FLEET decision-makers, from finance directors, to managing directors, secretaries and fleet managers, have offered their support to the Fleet News Get Trained campaign.

So far businesses operating more than £120 million worth of vehicles have registered with the campaign to improve access to training in the industry.

This week, the Institute of Directors (IoD) has given its backing to the campaign.

The IoD is a non-political organisation with upwards of 55,000 members worldwide, including directors from many sectors of the economy.

A spokesman for the organisation said: 'We support the Fleet News Get Trained campaign to promote the development of professional training in the industry. Training helps business profitability and ultimately promotes more sustainable business.'

The IoD has recognised the importance of training by publishing a new Director's Guide to Company Fleet Management, published in association with FleetLine, offering company bosses advice on how to finance, manage and support their fleets.

Nigel Stead, managing director of Britain's biggest leasing firm, Lloyds TSB autolease, has also thrown his backing behind the campaign, saying: 'The management of a company fleet requires the careful balancing of HR, financial and driver needs.

'Understanding the implications of a car policy on all three of these areas, as well as managing the fleet efficiently on a day to day basis, can only be improved through targeted training to meet the very specific needs of fleet decision- makers.'

For free copies of the IoD guide, called Company Fleet Management: developing strategies for efficient and effective use of company vehicles, call 0845 230 00 55