Tell me a little bit about the composition of BCA’s fleet.
Our UK fleet comprises of nearly 450 outright purchased used vehicles – 380 fleet cars comprising both company cars, and cars provided via an employee car ownership scheme. Other vehicles making up the fleet are minibuses, refuse disposal trucks, a JCB digger, tractors, fire engines, mopeds and vans – quite a mix.
Do you place restrictions on what vehicles drivers can have?
Reflecting BCA’s position within the motor industry the fleet operates a multisupplier (user chooser) policy with restrictions on 4×4 vehicles and convertibles. Many of the vehicles on fleet are acquired through the wholesale sector, but we also use dealerships to purchase vehicles. By selecting used vehicles up to one year old and a maximum of 10,000 miles we save a significant amount of cost in vehicle depreciation, but still keep some of the warranty.
Our driver has the opportunity to choose a vehicle within the band applicable to their job role. The car is then purchased by our fleet procurement general manager, Nigel Everett. Nigel has a huge amount of experience in the remarketing sector and is an expert on vehicle acquisition and disposal.
Policy is to keep vehicle choices affordable for the driver in terms of taxation. This means low emissions, high mpg and a sensible list price, while maximising future residual values by choosing popular makes and models with a good specification and colour.
Are you qualification or experience based (or perhaps both)?
Both. I have worked within the vehicle remarketing industry for the past 18 years, in roles varying from logistics management, customer account management, vehicle pricing for disposal, and a managerial role in customer services. Having all this operational experience brought the offer and opportunity to move forward into my current role as car fleet controller at BCA.
I have also trained in fleet management and completed all three levels – Introductory, Certificate and Diploma in Fleet Management with the Institute of Car Fleet Management.
How do you communicate informationto your drivers?
The majority of drivers are set up on the BCA Cars group email, with a minority of about 20 who are remote or do not have email, so they are reached by post. On a daily need-to-know basis, information is either emailed to drivers, or contact is made by phone. Car fleet policy information, our driver handbook and standard driving information is also posted on the company intranet.
What is your biggest fleet rant?
There will always be a minority of fleet drivers who think they know everything they need to know without ever reading a policy document, a driver pack or set of guidelines. This is not only a cause of frustration, the implications are costly and time consuming, and potentially dangerous.
How do you deal with damage on cars?
Cars are appraised at disposal and are graded. Any damage considered more than "fair wear and tear" for the car’s age is charged to the driver. The driver can also face disciplinary action if any damage is deemed as neglect or wilful damage.
What would be your best piece of advice to someone just starting their first fleet manager job?
Polish up your people skills – you are not only managing a fleet of cars, but the aspirations and expectations of your work colleagues. Work to get your colleagues on side and always remember they are your customers. Network as much as possible within the fleet sector and ensure that you have the backing of the company board. Always be supportive and sympathetic if drivers have issues or problems, but equally don’t shy away from getting tough with drivers who flout the rules. Keep your drivers informed, be patient and do not take things personally.
Your proudest moments in fleet?
It has got to be as BCA’s car fleet controller – attaining the Diploma qualification with the ICFM and subsequently winning Fleet Manager of the Year accolades from Fleet World. Walking back into the office and receiving a round of applause from all my colleagues was a very proud moment – it proves the hard work and study does pay off.
Do you have a hobby outside of work?
What with keeping home (DIY and gardening, etc), socialising with friends, doing keep fit, being in demand as a grandmother to two small grandsons who I adore and love spending time with at weekends, hobby time is at a premium. I do enjoy swimming, and even though I was not very good at it I set myself the challenge to improve. For the future, I am developing an interest in bee-keeping, something that has always intrigued me. I am thinking a lot about the environment at the moment and bee-keeping seems a good fit!
If you weren’t a fleet manager, what would you do?
Perhaps something completely diverse, but using some of my fleet management skills – maybe serving the local community as a councillor?