ONE of the best-known figures in the fleet technology industry has launched a software and occupational road safety company focused on fleet.

Jason Francis, managing director of Jaama, has spent more than 20 years working in the insurance and fleet industry, most recently as managing director of fleet software firm cfc solutions. Jaama is a certified Microsoft development partner and Francis claims he is the first to combine fleet management software and risk management services.

The firm started trading in August and has been building momentum before its official launch yesterday.

Speaking as the company unveiled its new products and development plans, Francis said fleet technology progress was ‘painfully slow’, which was a catalyst for the creation of the new business.

He added: ‘I was talking five years ago about the need for fleet systems to adopt modern technology to provide customers with greater integration and automation.

A core product is called FleetAssistant. Features include fleet risk management for company and private vehicles, detailed driver management, driver training history, accident management, expense management and management information.

In addition, the firm offers Key2 Risk Management, a range of services to help fleet operators meet health and safety responsibilities, including an occupational road safety training seminar and risk assessment CD-ROM.

This week, vehicle leasing company Fleethire announced it was partnering Jaama to provide their customers with a range of risk management services.