By John Pryor, chairman, ACFO

am delighted to have been re-appointed as the chairman of ACFO – my third year in the role – after first being elected to the board back in 2006.

It is vital for me and other people who have fleet responsibility to be able to discuss key issues with like-minded colleagues who collectively have a wealth of knowledge and experience.

The job of the fleet manager can often be a lonely existence, as fellow employees do not have practical knowledge or experience relating to managing vehicles.

Therefore, ACFO fulfils a fundamental role in enabling members to exchange ideas and information, and ACFO will be continuing the work it does in liaising with motor manufacturers and fleet suppliers plus, importantly, many Government departments and agencies including the Department for Transport, HM Revenue and Customs and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

Furthermore, we continue to work closely with a number of other industry organisations including the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association and the Institute of Car Fleet Management for the benefit of members and the wider fleet management community.

This includes employees with vehicle responsibilities who hold jobs in human resources, finance and procurement.

In the next 12 months, ACFO will be looking to further broaden its membership, continue its regional briefing meetings and is currently planning an exciting fleet manager issue-based seminar programme.

ACFO seminars have proved extremely popular in recent years, with each attracting audiences of significantly more than 100 delegates.

It is anticipated that future seminars will be held in autumn 2016 and spring 2017 with the former focusing on the drive for mobility and the future role of the fleet manager.

Additionally, ACFO is looking to publish best practice and advice and guidance for fleet managers on two key issues: managing parking fines incurred on private land and end-of-contract vehicle damage charges levied by contract hire and leasing companies on cars and vans.

The information will be published following ACFO debates held in the past 12 months highlighting both as contentious issues faced by fleet managers.

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