How to extract maximum value from Fleet Live

At one end of the scale, spending a day or two at Fleet Live could be an interesting diversion from time in the office. At the other end, it could lay the foundations for a new approach to fleet management.

So, if you have ever left an event thinking it was useful but unsure why, it’s time to make a plan. Check out the exhibitors and identify those with the potential to become a supplier.

“We went to Fleet Live with the sole intention of evaluating our current driver licence checking service,” said David Oliver, procurement manager, Red Bull Company. “We had read there were
smarter ways of doing it, and sure enough, we visited two or three exhibitors and, having spent 15-to-20 minutes with each, we changed our provider.”

As for assessing potential new partners… “Are they prepared to listen to what your business does and what you think you need before diving in with what solution they can provide?” said Oliver.

For Lorna McAtear, fleet supply manager, Royal Mail, last year’s event provided an opportunity to gain a second opinion on suppliers outside the confines of a tender process.

“I had a good look around to see who was there and what they were offering, and to find out how knowledgeable they were when they didn’t realise I was out to tender,” she said. “You get a feel of what
is genuinely on offer rather than what they write in tender responses.”

At Fleet Live delegates expect far more depth than a brochure and friendly chit-chat on a stand.

“If I were speaking to people I didn’t know, I would be looking for them to highlight what is different about them,” said Caroline Sandall, vice-chair, ACFO.

“I’d be looking for basic levels of competency; are they working for fleets and companies like mine? Is there something particular about my company or fleet that I would want them to demonstrate they could manage?

“You also get a general feel about an organisation – how innovative they are, would you be comfortable working with them, what is coming up next and what are they doing for clients to help them navigate their way through. You want to probe the competency of the people on the stand. You want an informed conversation with someone who knows their stuff.”

Plan your Fleet Live Visit

When? 9th - 10th October 2018

Where? NEC, Birmingham

Entry? Free! Secure your complimentary pass here

Details? Find out more here