Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has given its support to Fleet Live 2018, the UK’s biggest and most influential exhibition and conference for the fleet sector.

Efficient transport is central to the success of the Midlands as a hub of business and industry, and the region is at the forefront of bold initiatives to explore new vehicle technology. Earlier this year the West Midlands became the launch-pad for Whim, the UK’s first Mobility as a Service (MaaS) product.

Birmingham is home to the highest number of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) of in any city in the country. And real world tests of connected and autonomous vehicles are due to start on more than 50 miles of roads in Coventry, Birmingham and Solihull in a new £25m project.

As part of its support package for Fleet Live, GBCC will promote the event to its 2.7 million-plus member companies, which range from SMEs to large, high profile organisations, such as Jaguar Land Rover and The NEC Group.

GBCC will also be exhibiting at Fleet Live, which takes place at the NEC Birmingham on October 9 and 10.

Paul Faulkner, chief executive of GBCC, said: ”We are delighted to be supporting this important event for Birmingham and the whole of the country.

“The region is at the forefront of research into new vehicle technology and event’s location at the heart of the country makes it the perfect venue for Fleet Live.

“There are few more important issues than addressing the path to zero emissions and I’m delighted that a significant amount of space will be given to the subject at Fleet Live.”

What's on offer at Fleet Live 2018?

The content of Fleet Live’s conference is driven by an advisory board of fleet decision-makers responsible for some of Britain’s best known fleets, including Royal Mail, Defra, John Lewis Partnership, Red Bull Company, Anglian Water and Skanska.

This year there will be a series of presentations on both the operational and strategic aspects of fleet management. On the operational side, experts will discuss how to optimise fleet safety, improve driver behaviour, reduce fuel use and adopt the DVSA’s new Earned Recognition scheme.

In terms of strategy, specialists will investigate the fleet opportunities for zero emission vehicles, connected and autonomous vehicles, and the rapid development of mobility solutions in place of the traditional company car.

The event will also repeat its popular drop-in advice clinics and seminars for non-specialist fleet managers with backgrounds in human resources, finance and procurement.

Exhibitors include leasing firms, major motor manufacturers, and key players in all aspects of fleet management.

Chris Lester, event director, said: “Fleet Live 2018’s comprehensive programme makes it a compelling event for anyone with responsibility for any areas of their organisation’s car, van or truck fleet.

“This year’s event is already shaping up to be the best ever, and we’re delighted to be working with such a respected organisation as GBCC to develop even more reasons for fleet decision makers to attend the event.”

Fleet Live 2018 takes place at the NEC Birmingham, October 9 and 10, and entry is free.

MORE: For more details and to register see www.fleet-live.co.uk.