App company Ambit has become the first company to sign-up to ICFM’s newly-launched Corporate Investor Programme.

The programe is designed to further raise the standards of fleet industry professionals and overcome a skills and knowledge shortage inside many employers.

The new business will also host ICFM’s Fast Track training workshops at its Oxford headquarters.

In April, the company will launch the Ambit app, which is targeted for use by anyone who manages vehicles in the workplace, particularly those in HR, finance or procurement roles with part-time vehicle management responsibility and limited experience, and perhaps little knowledge of fleet operations.

Available on smartphones, tablet and desktop, the Ambit app will enable drivers to confirm to their managers vehicle details and information relating to themselves for compliance purposes; assist with the completion of periodic vehicle checks; provide contact information in respect of a range of organisations such as breakdown and recovery companies, tyres and punctures, windscreen and glass and accidents/incidents; and deliver a wealth of fleet information and best practice advice on a “need to know” basis.

Ambit is targeting its app at users that may have a fleet knowledge gap.

Commercial head Drew Spellar said: “We are talking to many people that have a degree of fleet management responsibility, but not the in-depth knowledge and experience that a full-time professional fleet manager has.

“It is important that we increase their fleet knowledge and that is where ICFM will play a key role.”

Ambit has joined ICFM’s Corporate Investor Programme as an Affiliate Investor, which enables it to participate in the organisation’s events and provides access to its vast wealth of resources.

Spellar said: “There are numerous benefits for Ambit in joining ICFM as an Affiliate Investor, notably in ensuring that we are helping our customers to focus on the key fleet issues as legislation, taxation and technology changes rapidly.

“Ambit is particularly focused on providing the right resources to help ensure safer driving for anyone driving for work and with ICFM’s help we can promote best practice and build the world’s safest driving community.”

Furthermore, Ambit is enhancing its partnership with ICFM by making its headquarters’ facilities available to the organisation for holding its Fast Track Intermediate Programme, which leads to students achieving the Certificate in Car Fleet Management qualification. Study units are contained within three modules - one of two days duration and two of three days. That means it is possible for the Certificate qualification to be gained within an eight to nine-month timescale. The next Fast Track course starts on April 4.

Spellar said: “Hosting ICFM’s Fast Track programme enables Ambit to support the fantastic work ICFM does; as well as to stay close to the hot topics facing managers and employees with fleet part-time fleet responsibility.”

ICFM’s Corporate Investor Programme is designed to help employers boost their skills shortage in terms of the fleet management knowledge of their employees.

ICFM sales director Peter Eldridge said: “We are delighted that Ambit has recognised the value that ICFM can deliver through its Corporate Investor Programme and become the first business to join at Affiliate level.

“We hope that businesses will clearly see the value for money benefits of membership and the training available and then enrol their employees in the various courses.

“Investment in ICFM adds credibility and value to businesses and their employees and provides an invaluable network of contacts and benefits.”