Members of the Institute of Car Fleet Management used the organisation’s annual conference last week to highlight the best means of delivering value to a fleet.
As well as funding methods and fleet policy, other areas such as fuel management, duty of care and supplier management were cited as key areas to consider as potential cost savers.
Members suggested positive actions fleet managers could use in every area identified as key. For those focussing on vehicle acquisition, a review of funding methods was recommended at least once a year in light of the constantly changing financial situation. They also recommended reviewing fleet policy on topics such as vehicle selection and mobile phone use to ensure it is up-to-date and meets business needs.
The annual conference was run as a workshop and held at Peugeot‘s Coventry headquarters, where members could choose to focus on one of three topics – ‘Delivering value for fleet’, ‘Developing the skills for success’ and ‘Ensuring all risks are managed’.
Members on the developing skills workshop identified areas such as analysis, negotiation, leadership, communication and finance. Again, methods were discussed for managers to develop and maximise these skills. For analysis, managers were advised to produce a set of key performance indicators, while driver surveys were recommended for developing communication ability.
Members discussing the risks involved in running a fleet identified the four key areas as the driver, financial risks, safety and compliance, and suppliers. Licence checking emerged as one of the most important considerations, and members also spoke of the greater need for ensuring the creditworthiness of potential suppliers.
ICFM chairman Roddy Graham said that even managers who have been in the industry for many years still find they have things to learn.
“This is such a complex and detailed business we work in, and this is really driving home the importance of having the right training and skills,” he said.
Around 90 ICFM members and guests attended the conference, with Graham declaring himself pleased with the day.