Relocation of motorhome depot to a state-of-the-art 2.5-acre facility in Andover, complete with showroom and indoor handover area.

• 2022: Acquisition of Blackmore Vale Leisure.

• 2023: Launch of new Abacus Garage Services branches.

• 2025: Expansion with the purchase of The Red Shoot Camping Park in the New Forest.

Today, our fleet approaches 1000 vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, minibuses, and motorhomes, maintained at an average age of just 2.5 years thanks to significant annual investments.

A message from David

The company now operates 750 vehicles which cover a wider and more diverse range than most other rental companies.

We operate from two “super” depots located in Ferndown near the Dorset/Hampshire border and in Andover, Hampshire which benefits from being just off the main arterial road network for the South of England. Not only do we provide vehicles for hire, we also have an amazing team at our Garage Services depots, located next to our Hire depots in both Andover and Ferndown.

We continue to provide the best service from the best premises with the best facilities in the industry, which I hope reflects on the standard of vehicle and customer service we strive to provide.

Dave Wolfenden
Managing Director