The first BVRLA Professional Fleet Consultant Development Programme, delivered by Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM) trainers, was a sell-out, with representatives from Arval, Hitachi Capital Fleet, JCT 600, Leaseplan, Lloyds TSB Autolease, Lombard, Marshall Leasing and Masterlease.

Demand for the vocational training has been so strong that organisers have arranged for another course, which will start later this month.

The programme, developed in conjunction with the ICFM, is targeted at sales and business development executives within BVRLA members.

"The course gives the fleet sales consultant much needed accreditation in our industry and helps to build respect among clients and prospects alike," said Marshall Leasing delegate, Christian Sawers.

"It is an excellent programme, both thought-provoking and challenging. It is ideal preparation for tapping into the needs of the client before preparing a proposal," agreed Gaynor McNicholas, a strategic account manager at Masterlease UK.

Roddy Graham, chairman of the ICFM, believes that the training programme will prove to be a very useful business tool within the current difficult trading environment: "With changes to the business car capital allowance regime coming into force in April next year, it will become even more tax efficient than before to lease company vehicles.

"It will also be less administratively burdensome but the new rules need to be carefully explained to customers, which is one area where the programme comes into its own.

"Graduates are able to demonstrate a better understanding of their clients' issues and concerns and importantly present and implement more effective fleet solutions."