A FLEET Show first will see key industry issues put under the spotlight with fleet managers and fleet decision-makers able to quiz the experts. Each day of the show, from Tuesday, April 27 to Thursday, April 29, a Fleet Forum will be held with speakers highlighting issues, ranging from the growing importance of Europe and taxation to alternative fuels and fleet finance.

It is planned for the forum to run three times a day for the duration of the show, from 10-11am, 11.30am-12.30pm and 2.30-3.30pm, but organisers say times may overrun in the event of lively debate. PricewaterhouseCoopers is sponsoring the three-day Fleet Forum and will have representatives present every day to give fleet managers a rare opportunity for free advice ranging from the cost savings to be made from proper accounting, to the importance of understanding taxation.

In addition it is planned that experts from four or five companies will also speak at each Fleet Forum session.

April 27 - British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association director general Norman Donkin chairing the Forum on rental, leasing and vehicle management and finance, with speakers likely to include representatives of firms operating in those sectors, plus tax and finance experts from PricewaterhouseCoopers.

April 28 - Association of Car Fleet Operators chairman and fleet consultant Tony Leigh will chair the Forum which will focus on fleet management issues with topics ranging from alternative fuels to disposal options and wholelife costs to acquisition methods. Once again speakers will include representatives of companies operating in those sectors as well as experts from PricewaterhouseCoopers.

April 29 - Professor Garel Rhys, head of the economics section at Cardiff University Business School, will chair the Forum which will focus on pan-European issues with specific emphasis on the fleet effect of the Euro, tax harmonisation and the benefits and pitfalls of cross-boarder leasing.

Each of the Forums will be followed by a quick-fire question and answer session. Richard Watson, senior partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, said: 'It's not often you will find PricewaterhouseCoopers giving out free advice, so it is in managers' best interest to come and have a chat. Many companies do not realise the cost savings to be made.'

All exhibitors at the show, which is this year taking place in halls 2, 3 and 3a of the NEC in Birmingham, are being invited to speak at the Fleet Forums. For further details contact Emap Automotive group events manager Chris Lester on 01733 467027.