SMEs could save thousands of pounds on their fleet running costs by following the steps outlined by Paul Hollick at Fleet Management Live. 

He advised businesses to start with the ‘knowledge phase’, looking at why vehicles are needed, how much is being spent on them, what the business wants to achieve culturally and then putting controls in place. 

The ‘sketch phase’ involves splitting the business’s vehicles into different segments: job-need, perk and occasional users (grey fleet), and allocating responsibility for each. 

Next is the ‘strategy phase’, looking at areas such as vehicle funding, fuel and risk management, and finding the right suppliers. 

Finally, the ‘deploy phase’ is when timelines are set and the strategies are implemented.

He advised SMEs to “take things slowly” and not to try to do everything “in year one”.

Businesses should also think about getting help and support from industry bodies like the ICFM and ACFO, and from their supply chain. 

Alan Asbury outlined how his consultancy had worked with businesses to help them save money through areas such as reducing the use of grey fleet and implementing alternative fuel vehicles.  

Pictured: (L) Paul Hollick, chairman, ICFM and Alan Asbury, director, CLS Energy