BUSINESSES are throwing away thousands of pounds a year because they refuse to spend the equivalent to the price of a tyre on training for their fleet managers. In a blistering attack on the complacent attitude of industry towards the role, Fleet Audits claims fleet managers are being starved of skills because their bosses cannot see past the end of their chequebooks.

Following interviews with more than 200 fleet managers, the firm found the majority were forced to turn down the chance of training because of uninformed bosses. Key reasons given were because courses were 'too expensive', 'take too long' or simply because the managers claimed 'fleet management training is quite unnecessary'.

Chris Chandler, director of training for Fleet Audits, said: 'Most worryingly, comments included 'fleet management training is a waste of time'. We are determined to break this negative mindset.'

Fleet Audits figures suggest a typical fleet car will cost £4,000 to £5,000 a year to run, so a 1% variance in running cost estimates represents £2,500 for a 50-car fleet.

Yet for less than £200, the price of a new tyre, fleet managers could be sent on courses which could help slash the cost of running a fleet.

Stewart Whyte, director of the Association of Car Fleet Operators and managing director of Fleet Audits, said: 'You meet fleet managers who have had to fight tooth and nail for time away from the office to learn skills that will save their company many times the cost of their training.'

Whyte reported that a new one-day Fundamental Fleet Management Course on providing best practice fleet management attracted 15 applications, despite the first 10 places being offered free.

However, interest in providing training seems to be growing, with the Institute of Car Fleet Management reporting almost 200 Fleet Show visitors requesting information on their newly launched 'Fast Track' programme.

The BVRLA's six-stage industry professional development programme has attracted several entrants, with promises of more from companies including PHH Vehicle Management, Interleasing, Associates Fleet Services, National Car Rental and Avis.