David Lee, a member of the ICFM council - and the fleet administration manager of John Laing - revealed that out of 10,000 UK fleet managers, fewer than half of the ICFM's 700 members were actually studying for professional qualifications. And, at the ICFM's fourth annual conference, called for a major membership drive in a bid to transform the fleet manager's job into a career with professional qualifications.

Lee said: 'It is unfortunate that so few fleet managers recognise that they could have a much higher standing within their companies if they took more interest in their career. Fleet managers must push themselves up to a higher level so boards of directors see and realise the importance of the car fleet operation and the work fleet managers are doing.'

ICFM chairman Tom Madden, after presenting certificates to the first four people to become Fellows of the Institute of Car Fleet Management after successful completion of the Institute's diploma course, said: 'We should spread the gospel and tell people about the Institute of Car Fleet Management. We have a job to tell people about what we are doing and increase membership.'