Government greenlight for CCIA 2021 and Fleet News Awards

Company Car In Action and the Fleet News Awards Summer Garden Party will be going ahead as planned, despite the delay to Step 4 announced by the Government in its easing of the coronavirus lockdown measures.

Both events are being held outdoors and will be run in accordance with Step 3 of the Government’s Covid guidelines, which were introduced for events taking place after May 17th, 2021.

This includes ventilation, sanitisation and social distancing measures to safeguard visitors, commercial partners and events staff. The events will also be run with the adoption of the All Secure Standard set up to provide a best-practice guide to industry professionals responsible for organising and delivering organised industry events, trade shows and exhibitions of all sizes, in all locations.

CCIA, the UK’s premier drive and decide event, takes place on June 23-24 at Millbrook Proving Ground, and will offer fleet decision-makers an excellent opportunity to test drive many of the latest electric cars from leading manufacturers. Places can still be booked.

The Fleet News Awards Summer Garden Party will be held on July 6 at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire. Up to 900 guests will be at the awards party to celebrate the best people, companies and vehicles in the fleet sector, hosted by highly-acclaimed comedian and actor Russell Kane.

Stephen Briers, editor-in-chief of Fleet News, said: “While we understand the Government’s reasons for delaying Step 4, which would’ve seen the end of social distancing, it makes absolutely no difference to either of our outdoor events – we go ahead as planned. We’re excited to welcome all our guests, sponsors and partners to our first in-person events since the 2020 Fleet News Awards.”

Step 3 guidelines Q&A

Q: What impact does the delay to Step 4 have on CCIA and the Fleet News Awards Summer Garden Party?

A: Absolutely none. Indoor and outdoor events can take place, with COVID-secure measures in place. This includes business events such as conferences, trade shows, exhibitions, private dining events such as gala dinners and awards ceremonies, and corporate hospitality.

Q: Are there any limits to audience numbers?

A: Yes, outdoor events can take place for up to 4,000 people or 50% of a site or venue’s capacity (whichever is lower). CCIA will welcome up to 500 guests per day, well within Millbrook’s capacity limit, while the Fleet News Awards will have 900 guests, well under Ascot’s maximum.

Q: How else are you looking to safeguard exhibitors and visitors at CCIA?

A: We will adhere to all legal requirements and take all reasonable action to mitigate risk to public health. This includes reduced contact registration area with face masks required indoors, licence checking & safety briefing video all online pre-event, 95% of the show outdoors with ventilation and social distancing measures in place where necessary, vehicles to be sanitised between drives, thorough enhanced cleaning of all public areas, socially distances seminar sessions and ample hand sanitiser available onsite. Full details - https://www.companycarinaction.co.uk/attend-with-confidence-covid-safety

Q: How else are you looking to safeguard guests at the Fleet News Awards?

A: We will adhere to all legal requirements and take all reasonable action to mitigate risk to public health. This includes adapting our event layout to allow 1m+ social distancing between each table, ample ventilation with the event being held outdoors under an open sided marquee, social distancing measures will be in place not just where the event is being conducted, but also at the entrances and exits, serving areas and similar settings, we will be encouraging contactless payments and ensuring all guests socially distance. We will also be requesting contact information from all guests in advance of the event following NHS Test and Trace guidelines. Full details: https://awards.fleetnews.co.uk/coronavirus-covid-19-statement

Q: Do we need to undergo Covid testing before visiting CCIA or the Awards?

A: No, but we are encouraging all visitors and guests to order the free government ‘test at home lateral flow tests’ and use prior to visiting the show. All Fleet News events staff will be taking daily tests throughout the course of both events.

Q: Will we have to stay seated at our table throughout the Awards?

A: No, as an outdoor event you will be free to network as long as you observe social distancing guidelines.