Sponsored by: ##MazdaBuyers--right##








THIS year has seen the role of the fleet executive become increasingly more demanding with new legislation adding to the burden of running vehicles.

The major challenges currently facing fleet decision-makers have prompted the launch of this year's Hit for Six: Confronting Today's Fleet Issues conference, sponsored by Mazda. It will be chaired by Tony Leigh, chairman of the Association of Car Fleet Operators.

Here we present a run-down of who will be speaking at the big event together with details of how you can obtain tickets.

Essential reasons to attend hit for six:

  • In-depth advice on all areas of risk management
  • Key issues when considering cash-for-car schemes
  • Latest changes in company car and van taxation
  • An insight into finding your way through the fuel maze
  • How Block Exemption could affect fleet service levels
  • Vital advice on issues that fleets will face in the future

    Hit for Six takes place at the Quadrangle Conference Centre, Oxford on October 1. Tickets cost £65+ VAT for fleet decision-makers and £105+VAT for industry professionals.

    Predict your future
    What does the future hold for fleet decision-makers? This session helps the industry with some crystal ball gazing, including a look at what the year ahead holds for used car values.

    Among the speakers is Mark Norman, managing editor, future data, for industry expert CAP, who will address future issues facing the used car market. The session will also address the wider world of transport and look at major issues that might affect fleet decision-makers, such as the spread of congestion charging.

    Risky business
    Fleet decision-makers need to be fully briefed about their legal responsibilities if they are to operate their vehicles effectively and safely. Employers need to ensure vehicles are 'fit for purpose' and that drivers have adequate skills to use them.

    Risky Business will address these issues and ask key questions, such as when might a company be investigated by police following an accident. It will reveal the full responsibilities of the fleet decision-maker to drivers and look at the role of boardroom members in ensuring employees are safe when they take to the road. Included in the line-up of speakers is Jeremy Hay, director of risk management consultancy Risk Answers.

    Service history
    THE service landscape for fleets is changing. This year's major alterations to the Block Exemption system, which controls how cars are sold and serviced, mean a whole host of new operators could become involved in the fleet market.

    This session, including a briefing from industry expert Ray Holloway, director of the independents and fuel division at the Retail Motor Industry Federation, will look at the potential benefits and pitfalls facing fleets following the changes. It will also examine opportunities for ensuring that fleet maintenance is still carried out as efficiently as possible.

    Cash in hand
    MOST companies now offer a cash alternative to the company car, but that doesn't mean they have introduced the most effective or cost-efficient policy. Cash in Hand examines the circumstances in which a cash alternative becomes a wise choice.

    Among the speakers is Gary Hull, director of human resources at PricewaterhouseCoopers. The session will look at the costs involved and the choices open to companies that want to introduce an alternative to the company car.

    Power struggle
    Fleet decision-makers can no longer ignore alternative fuels. David Rawlings, senior manager at Deloitte and Touche, will be among the expert speakers addressing the key issues fleets must look at and how they can reach a decision. Fleet executives must also prepare themselves to make the most of the growing choice of hybrid vehicles, which combine electric power with traditional petrol and diesel engines.

    This session will also highlight the potential tax advantage to drivers in opting for alternative fuels.

    Taxing topics
    Carbon dioxide-based company car taxation has produced a big change in the company car landscape. Tens of thousands of drivers have opted for diesel cars to reduce their tax liability, while also cutting vehicle emissions.

    This session, including presentations by Carolyn Mason, an expert on company car and van tax at the Inland Revenue, and Graham Hine, of the Adult Learning Inspectorate, will provide an in-depth guide to current trends in company car tax and examine the Government's plans on van taxation.