Research from the FN50 shows that fleet management services offered by leasing companies have substantially grown over the past few years, highlighting that many companies have outsourced to third party companies to help enhance efficiencies.

Roddy Graham, commercial director of Leasedrive Velo and chairman of the Institute of Car Fleet Management, said: “We see more organisations turning to fleet outsourcing, especially in the current climate, as they focus on their core activities.

"Specialist fleet management companies can offer a wider range of expertise, backed by the latest in fleet technology, which only the most qualified fleet managers can match. We have seen greater demand for our fleet management services.”

However, outsourcing does not necessarily spell the end for the fleet manager. For many it simply removes the burden of day-to-day operations, allowing the fleet manager to focus on strategy and managing supplier relationships.

Barclays made the fleet manager’s role redundant when it moved to a fully outsourced fleet function with GE Capital. However, shortly afterwards, in 2005, it switched back, employing Caroline Sandall.

The company realised that, despite outsourcing its fleet operations, it still needed a fleet manager to coordinate activity in terms of supplier relationships, taxation and policy.

Likewise, Evander Glazing & Locks appointed ALD Automotive in May to manage areas such as windscreen replacement, accident management, rental, breakdown and maintenance.

Strategic fleet management decisions and areas such as ensuring duty of care obligations are fulfilled will remain the responsibility of the in-house fleet manager.

This enables them to offset one risk with completely outsourcing their fleet operations: control of costs and services from suppliers.

Over-reliance on one fleet management company, whether independent or via a leasing firm, can limit the opportunity to shop around, using a range of suppliers to ensure the best service and most competitive price.