Four key takeaways from Fleet Live 2004

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Last week, Mehma Bridgen (CCO), Gareth Perks (Sales and Marketing Director) and Rachael Cordell (Senior Sales Manager), attended Fleet Live 2024, the UK’s premier fleet management and mobility event. As well as learning the value of a good pair of sturdy shoes (next time, ladies!), the terrific trio immersed themselves in some of the latest trends impacting the fleet industry.

Here, they share their insight.

Electrification is the topic on everyone’s lips

“Electrification and sustainable transport were at the top of the agenda. Conversations with our customers often touch on sustainability – from our EV charge card to offsetting emissions – so it is undoubtedly something that keeps fleet managers awake at night. For more complex fleets, full electrification isn’t always possible, but Fleet Live reinforced that fleet managers face mounting pressure to adopt greener technologies and sustainable solutions. With the recent government announcement that it will reinstate the ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and the implications for car, van and truck fleets – it’s no surprise it is a hot topic.” Mehma

 

Technology is at the heart of fleet management

“As sales and marketing director, I am always keen to explore trends impacting the industry – especially if there’s a digital adoption angle. I’m new to fleet management, so was really interested to chat with colleagues from across the industry about how technology is influencing day-to-day operations. There seems to be a consensus that there’s a growing role for AI in optimising route planning and logistics, as well as enhancing driver safety, and supporting asset management by highlighting opportunities for predictive maintenance. Although The Fuel Store started out as a fuel card reseller, we’ve been expanding our products and services to provide tools such as telematics and Fuel AI and, as we look at expanding our portfolio of tools, it is exciting to see a growing understanding of how AI and data analytics tools can enhance decision-making in vehicle management, and enhance overall fleet performance​.” Gareth

 

Fleet managers have a growing remit

“Over my twenty years in fuel and fleet management roles, the remit of fleet managers has evolved hugely. The days of traditional vehicle management have been superseded by a far broader spectrum of responsibilities, including sustainability issues such as the transition to EV, compliance with ULEZ and CAZ zones; understanding and interpreting data from telematics systems; a growing emphasis on driver safety, including policies and training related to driver behaviour, fatigue management, and accident prevention; asset management and total cost of ownership for fleet vehicles; supply chain issues; regulatory compliance and much more. As the remit grows, suppliers to the industry have an exciting opportunity to make themselves indispensable partners that add real value to fleet managers by providing services and solutions that lessen the load.” Rachael

 

Women in fleet management

“Women have historically been underrepresented in senior roles within the fleet and wider UK transport industry, but this year’s event felt like a huge step forward. Chatting with colleagues from across the industry, the increased focus on supporting women in transport is having a positive ripple effect – some of the UK’s most respected fleet managers are women. As Rachael has alluded to, the role of fleet managers has changed significantly in recent years, and the vast array of skills now required lends itself well to a diverse mix and style of management. Women are making a huge contribution that will undoubtedly grow in the future. As a business founder, female leader and Mum to two girls, it’s fantastic to see!” Mehma