AFP plugging skills gap as generation of fleet managers retire

The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) is helping to develop the fleet decision-makers of the future as a generation of fleet managers retire.

AFP chair Paul Hollick told delegates at the trade body’s annual conference, held at The British Motor Museum, Gaydon, yesterday (Wednesday, May 15), the sector was losing a “lot of expertise as a generation of managers look to retire during the next few years”.

He explained that the AFP is concentrating heavily in areas such as training and mentoring to ensure that as much of their knowledge as possible remains accessible.

It has also improved technology to enable members to share issues and expertise, developed a new web site that offers enhanced services and the created a series of whitepapers in areas such as electric vehicle (EV) service, maintenance and repair (SMR).  

Hollick said: “The fleet sector is undergoing a period of rapid change and the AFP has become established not just as the voice of the industry but also as the single most important resource for fleet managers when it comes to accessing best practice, training and other valuable resources.

“Much has been achieved in the four years since the organisation was created.” 

The trade body has enjoyed a successful year, with membership increasing by 15% to more than 1,500 individuals and businesses.

The annual conference – the AFP’s third since its launch in 2020 – heard that the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, new manufacturer entrants, controlling insurance costs and skills shortages are the big issues facing fleets over the next 12 months.

“The ZEV Mandate is already affecting which vehicles fleets are buying with many manufacturers being told that they need to take a certain percentage of electric vehicles as part of any orders,” said Hollick. “This has an obvious impact on the cars and vans that fleets are choosing to operate.

“New manufacturers are already beginning to make their presence felt and starting to make their way onto choice lists. 

“While there are questions that are being asked about the risk of taking on their cars and vans, there are also advantages in terms of factors like price and availability. Fleet managers need to balance the pros and cons.”

Hollick also highlighted how insurance premiums for some fleets have gone up substantially and much effort is going into attempting to bring them under control, which for most will mean improved risk management.