Fleet management is changing at an unprecedented pace triggering a requirement for new strategic thinking and prompting calls from industry training organisation ICFM for members to register for its annual conference.
Currently more than 150 fleet decision-makers have registered to attend the 2019 ICFM Annual Members’ Conference. Entitled ‘Fleet Resilience – Managing Uncertainty in the Current Climate’, the event takes place on Tuesday, May 21, at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London.
Sponsored by vehicle leasing and fleet management company Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solution and the UK’s leading retailer of prestige cars, Sytner Group, the Conference is also supported by fleet suppliers and ICFM Corporate Investors AX, Epyx, Jaama, Masternaut and TMC (The Miles Consultancy) as well as Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres.
Amid political and economic turmoil experts from a range of organisations working with and advising fleets, including Government, will focus on providing insight aimed at helping fleet decision-makers arrive at the right strategic and practical decisions for their company car and van operations as the UK faces up to Brexit, a possible general election and numerous issues that directly impact on vehicle operations including: future company car benefit-in-kind tax changes, the introduction of Clean Air Zones and a plug-in and ultra-low emission future.
Confirmed speakers to date are:
- Nick Molden, founder and chief executive, Emission Analytics
- Harvey Perkins, partner, Gunnercooke Consulting
- Josey Wardle, infrastructure manager, Zero Carbon Futures
- Jon Hunt, manager alternative fuels, Toyota (GB)
- Dominic Phinn, business engagement coordinator, ClientEarth
- Phil Killingley, deputy head of the Government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles
- Justin Patterson, head of fleet operations, Addison Lee.
Conference celebrity guest speaker will be one of the UK’s best known football commentators, John Motson, affectionately known as ‘Motty’, who will give an insight into his long career.
The event will also include the presentation of awards to fleet decision-makers that have successfully completed ICFM training courses in the past 12 months. ICFM qualifications are viewed as the de facto stamp of approval for employees with fleet responsibility whether as full-time professional fleet managers or as part of an HR, finance or procurement role.
ICFM’s Corporate Investor programme is designed to appeal to employers that provide products and services to fleets. Its aim is to further raise the standards of fleet industry professionals and overcome a possible skills and knowledge shortage inside many employers. Additionally, member businesses also become more closely involved in ICFM initiatives, which include training for employees, the organisation’s Annual Members’ Conference and Masterclasses on key industry issues.
Masternaut, one of the UK’s longest established telematics companies, is the most recent fleet supplier to join ICFM’s Corporate Investor programme.
Jason Gill, channel partner manager UK, Masternaut
Jason Gill, channel partner manager UK, Masternaut, said: “As the UK telematics market leader we recognise that ICFM is all about raising standards and promoting excellence in the field of fleet management.
“Vehicle data is playing an ever-increasing key role for fleets in terms of optimising assets, promoting more environmentally-friendly and safer driving and helping to reduce operating costs. Therefore, we believe now is an important time to become involved with ICFM and the organisation’s members to further promote best practice.”
All Corporate Investors, in addition to Conference sponsors and supporters and fleet decision-makers’ organisation ACFO, will exhibit in a networking area. Fleet suppliers that have signed up to the Corporate Investor programme also include: Ambit, Auto Windscreens, BP Chargemaster, CD Auction Group, Geotab, Fleet Operations, Kwik Fit, Michelin, Pendragon Vehicle Management, SG Fleet, Sign Language and Thrifty Car & Van Rental.
ICFM director, Peter Eldridge
ICFM director Peter Eldridge said: “We are delighted at the number of people that have so far signed up to attend the Conference. However, we would urge more to sign up as soon as possible as places are limited. We hope that at least 200 people will be in attendance.
“The focus this year is firmly on providing fleet operators with an insight into making the right strategic decisions in what is proving to be perhaps the most challenging period in fleet history.
“The evolution of the fleet sector is becoming ever more rapid and without the skills that ICFM training provides, and the ability to quiz industry experts at the annual ICFM Conference, fleet decision-makers could find themselves making poor decisions that will impact on the operating efficiency and effectiveness of their vehicles and businesses.
“Conference speakers will tackle a plethora of major issues that confront fleet decision-makers providing insight to ensure company car and commercial vehicle operations remain cost-effective and operationally efficient.”
ICFM members, who may also take a guest who has an interest in fleet, can book their free Conference place via the ICFM website – www.icfm.com.
The Conference will commence at 9.30am (registration from 8.30am) and finish at 3.45pm.
