Fleet CV: Peter Bonney, fleet manager, The Salvation Army

Describe your fleet.

We have 760 allocated fleet cars and 300 LCVs, most of which are minibuses.

How did you get into the fleet industry?

I saw a job advertised by a local leasing company in the early 1970s and successfully applied. Fleet can’t be too bad as I’m still here.

What advice would you give to somebody new to fleet?

Ensure that you’ve got more common sense than everyone around you and don’t be afraid to make decisions – sometimes they’ll be wrong ones, but you’ll learn from them. Take every opportunity offered for networking and complete relevant training.

What is your favourite aspect of the job?

The people in the fleet industry – I can only think of two or three that I’ve taken exception to in more than 30 years.

And your least favourite?

Gathering cars back from drivers who’ve been made redundant.

What has been your greatest challenge so far?

Trying to keep up with legislation the government and EU dream up.

How do you relax?

With a good book and a glass of wine.