Stuart O'Brien, Author at Fleet Summit - Page 2 of 52
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Stuart O'Brien

If you specialise in Driver Training we want to hear from you!

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Each month on Fleet Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the fleet market – and in March we’ll be focussing on Fleet Driver Training solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help fleet buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Driver Training solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Nick Stannard on 01992 374092 / n.stannard@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our features list in full:

Mar 24 – Driver Training
Apr 24 – Risk Management
May 24 – Fleet Management Software
Jun 24 – Telematics/Tracking
Jul 24 – Contract Hire & Leasing
Aug 24 – LPG/Alternative Fuel & Fuel Management
Sept 24 – EV Charging & Infrastructure
Oct 24 – Duty of Care
Nov 24 – Grey Fleet
Dec 24 – Service, Maintenance & Repair
Jan 25 – Electric & Hybrid Vehicles
Feb 25 – Security & Dash Cams

Driving Success: How haulage businesses and fleets can utilise finance facilities in 2024

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The UK haulage and freight sector has faced a number of challenges over the past few years – inflation and fixed costs have rocketed, and the uncertain legacy of Brexit has made UK exports less lucrative to EU importers.

Now, as we move towards a more sustainable future, the impetus lies with UK fleet operators and haulage businesses to update their operating practices in line with our net zero goals. However, with the myriad challenges facing the sector, making the significant internal investment required can be a challenge.

Here, the asset finance experts at Anglo Scottish take a look at the 2024 landscape for the UK’s haulage businesses and consider some of the facilities available to increase agility, grow sustainably, and adapt in the face of change…

The outlook for UK haulage

A number of UK haulage firms have entered administration over the last six months – in September 2023, Lloyd Fraser, one of the UK’s largest milk haulage firms, was forced into administration. That same week, multiple members of the KNP Logistics Group suffered the same fate.

A variety of firms have also entered administration in the first month of 2024, with Harleston-based Bomfords Group and Suffolk’s Magnus Group amongst the companies forced into administration.

Road haulage has come under further threat in recent months with the Transport Secretary’s commitment to growing the UK’s rail freight industry by 75% by 2050. Part of this claim hinges on the removal of petrol HGVs from UK roads.

Combatting these issues

In spite of these cases, there are examples of UK logistics and haulage businesses using external funding facilities to improve their future outlook and spearhead further growth.

In recent months, family-run companies like the North West’s Fox Brothers and Northamptonshire’s Linkline Transporthave benefitted from the injection of third-party funding. This helps to spread the cost of further investment in the company and fast-track growth plans.

“In line with rising overheads, maintaining financial agility is utterly vital for today’s haulage businesses to survive and ultimately thrive,” comments Carl Johnson, UK Sales Director at Anglo Scottish Asset Finance. “Often, firms are unaware of the available options to help them become more competitive going forward, and which of these options are best suited to their circumstances.”

Utilising invoice finance

Businesses working in the haulage sector are often susceptible to cash flow issues, thanks to the common practice of invoicing. 87% of businesses complain that their invoices are paid after the due date, highlighting that over-reliance on invoice payments is becoming a serious issue for businesses.

Late invoice payments make it difficult for haulage or logistics businesses to maintain a healthy cash flow, which can hamstring the company in the event of unforeseen costs such as breakdowns or collisions.

Invoice financing allows your business to access up to 90% of the value of your unpaid invoices. This enables your business to become more agile and adaptable in the face of potential difficulties.

Accessing favourable terms

Opting for third-party funders over more traditional sources of finance, like banking institutions, could provide your fleet with the flexibility required to remain agile in the current market. A wider range of funding arrangements are likely to be available, with a greater range of options for firms in different financial circumstances.

Anglo Scottish notes how haulage businesses can combine different lending facilities, such as asset finance, with more traditional commercial loans to diversify risk. Longer lending terms or lower interest rates may also be available, depending on a business’ situation.

“Given that the UK’s economic outlook is still uncertain,” says Johnson, “it’s unsurprising that firms are reluctant to invest in their fleets. Flexible lending terms for asset finance agreements can help alleviate some of the pressure on these firms, with contract hire agreements increasingly used by haulage fleet bosses to reduce the risk to their fleets.”

