Before a new van is signed off, Lex Autolease will assess frequency of use, mileage, location and type of use to enable Compass to make an informed decision over the size and model.

It hopes to downsize wherever possible, while bringing users into the purchasing decision.

Toubkiss is also actively managing car replacement to counter the lengthy waiting times for many models.

Drivers are approached five months before the renewal date to begin the process.

Consequently, Compass has reduced the need for short term rental to fill the gaps between de-fleet of the old car and delivery of the new.

Tightened rental controls, which require management sign-off for every car hire request, have seen costs tumble.

And following an investigation into the company’s 100 pool cars, many of which were spending more time gathering dust at one of its three offices than being driven, Toubkiss has cut the fleet down to just half a dozen.

However, spot hire still plays a key role, particularly with diverse operations in healthcare, leisure and sports.

It can encompass everything from tractors to limousines, transporting people to the tennis at Wimbledon or horse racing at Cheltenham.

Eco and safety training will be a priority for Compass next year as it looks to reduce fuel usage and reduce accidents. It will soon appoint a training provider and is risk profiling drivers on annual mileage, accidents and age to identify those in most need of coaching.

Low risk drivers will receive one hour’s instruction; medium risk will have half a day and high risk will receive full one-to-one instructor training. Compass will also make the training available to cash takers.

Toubkiss has covered a lot of ground over the past 18 months. It has been a steep learning curve, but he puts winning the approval of the board for all of his new initiatives as one of his proudest achievements.

“I’ve been helped by the manufacturers and Lex, and Fleet News is also a main source of information,” he says. “Energy Saving Trust is a good tool and I am also looking to join ACFO.”

As a parting shot, Toubkiss recalls two rather more idiosyncratic factors that have helped him to drive through change at a pace.

“I’m French and I can’t drive – it gives me a different perspective,” he quips.

BMW ‘buzz’ to tackle grey fleet

Compass Group has around 350 cash takers, many of whom use their own cars for business purposes.

The company has introduced a Vauxhall affinity scheme as part of its employee benefits package and will shortly add BMW in a bid to bring the grey fleet into the company car scheme.

“We believe the buzz of BMW coming into the car scheme will attract more people – that’s what we are hearing from staff,” says Johann Toubkiss. “It’s an objective from a Duty of Care point of view.”

The BMW agreement is an example of reciprocal business; the affinity deal is with BMW Park Lane in London, one of Compass’s customers.

“We want suppliers who know what we do and understand the level of service that is expected of us. We expect the same level of service from them,” Toubkiss adds.

“Some buyers bang the table and say ‘I want the best terms’. But I don’t want a transactional relationship; I want a partnership where we work together for the best for the fleet.”