A NEW driver training company, New Driving Initiatives, has been launched with the support of fleet industry companies, including PHH Vehicle Management Services, Eagle Star, and Securinet. Paul Austin, who set up the company after resigning as managing director of BSM Qualified Driver Training earlier this year, will be managing director.

He will be joined by Kevin Emmett, head of training; Mark Smith, head of business development; and Peter Kingston as head of corporate sales. All three are currently working their notice at BSM. Liz Ward, formerly of BB & EA, will join as head of operations. Austin expects NDI to train at least 5,000 company car and van drivers in its first year.

Eagle Star will recognise NDI as sole supplier of driver training to its policyholders. PHH has shown support for NDI, saying the company was in the final stages of negotiations to nominate NDI as its preferred supplier of driver training. And in a complete risk management scenario, NDI has formed a strategic relationship with Securinet, the UK's leading vehicle security consultants. NDI has also announced it will be working closely with Drive & Survive, creating the largest organisation of its type in Europe.

Richard Glover, BSM group managing director, said he was surprised and disappointed at developments, and that the matter was currently being looked at by solicitors.