Transitioning to electric

A report from the Green Finance Institute in November 2023, found that we must take “urgent action” to electrify 500,000 HGVs across the country in order to meet the UK’s net zero goals. With HGVs constituting 20% of the UK’s transport emissions, haulage firms have a key role to play in decarbonising the UK’s roads.

Dedicated green finance arrangements, in the form of green loans and green bonds, can be a valuable facility for fleets looking to become more sustainable going forward. Under these agreements, your company can access finance agreements that are specially tailored for

“There may be additional benefits for haulage companies operating within the UK and the EU,” notes Anglo Scottish’s Renewables Specialist Charlotte Enright. Under the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, EU countries must submit information on any carbon emissions created through the production and importation of certain goods.

“Making the switch to an electric fleet would limit the emissions attached to a given export, making it more lucrative for EU importers,” comments Johnson. “It’s not just green loans that UK haulage companies stand to benefit from. Using these facilities in combination is a great way to insulate your company against the challenges facing the haulage sector.”

Photo by Roger Bradshaw on Unsplash

DASH CAM & SECURITY MONTH: A safety baseline set for a machine learning-powered future

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Dash cam technology has become an indispensable tool for fleet managers, offering a plethora of benefits ranging from enhanced safety to improved driver behaviour and significant cost savings. Here’s an exploration of the current applications of dash cam technology by fleet managers and how its usage is likely to evolve going forward…

Current Applications

Enhanced Safety and Security: Dashcams play a crucial role in enhancing the safety and security of fleet vehicles. By recording continuous footage of the road and driver behaviour, these devices help in identifying and mitigating potential hazards. In the event of an accident, dashcam footage provides irrefutable evidence that can determine fault, thereby protecting drivers from wrongful claims.

Improved Driver Behaviour: Dashcams have proven to be an effective tool in monitoring and improving driver behaviour. With in-cab cameras, fleet managers can observe driving practices and implement targeted training to address issues such as speeding, harsh braking, or distracted driving. This not only reduces the risk of accidents but also promotes a culture of responsible driving within the fleet.

Insurance Benefits: The use of dashcams can lead to significant savings on insurance premiums for fleet operators. Many insurance companies in the UK offer discounts for fleets equipped with dashcams due to the reduced risk of fraudulent claims. Moreover, in the event of a claim, the clear evidence provided by dashcam footage can expedite the claims process.

Future Evolution

Integration with Advanced Telematics: The future of dashcam technology lies in its integration with advanced telematics systems. This integration can provide fleet managers with comprehensive insights into vehicle location, fuel consumption, driving patterns, and real-time video footage, all accessible from a centralised platform. This holistic view of fleet operations will enable more efficient and informed decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: The incorporation of AI and machine learning algorithms into dashcam technology is set to transform how fleet data is analysed and utilised. These technologies can automatically detect and alert fleet managers to risky driving behaviours or potential hazards on the road, such as proximity to other vehicles or pedestrian movements. Over time, AI-driven dashcams could predict and prevent accidents before they occur, significantly enhancing fleet safety.

Increased Focus on Data Privacy: As dashcam technology becomes more pervasive, issues of data privacy and consent will come to the forefront. Fleet managers will need to navigate the legal and ethical implications of recording drivers and the surroundings. Clear policies and transparent communication with drivers about how footage is used will be essential to address privacy concerns.

Dash cam technology is set to remain a vital component of fleet management in the UK, with its applications broadening and deepening thanks to advancements in telematics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. As this technology evolves, it promises not only to enhance the safety and efficiency of fleet operations but also to pave the way for a new era of smart fleet management, underscored by data-driven insights and predictive analytics.

Are you searching for Dash Cam solutions for your organisation? The Fleet Summit can help!

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THE WHICHEV VIEW: Stellantis buys in Ai technologies to improve EV experience

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Stellantis, a global automotive giant, has taken a significant step towards enhancing its electric vehicles’ driving experience by acquiring key artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and intellectual property (IP) from CloudMade, a company known for its innovative big data-driven automotive solutions.

This move is aimed at bolstering the mid-term development of the STLA SmartCockpit and aligns with Stellantis’ comprehensive software strategy, Dare Forward 2030. It follows on from the previous purchase of AiMotive.

Take a deep dive on this story over at WhichEV.

