Held on 12th November 12 at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, the event included guest speakers such as Alec Stewart OBE and Adrian Moorhouse MBE.
Opening proceedings, Chris Newitt, Jaguar Land Rover UK sales director, delivered an informative insight into the group’s progress under Tata ownership while John Catling, CEO of FMG outlined just what can be achieved through enlightened leadership.
The morning debate on “Leading Technology in Fleet”, which was moderated by ICFM director and treasurer, Peter Eldridge, saw Bob Holbrey, group IT director at FMG Limited; Olly Macé, head of global strategy and external affairs for BP Biofuels; Martin Evans, managing director of Jaama Limited; Darren Lindsey, head of government & public affairs, Michelin PLC and Mike Bell, global connected car director, at Jaguar Land Rover provide their views on how technology will impact the future of fleet management.
Olly Macé described the future potential of isobutanol as an alternative vehicle fuel while Darren Lindsey drew attention to the impending population explosion in the UK due to aging and immigration which would impact urbanisation and travel. Bob Holbrey felt strongly that rather than spend a minimum of £42.6bn on HS2, half the money would be better invested in delivering super high speed broadband to every household in the country to change the way we work. Martin Evans underlined the future role of technology in fleet management while Mike Bell highlighted the future role of telematics in all Jaguars. It is estimated by 2020, 50m cars will have embedded telematics technology.
Alec Stewart OBE, former captain of the England cricket team, was the first afternoon guest speaker. He delivered a stirring speech on the importance of teamwork in delivering top performance in business as well as sport. Afterwards, he presented certificates to members who had successfully completed their Introductory Certificate, Certificate and Diploma in Car Fleet Management. 2013 saw one of the best years for ICFM training with 36 student, 182 Fast Track, 48 Diploma and 76 BVRLA participants undergoing training.
Rounding off the day, Adrian Moorhouse MBE, former British swimmer and winner of the 100m Breaststroke gold medal at the Seoul Olympics and managing director of Lane 4, a leader in the field of human performance, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on “Leadership in Learning and Development”. He left delegates in no doubt about their true potential.
Chairman of the ICFM Roddy Graham declared: ‘This year’s conference on “Leadership in Fleet Management” was an undoubted hit among delegates who attended. Without exception all those present not only went away with valuable insights and lessons learned but also highly motivated by our two guest speakers. Raising the fleet standard is our motto and the ICFM certainly delivered on its promises.’
