UNLIKE many student stereotypes, he doesn’t exist on a diet of Pot Noodles, sit in his underwear watching daytime TV or balk at the cost of unsubsidised beer.

No such laziness or indolence for our own John Maslen – who has become an ace fleet student.

Fleet News supplements and events editor Maslen went back to school, taking the Institute of Car Fleet Management’s Introductory Certificate in Car Fleet Management, and promptly went to the top of the class. He was announced as Trainee of the Year at last week’s ICFM Conference.

John, who took the course to better understand the industry and the challenges that face Fleet News readers, received his award from outgoing chairman Tom Madden.

James Langley, ICFM deputy chairman and chairman of the training and education committee, said: ‘What’s truly outstanding is the quality of his job-based assignment. It is comprehensive, well-written and will have required a significant investment of time. He has without doubt taken it very seriously and lived up to his commitment.’


John Maslen receives his award from Tom Madden. Martyn Moore, editor of Fleet News, said: ‘We are very proud of John. His award was hard-won and recognises his commitment to readers. It also demonstrates the importance Fleet News places on industry knowledge. Our writers’ credentials are impeccable.’

  • ICFM qualification went to:

    Introductory Certificate in Car Fleet Management: John Maslen, Fleet News, Gary Curran, of Venson Group, Annmarie Hand of Johnsons Toyota, Jake Miller of Inchcape Toyota, Suzanne Tiffany, of Devon Fire & Rescue Service and Karen Walters of Deloitte.

    At the next level up, Certificates were awarded to Michelle Bennett of MJ Maillis UK, Neil Eddie of West Yorkshire Police, Neil Foster of Cadbury Schweppes, Mary French of John Lewis, Stewart Lightbody of Siemens Energy Services, David Snutch of English Church Housing Group, Philip Turland of Jackson Construction, Amanda Willmore of the Adult Learning Inspectorate and Adrian Winton of John Lewis.

    At the next level, diplomas were awarded to Sara Cook, of BSkyB and to Stephen Crawshaw of LeasePlan.

    The highest honour of Fellowship for ICFM Diploma holders who showed a significant period of experience in strategic fleet management, achieved significant results and fostered professionalism in the industry went to David Tidman of the RNLI and Stephen Kirby of BT Fleet.

    The rare award of Honarary Fellowship went to Tom Madden, who this year stepped down as chairman of the ICFM for his outstanding contribution to the institute.