ELECTRIC & HYBRID MONTH: Making the case for partial fleet electrification

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The adoption of hybrid vehicle technologies in the wider new car market has a direct impact on the thinking of fleet managers and the choices available to them. These factors, driven by environmental concerns, evolving regulations, and economic incentives, promise to reshape how fleets operate in the coming years, as much as fully electric options. Here we collect together key ways hybrid vehicle technologies are poised to impact fleet management in the UK…

  1. Reduced Environmental Impact: Hybrid vehicles, which combine a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor, offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional petrol or diesel vehicles. This is particularly pertinent in the UK, where there is a strong governmental push towards reducing carbon emissions. Fleet managers can expect to play a pivotal role in meeting these environmental goals, with hybrids offering a practical and increasingly popular solution.
  2. Lower Operational Costs: One of the most appealing aspects of hybrid vehicles for fleet managers is the potential for reduced operational costs. Hybrids typically consume less fuel and, as a result, incur lower fuel costs. Additionally, they tend to have fewer maintenance requirements than traditional vehicles, owing to their less intensive use of the combustion engine and regenerative braking systems. This reduction in fuel and maintenance costs is likely to be a significant draw for fleet managers looking to optimise their budgets.
  3. Improved Corporate Image: As public awareness of environmental issues grows, the image of a company becomes increasingly tied to its environmental footprint. Companies with hybrid or low-emission fleets are likely to be viewed more favourably, enhancing their corporate image and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and clients.
  4. Adaptation to Urban Low-Emission Zones: With the introduction of Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) in cities across the UK, fleets containing traditional combustion engine vehicles may face restrictions or additional charges. Hybrid vehicles, due to their lower emissions, are better suited to comply with these regulations, enabling smoother operations in urban centres.
  5. Challenges in Infrastructure and Training: The shift to hybrid fleets will necessitate new infrastructure, such as charging stations, and training for drivers and maintenance staff. Fleet managers will need to plan for these logistical aspects, ensuring that their teams are equipped to handle the unique requirements of hybrid vehicles.
  6. Potential for Government Incentives: To encourage the adoption of greener vehicles, the UK government may offer incentives such as grants, tax benefits, or subsidies for hybrid vehicles. Fleet managers should stay informed about such opportunities, as they could significantly offset the initial higher costs associated with hybrid vehicles.
  7. Integration with Fleet Management Software: As hybrid vehicles often come equipped with advanced telematics systems, their integration into fleet management software platforms will be smoother. This integration will enable more efficient tracking, management, and optimisation of fleet performance.

The rise of hybrid vehicle technologies is set to offer a range of benefits for fleet management in the UK, from reduced environmental impact and operational costs to improved compliance with urban regulations. However, it also brings challenges in infrastructure adaptation and staff training. Fleet managers who proactively embrace these changes and prepare for the integration of hybrid technologies will be well-positioned to lead in this new era of fleet management.

Do you need Electric & Hybrid Vehicle solutions for your organisation? The Fleet Summit can help!

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All TfL fleet suppliers must be FORS Gold accredited from April

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Transport for London (TfL) is introducing new requirements for fleet service contracts as part of plans it says are aimed at improving vehicle safety on London’s roads.

From April 2024, all Greater London Authority Group contracts, worth £1 million and over involving vehicles, will need to be FORS Gold accredited or a TfL equivalent approved scheme (Mission Zero and DVSA Earned Recognition). Encouraging fleet operators to take part in FORS is part of the Mayor’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate death and serious injury on the transport network.

FORS currently have over 203,000 vehicles accredited across 4,700 companies both within the UK and abroad. The introduction of additional safety equipment and additional driver training through FORS has led to a 31 per cent reduction in serious injuries as a result of collisions involving commercial vehicles based on performance data submitted for Silver audits between 2021 and 2022.

However, freight vehicles remain disproportionately represented in fatal collisions in the capital, and TfL says more action is needed to achieve the Vision Zero goal. It says moving to the higher standard of FORS Gold (or equivalent) will ensure accredited operators meet the enhanced standards which are above the legal requirements for operating commercial vehicles, further reducing the risk to vulnerable road users.

The new requirements will be enforced from April 2024, and will not affect suppliers with prior contracts. Suppliers holding contracts valued under £1 million will be required to be accredited to a minimum of FORS Silver accredited. Their internal supply chains must also be FORS Bronze accredited.  These changes aim to further enhance the safety standards of fleet services operating in the capital, helping them to reduce road danger for all, including vulnerable road users such as people walking and cycling.

