DRAMATIC changes are set to take place in the UK fleet industry, with fewer major fleets but a larger car parc made up of smaller fleet operators over the next decade, according to new research from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association.

Compiled by Peter Cooke, director of the Centre for Automotive Management at Henley Management College, the BVRLA's new annual statistical review charts the growth of the leasing and rental industry over the last five years and predicts good prospects for continued growth in the future - partly due to last year's VAT changes.

Changing employment trends such as business downsizing, outsourcing, home working and an increase in the use of freelance, part time and contract staff are all identified as factors which will reduce the number of large fleets over the next 10 years. But factors such as an increase in the number of women reaching managerial and professional roles will mean more women receiving company cars and overall, the number of small businesses providing services to larger companies is predicted to increase.

Cooke said the fleet industry would have to devise new products and services to more closely meet the changing needs of small businesses which will increasingly look to buy-in a total vehicle provision package with flexibility.