The high-profile event will climax with a gala dinner and awards night at the Grosvenor House in London’s Park Lane on March 16, when the cream of UK fleets will be honoured.
But to stand a chance of winning, all awards entries from service companies and fleet managers must be submitted by Tuesday, January 4.
The awards celebrate excellence and best practice in the most demanding and dynamic fleet market in the world.
Although entries have flooded in for the awards, companies that have so far put it off are being urged to act now before it is too late.
Go to the Awards section of this site for full information on the 2005 Awards, including a detailed description of the judging process.
To ensure the judging process is completely impartial and the most in-depth in the industry, Fleet News invests an enormous amount of time and expertise in the process.
Panel members have been chosen for their expertise in fleet management, knowledge of industry issues and understanding of how to compare suppliers.
During the judging process, an independent auditor will sit in on proceedings, checking that all entries receive a full hearing and that the final decision is fair and justified.
Competitors for the service company and manufacturer categories can also be even more involved in the process as, for the 2005 Awards, a web-cam will be set up at the judging location.
It can be accessed on this website on February 15 for the service company judging and on February 16 for the manufacturer judging.
FLEET NEWS AWARDS 2005 JUDGING PANEL
Service Company Awards
Who can enter? Any service company offering a website-based product available directly to an end-user fleet decision-maker.
What are the judges looking for? A web-based facility of use to the greatest number of fleets, or offering the greatest value to a specific sector of the market, including business vehicle drivers. Speed, design, navigation, links, housekeeping, compatibility and contact details will be important factors.
Who can enter? Any company offering contract hire, fleet management and related services as part of a vehicle funding package to end-user fleet operators.
What are the judges looking for? Product range, both off-the-shelf and tailored. Cost-effectiveness, standard of client management information, internet-based services, support for fleet customers and their company car drivers. Fleet manager feedback. Evidence of excellence in customer support.
Sponsored by Toyota
Who can enter? Any company offering daily or mid-term rental directed at end-user fleet operators.
What are the judges looking for? Competitive pricing, flexibility and range of services. Good number of products, internet-based services available for customers, wide range of quality vehicles, quality information delivered to fleets for management control. Strong examples of customer service.
Who can enter? Either a specialist risk management company or a company that offers risk management services as part of a wider product package.
What are the judges looking for? A company which offers effective and sensible risk management advice, if necessary with related services that are relevant to safety issues facing fleet operators. Innovation and ability to see the risk management process through from beginning to end will be an advantage, along with case studies of successful implementations of the service.
Who can enter? Companies which remarket vehicles on behalf of fleet customers, either through auction or other channels.
What are the judges looking for? A creative, professional remarketing approach that offers clear benefits in terms of improved optimum resale values. Provision of a wide range of additional services.
Sponsored by Northgate Vehicle Hire
Who can enter? Roadside rescue and recovery companies offering services directly to end-user fleet operators.
What are the judges looking for? Good levels of service both to fleet customers and their drivers. Success in getting vehicles moving again at the roadside. Speedy response to call-outs and range of additional services that have a fleet specific focus.
Sponsored by Enterprise rent-a-car
Who can enter? Any company involved in the repair and replacement of glass to end user fleets.
What are the judges looking for? Quick response times, effectiveness of repair rather than replacement. Wide coverage, including mobile units. Effective use of technology to speed up response. Good management of the authorisation and invoicing process.
Who can enter? Any company offering fast-fit services to fleet car and van drivers, offering a wide range of while-you-wait products.
What are the judges looking for?
Wide range of services offered to a high quality, including online developments. Fast authorisation processes and good invoice accuracy. Commitment to staff training and provision of convenient locations for drivers using either mobile or branch service. Overall excellence of service delivery. Wide range of products, services on offer.
Fleet Manager Awards
Who can enter? Any employee with responsibility for safety covering drivers in cars or vans, either company owned or privately-owned and used on business.
What are the judges looking for?
Evidence of an accident record reduced or kept low by risk management practices. Innovation and ability to manage difficult situations a key advantage. Case studies of accident record, claims history and initiatives needed.
Sponsored by Kwik-Fit Fleet
Who can enter? Anyone running less than 100 cars or vans in the UK. Any job title, but must have decision-making power on fleet matters.
What are the judges looking for?
Effective cost control using standard fleet management practice, innovation, interest in training and improvement, commitment to making a difference. Knowledge of risk management debate. Understanding of key facts about the fleet.
Sponsored by Northgate Vehicle Hire
Who can enter? Anyone running between 101 and 400 cars or vans in the UK. Any job title, must spend the majority of their time running the fleet. Must have decision-making power on fleet matters.
What are the judges looking for?
Understanding of all aspects of fleet management. Clear awareness of legislation. Commitment to training, including staff. Innovation. Clear plan for cost control. Good examples of best practice, including gaining support and authority within the company.
Sponsored by BMW
Who can enter? Anyone running more than 400 vehicles in the UK. Must spend the majority of time running their fleet or have dedicated team to help.
What are the judges looking for?
This covers some of Britain’s biggest fleets, with many vehicles offered as perk cars. With such large volumes, the smallest error can cost thousands of pounds. A strict adherence to excellence is vital if fleets are to support a company’s efficiency. Understanding of issues relating to company cars and vans. Evidence of ability to influence decision-makers in the boardroom, with confidence to create and push through new policies. Commitment to training or improvement, with clear examples of best practice and innovation covering all aspects of fleet.
Sponsored by BT Fleet
Who can enter? Any UK fleet
What are the judges looking for?
A fleet that has implemented strong and clear initiatives during the year, showing a clear understanding of the key issues faced now and in the future. An operation that can be held up to the industry as a best practice way to run company cars or vans. Must have initiatives in all key areas, including driver safety and the environment.
Sponsored by Avis
Who can enter? Any fleet with a significant presence in more than one European country, but mainly controlled by a single department.
What are the judges looking for?
Entrants need to explain how they have led an international approach to fleet policy to optimise efficiency on a pan-European basis. Includes managing safety on a cross-border level and offering a clear choice list, despite demands for change.
Sponsored by Volkswagen
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