Reliability is also the motive behind a new fleet management package being implemented this year.

It has already gone live in the workshops and gives the company improved transparency on the number of hours being worked on vehicles and, ultimately, their reliability.

The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system is bespoke to Clancy Group.

“The main driver is transparency on reliability but it will also give us a better picture on all fleet costs,” Revell explains.

It’s yet another example of how the business is determined to run everything in-house. The policy is driven by the board, which recognises that investment in the fleet pays dividends through cost savings and increased efficiency.

“We are a family-owned business and they are willing to reinvest,” Revell says.

‘We take care of staff’

Mike Revell was one of the founders of the Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence programme.

For him, the initiative is all about setting a benchmark.

“Standards needed to be lifted and this proves to clients that we take care of our vehicles and our staff’s well-being,” he says.

Among the changes he made to Clancy’s fleet policy was getting all van racking crash tested and approved.

“I’m convinced Van Excellence will achieve our objectives of setting high standards and showing respect for the law,” he adds.

“It’s moving right across the sector and into small businesses.

We are trying to encourage our sub-contractor labour with their own vehicles to adopt it.”

An active FTA member, Revell was instrumental in the formation of the Essential Services Working Group in 2004 in a bid to share best practice across utilities fleets on common issues such as drivers’ hours.