If a company decides to outsource the management of its fleet it does not have to mean the in-house fleet decision-maker becomes redundant, according to Ross Jackson (pictured), chief executive of Fleet Operations.

Instead, he argues, the individual can become more focused and strategic by ridding themselves of handling day-to-day fleet issues.

Jackson founded fleet management and consultancy firm Fleet Operations almost 20 years ago and during that time has seen outsourcing become a fleet industry trend, but he acknowledges that it is not necessarily suitable for all organisations.

He will look at whether or not outsourcing is right for organisations on an individual basis at a free-to-attend best practice seminar at Fleet Management Live, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham on October 19 and 20.

During the seminar, entitled ‘Outsourcing: Is it for me?’, Jackson will be posing - and answering - the key questions that businesses should consider in deciding whether to outsource vehicle management, or aspects of it.

Issues under the spotlight will include: existing fleet knowledge and expertise within a company and the structure of the business; whether or not fleet is a core activity for an organisation; and what is good about outsourcing but also the potential pitfalls and risks.

He will highlight cases where Fleet Operations has provided - and continues to deliver - a consultancy service to business saving them tens of thousands of pounds a year while responsibility for vehicle management remains in-house. Underlining the company’s focus on helping clients make financial savings is a recent fleet industry award for ‘Innovation in Cost Reduction’.

Jackson will ensure attendees leave the seminar with a clear understanding of the value of outsourcing and how it can give deliver benefits to their organisations in terms of fleet operating efficiencies and service advantages, but remind them that it is not a panacea for all businesses.

To find out more about the event or to register for your free ticket, visit www.fleetmanagementlive.co.uk.