icfm

First Professional Fleet Consultant Development Programme a success
7 October 2008

The first BVRLA Professional Fleet Consultant Development Programme, delivered by trainers of the Institute of Car Fleet Management (ICFM), has received a warm welcome from the industry. The first course was a sell-out, with representatives from Arval, Hitachi Capital Fleet, JCT 600, Leaseplan, Lloyds TSB Autolease, Lombard, Marshall Leasing and Masterlease. Demand for the vocational training has been so strong that organisers have arranged for another course, which will start in late October.

The BVRLA programme, developed in conjunction with the ICFM is targeted at sales and business development executives within BVRLA member companies. The four-day training programme equips participants with the skills and knowledge to align their sales role more closely with the demands and responsibilities of the client fleet manager.

“The course gives the fleet sales consultant much needed accreditation in our industry and helps to build respect among clients and prospects alike,” said Marshall Leasing delegate, Christian Sawers.

“It is an excellent programme, both thought-provoking and challenging. It is ideal preparation for tapping into the needs of the client before preparing a proposal,” agreed Gaynor McNicholas, a strategic account manager at Masterlease UK.

Roddy Graham, chairman of the ICFM, believes that the training programme will prove to be a very useful business tool within the current difficult trading environment: “With changes to the business car capital allowance regime coming into force in April next year, it will become even more tax efficient than before to lease company vehicles. It will also be less administratively burdensome but the new rules need to be carefully explained to customers, which is one area where the programme comes into its own. Graduates are able to demonstrate a better understanding of their clients’ issues and concerns and importantly present and implement more effective fleet solutions.”

BVRLA director-general John Lewis observed: “I am delighted but not surprised that this new programme has been welcomed so enthusiastically. The leasing and fleet management industry has seen its customers grow more sophisticated in their business processes and, as a consequence, ever more demanding of their service providers. Our members recognise the value in an industry-acknowledged qualification that demonstrates both their investment in employee development and their commitment to understanding the needs of their customers.”

The first module covers the principles of fleet management, with a focus on understanding the role and responsibilities of a fleet manager; the principles of asset and risk management; and the influence of a client’s stake holders, company culture and market segmentation. It also looks at wider concerns influencing fleet choice, including the environment.

The second module covers the delivery of fleet solutions; the various budgetary and taxation considerations; key acquisition and disposal options; supplier management; and the relevant legal and health and safety obligations.

The Professional Fleet Consultant Development Programme course is externally accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management. BVRLA members interested in obtaining more information should contact Nora Leggett on 01494 545713 or nora@bvrla.co.uk

About the BVRLA:
The BVRLA is the trade body for companies engaged in the leasing and rental of cars and commercial vehicles. Its members provide short-term self-drive rental, leasing hire and fleet management services to corporate users and consumers. They operate a combined fleet of 2.6 million cars, vans and trucks, buying 44 per cent of all new vehicles sold in the UK. Through its members and their customers, the BVRLA represents the interests of more than two million business car drivers and the 10 million people who use a rental vehicle each year. As well as lobbying the government on key issues affecting the sector, the BVRLA regulates the industry through a mandatory code of conduct.

www.bvrla.co.uk

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