As Brand Director of Automotive Leasing, I was honoured to chair the debate, Lively and considered discussion ranged across topics including environmental fleet management, collaborative procurement and fleet risk. Difficulties over government frameworks were raised, with queries on how to reduce the public sector grey fleet and issues of corporate manslaughter vigorously debated.
Some significant agreements were reached: for example it was agreed that environmental changes to fleets had to be implemented in a measured way, with bespoke solutions needed for individual businesses. Employee engagement was recognised as a vital part of behavioural change in the employee population and videos conferencing was suggested as a strong alternative to a lot of unnecessary business travel. The panel also recognised the need to impose clear targets on fleets to achieve emissions reductions.
Electric cars were debated as a vital step for the industry but one that should be considered as part of the fleet solution and not implemented without serious fleet analysis.
Collaborative procurement was discussed in some detail, with the recognition that the quality and detail of frameworks varies dramatically.
The conference could not have been better timed for fleet decision makers. As the new government decides how to cut spending across the UK, the public sector faces some real challenges, not only through budget cuts, but also through emission reductions and grey fleet management.
By bringing key decision makers together ahead of the government spending review, delegates were able to voice their concerns in an open forum, and really debate how public sector fleets will work under this new government. With consideration given to a variety of issues, from outsourcing agreements, behavioural change processes and grey fleet management, we were able to demystify much of the public sector issues and understand more clearly the challenges that lay ahead.
Now, as the spending review nears we want to continue the debate and invite, stimulate and share views and opinions on the future of fleet in the public sector and beyond. This blog is designed to provide a forum for that debate. Although hosted by Automotive Leasing, we are keen to encourage comment and submissions from all sources. Please do get in touch if you'd like to contribute.