FORS is an accreditation scheme recognising freight and fleet safety and environmental standards. It was created in 2008 by TfL and is now run by Sopra Steria. The voluntary scheme audits fleet operators and awards Bronze, Silver and Gold accreditations. Within the FORS standard, HGVs are required to be fitted with additional safety equipment for the protection of Vulnerable Road Users along with high-quality driver safety training embedded as part of the requirements. FORS assesses and recognises fleet performance in key areas: environmental impact, safety, and operational efficiency. The program provides a framework and sets benchmarks to help operators enhance their performance in these areas.

Initially run as a scheme for fleets operating in the capital, it was expanded nationwide to ensure that people across the UK could benefit from higher vehicle, safety and environmental standards. FORS provides a continuous system of performance improvement, through the accreditation levels of Bronze, Silver and Gold, providing reductions in incidents and collisions, along with the provision of member benefits, such as savings on insurance premiums, free and funded manager training.

TfL and other organisations in London and nationally require FORS standards or equivalent schemes in contracts to improve safety.

Fleet specialist Anglo Scottish Asset Finance completes management buyout

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Durham-based Anglo Scottish Asset Finance has confirmed the completion of a management buyout (MBO) to take back control of the business.

The investment is backed by a consortium of UK-based funders, the company’s original founding directors, wider management team, existing employees, and contractual agents.

Founded in 2007, Anglo Scottish quickly established its name in the finance brokerage sector. In 2015, the company was acquired by McMillan Shakespeare Group. The MBO follows the publicly listed Australian company’s move to seek an appropriate acquirer for its UK operations on the back of a strategic view to exit the UK and focus on its core capabilities down under.

The MBO will result in an expansion of the business’s presence in the UK as Anglo Scottish aims to develop a new funding option for customers while establishing new partnerships, joint ventures and strengthening relationships with current funding partners. It plans to leverage new technologies and expand its capacity to secure new clients and support partner relationships in the industry. The funding raised will support these initiatives as the Anglo Scottish brand continues to develop.

Anglo Scottish supports fleets across the country, having helped businesses across the country access affordable finance for commercial vehicles. The company has also partnered with local councils to deliver the financial assistance scheme for fleets affected by the introduction of Clean Air Zones. This has helped more than 400 businesses to replace non-compliant vehicles.

During 2023, the company added three new divisions – Renewables, Agriculture and Ground Transport – to its existing structure, which already covers Vehicle Finance, Asset Finance, Commercial Finance and more.

The company has increased its headcount to 86, with newly employed staff based in Scotland, Merseyside, Yorkshire, London, and Devon, and has grown its network of tied agents to 68.

Additionally, the company brokered over 12,900 deals in the financial year 2022/23, reaching a substantial milestone with over £519 million of brokered business within the year. During the MBO process, the company offered investment opportunities to all employed staff and agents, allowing all to benefit from the company’s success.

Managing Director David Foster expressed his excitement for the future, stating that the MBO marks a “landmark moment” for Anglo Scottish and its leadership team. He commented: “With this continuing growth, we see a huge opportunity to develop a new way of doing business, offering a broker/funder hybrid service to our customers and bringing us closer to our industry partners.

“While the MBO gives us the financial strength to broaden our market and offering, we will maintain the identity and independent approach that our existing customers and partners have come to expect.

Commenting further David added: “We look forward to a promising future, anticipating continued growth and success for our management team, employees, and the businesses and individuals we serve.”

Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash

Join us at the Fleet Summit in Manchester this summer

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We’re hosting a high-end event, the Fleet Summit, this June in Manchester – and we’d like you to join industry peers for what could be the most productive two days you’ll spend out of the office this year.

We’d love to fund your place, which includes an itinerary of relaxed one-to-one meetings with solution providers that you pre-select, an informative seminar programme, all meals and refreshments and an overnight stay, as well as great networking opportunities throughout.

It’s complimentary to attend. Other companies already booked to attend include: AB World Foods Ltd, Superdrug, Cummins, KCom, Bidcorp, LCB Group, Baxter Healthcare and more – There will be 50+ other professionals for you to network with!

3rd-4th June, Hilton Manchester Deansgate

If you’d like to attend, book your place here or for further details, click here.

If you specialise in Fleet Security & Dash Cams we want to hear from you!

