FIAG: Bringing the business together
Date:
06 November 2014
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Author:
He says there are cases of companies being merged where the first person to go is the fleet manager, "because they're not bringing anything to the party".
"Go back to basics with simple questions. Kids have that question 'why?' and as a parent you struggle to answer," Bray continues. "You've got 200 company cars. Why? Why have you got company cars, why have you chosen the finance route, why have you chosen that policy, how do you treat [vehicle] abuse and driving offences?
"The traditional fleet manager is now rare and with their passing, companies have lost the knowledge and skill necessary to deliver a cost-effective fleet operation," he declares. "There is a real need to reintroduce into fleet management individuals with clear understanding and the necessary skill and knowledge to deliver professional fleet management."
Managing your drivers, rather than just ignoring or ducking the issue, is important and Bray describes loose car policies as "a rot that affects the whole business", while cash-for-car policies are "just abdicating responsibility".
"Ticking a box is one thing, spot-checking is another and I'm a firm believer in that," he continues. "If you know drivers are not doing checks, find another way of doing it; don't just abdicate responsibility. Find another way to make sure there isn't a hole in the dyke."
"If you have responsibility for fleets, where do you go to get help and advice?" he continues. "You want to be with someone where you can build a relationship and ask questions, and if they don't have an answer they will know someone who would, and that's what we're trying to achieve."
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