The event, called Safety and Numbers and sponsored by Nissan, will take place on March 31, at the Heritage Motor Centre, in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
The safety and finance focused event will come just days after Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown reveals his 2004 Budget plans, which are set to have a massive impact on the fleet market.
The two issues are very closely linked, as any Budget rises introduced next week could be offset by more effective risk management.
From the smallest operators running a few vans, up to the giant leasing companies, no one can afford to ignore safety in the fleet industry. Spanning four separate sessions in the morning, this year's Spring Conference will analyse a broad range of safety issues – from the Health and Safety Executive's 'Driving at Work' document, to car and van safety, through to more detailed subjects such as mobile phones, roadside cameras, driver training, road rage and vehicle tracking.
Each speaker (details below) has been chosen as an expert in his or her particular field.
In the afternoon, discussion will move to the impact of the Budget, looking firstly at the outline of the Chancellor's statement, then moving on to fleet specific announcements.
Already, the industry is bracing itself for major changes, particularly when it comes to benefit-in-kind tax for private use of vans.
Early suggestions are that the tax could double for drivers, with an additional charge for receipt of free fuel for private mileage, something that has previously been 'free' because it is included in the standard tax charge for vans – currently a simple taxable benefit of £500.
Each speech will finish with an interactive Q&A session, giving delegates the opportunity to focus on their own particular areas of concern.
Chris Lester, event director, said: 'The Spring Conference is designed to address the key safety and budgetary concerns of the modern fleet industry and give delegates the chance to meet senior colleagues from across the sector. Expert speakers, interactive Q&A sessions and excellent networking opportunities will make this a must-attend event.'
Top speaker line-up
Safety Overview
Why are fleets having to take safety so seriously? What is the Government's view on safety? What impact should the publication of the HSE's 'Driving at Work' document have on fleets? This first session will provide a thorough overview of these questions.
General Safety
Summary of the key safety issues facing fleet decision-makers and drivers today – mobile phones, speeding, cameras and other vital elements that affect fleet safety.
Car Safety
Creating a safe fleet policy for cars, covering issues like driver training, Euro NCAP tests and tracking. What are the basics for creating a safe fleet? This session will provide a wide analysis of the safety questions every fleet manager needs to address.
Safety Case Study
Fleet risk management in a real-world situation. How Corgi implemented a fleet safety programme and what it learned from the process.
Van Safety
Is van safety an iceberg looming for the fleet industry? What are the main issues – increased vehicle power, safety options/road rage? How should fleet managers choose a new vehicle? A crucial session for all fleet managers running vans.
Budget/financial health check
What were the major fleet-related points in Gordon Brown's speech? Leading tax expert Alistair Kendrick takes you through the changes and gives you an essential overview of this month's budget.
Budget Analysis
How should fleets interpret the Budget? What are the implications of the new legislation for the fleet industry? Stewart Whyte will provide a crucial analysis of Gordon Brown's policy changes.
Make a million in 20 minutes
Putting the cash back into cash for car. Making the most of approved mileage allowance payments when reimbursing private car drivers.
For details, call Sandra Evitt on 01733 468123 or email luke.clements@emap.com
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