Auto Windscreens has made wholesale changes to its fleet operation which have resulted in improved compliance and safety standards; reduced maintenance, leasing, fuel, incident and insurance costs; and better driver engagement.
The changes have been introduced by group fleet manager Shaun Atton, who assumed the position in 2017, having transferred from a regional service manager role.
Atton has been with the business 16 years, starting out as a glass repair and replacement technician before progressing to operational roles.
He believes his background has given him an insight into the drivers’ needs and helped to get buy-in to changes.
Initially he focused on reviewing processes and systems, learning what makes a best practice fleet operator, and listening to colleagues’ and external experts’ views on fleet management.
He then developed a comprehensive fleet strategy.
Risk management changes have included training Auto Windscreens’ technical training team in advanced driving techniques so they can assess technicians’ on-road practices and coach them to be safer drivers; integrating telematics with the existing 3G cameras; and bringing accident management in-house.
These changes have resulted in a significant reduction in insurance costs.
Other fleet management changes have included replacing spreadsheets with a bespoke fleet management system, changing fuel card provider, switching from pool cars to daily rental, changing leasing provider and moving from using independent garages for MOTs and tyres to a national supplier with fixed rates.
Electric vehicle charging points have been installed within the Auto Windscreens network and Atton is now evaluating pure electric vehicles, following the introduction of hybrids.
The business is already carbon neutral thanks to a carbon offsetting scheme.
Finalists: ABM, Altrad Services, Auto Windscreens, Close Brothers
Highly commended: Altrad Services
Award sponsored by: Northgate Vehicle Hire
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