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Each month on Fleet Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the fleet market – and in February we’ll be focussing on Fleet Security & Dash Cam solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help fleet buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Fleet Security & Dash Cam solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Nick Stannard on 01992 374092 / n.stannard@forumevents.co.uk.

Here’s our features list in full:

Feb 24 – Security & Dash Cams
Mar 24 – Driver Training
Apr 24 – Risk Management
May 24 – Fleet Management Software
Jun 24 – Telematics/Tracking
Jul 24 – Contract Hire & Leasing
Aug 24 – LPG/Alternative Fuel & Fuel Management
Sept 24 – EV Charging & Infrastructure
Oct 24 – Duty of Care
Nov 24 – Grey Fleet
Dec 24 – Service, Maintenance & Repair
Jan 25 – Electric & Hybrid Vehicles

Pot hole repair plan unveiled by government

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A crackdown on disruptive roadworks could cut congestion for millions of drivers and generate up to £100 million extra to resurface roads, as the first key measures from the government’s Plan for Drivers are unveiled.

Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, has launched a street works consultation on a series of measures to prevent utility companies from letting roadworks overrun and clogging up traffic as a result.

The consultation seeks to extend the current £10,000 per day fine for overrunning street works into weekends and bank holidays as a deterrent for working on the busiest days for road travel. Currently, utility companies are only fined for disruption on working days. The measures could double fines from £500 up to a maximum of £1,000 for companies that breach conditions of the job, such as working without a permit.

The plans would also direct at least 50% of money from lane rental schemes to be used to improve roads and repair potholes. Lane rental schemes allow local highway authorities to charge companies for the time that street and road works occupy the road.

As a result, the measures could generate up to £100 million extra over 10 years to resurface roads while helping tackle congestion, cutting down journey times and helping drivers get from A to B more easily.

Launching on National Pothole Day, the consultation is part of a series of measures from the government’s Plan for Drivers, a 30-point plan to support people’s freedoms to use their cars, curb over-zealous enforcement measures and back drivers.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said: “After investing an extra £8.3 billion to resurface roads across England, the largest ever increase in funding for local road improvements, this government continues to back drivers with these new measures from our Plan for Drivers.

“Our new proposals seek to free up our roads from overrunning street works, cut down traffic jams and generate up to £100 million extra to resurface roads up and down the country.

Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, said: “Being stuck in traffic is infuriating for drivers. Too often traffic jams are caused by overrunning street works.

“This government is backing drivers, with a robust approach to utility companies and others, who dig up our streets. We will seek to massively increase fines for companies that breach conditions and fine works that overrun into weekends and bank holidays while making the rental for such works help generate up to an extra £100 million to improve local roads.”

While it’s essential that gas, water and other utility companies carry out vital maintenance work to provide the services we all rely on, the 2 million street works carried out in England in 2022 to 2023 have cost the economy around £4 billion by causing severe road congestion and disrupting journeys.

The consultation comes after this government introduced a performance-based street works regime to ensure utility companies resurface roads to the best possible standard, and new lane rental schemes where utility companies can be charged up to £2,500 per day for street works.

The measures can also help boost active travel by preventing street works from disrupting walking, wheeling and cycling while also providing opportunities to improve pavements and pedestrian crossings and make repairs to pavements and cycle lanes.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “Overrunning roadworks and poorly reinstated roads from utility companies frustrate drivers and cause unnecessary congestion, and trench defects can damage vehicles and injure those on 2 wheels.

“We are pleased that the government is looking to extend the fines for over-running street works, invest more of the surplus fines in roads and ensure that those who dig up the roads repair them to a high and timely standard.

In addition, the government plans to make all temporary, experimental or permanent restrictions on traffic digital. These so-called traffic regulation orders (TROs) include things like the location of parking spaces, road closures and speed limits.

Making these digital means they must now be added to satnav systems, ensuring drivers have the most up-to-date information, making journeys easier and paving the way for more reliable autonomous vehicles.

RAC Head of Policy, Simon Williams, said: “Drivers shouldn’t have to put up with temporary roadworks for any longer than is necessary, so we’re pleased to see the government is looking to do more to guarantee that utility companies minimise disruption by carrying out roadworks as quickly and efficiently as possible. They should also leave roads in better condition than they found them, which unfortunately is hardly ever the case at the moment.”

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash