Fleet World Group was established in 1998 and has grown from publishing a single monthly magazine to being a highly respected part of the fleet industry with interests in print, digital media and events.

Commenting on his decision to step down, Durkin said: ‘Last year I clocked up 30 years in fleet and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

‘It’s a fantastic, dynamic sector with some really great people working in it, and I’ve taken great pleasure from watching Fleet World Group grow over the years to become an integral part of the industry. But at 56 years old I hope I’ve still got the energy to take on a few new challenges and with Fleet World in such a good position I thought the time was right to make a change and move on.

‘I’ve been commuting up to St Albans from my home in the West Country for the last 13 years and spent a lot of time away from home. Perhaps now I can give a few of those years back to my wife and family, though I won’t be disappearing off the fleet scene completely.’

Durkin will be involved in a number of Fleet World events including the Fleet Show, Fleet World Honours, MPG Marathon and Van Fleet World Live, as well as the Fleet World Cup of Golf. He will also provide ongoing consultancy services to ensure a smooth handover and continuity of service to Fleet World customers.

‘Jerry has been a part of Fleet World from the start and he has developed a good feel for the business. Between us we have developed a really good team of people and I know that the business will be in safe hands with Jerry in control,’ added Durkin.

Mr Ramsdale has extensive publishing experience and was responsible for taking the Fleet Show to Silverstone in 2012. He said: ‘While I’m sorry to see Ross go I can understand his reasons for wanting to spend more time with his growing family and his business interests in the South West.

‘My background is in engineering, but through Fleet World I’ve got to know many of the major players in the fleet industry and it’s not been hard to see why those who work in the sector enjoy it so much, and stay for so long.

‘Ross and I have been planning his exit from the business for some time now and while I know he will be around to help if needed, the people who work with us in the company are highly experienced in what they do and it’s very much a case of business as usual.’