ANALYSIS | Fleet Management
How finance directors can get the best from their fleets
Communication, control and consistency are the key themes when it comes to getting your transportation right
V
ehicle fleets represent one of the biggest costs for businesses; they must consider the capital expenditure and the
ongoing costs – direct and indirect – which impact greatly on any business with a company car scheme or fleet. It is therefore vital that the financial director works closely with the fleet manager – and human resources – to control costs, maintain or improve safety and save time. As company fleets represent both an expense and an investment for businesses, it is vital for financial directors to establish a business case that demonstrates a strategic approach to company mobility, which the fleet
40 DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
manager can implement effectively. However, the very fact that such
propositions are both a cost to the business and an investment means that financial directors need to establish a balance – particularly as the main barrier to investing in fleet is the cost of procuring the vehicles, as well as their maintenance and management throughout the lifecycle.
THREE KEY THEMES SEAT UK’s Head of Fleet & Business Sales, Peter McDonald, believes it is essential for financial directors to have the right insight to provide fleet managers with the support they need to achieve excellent cost savings, safety and efficiency.
“Overall, the three key themes that lie at the heart of a successful relationship between fleet and finance departments are communication, control and consistency,” explains McDonald. Cost savings are invariably an agenda-
topping item for finance directors and fleet managers so it is critical that fleet policies are designed and operated as efficiently and effectively as possible. While each department tends to have its own key area of responsibility, fleet managers tend to be vehicle-orientated, HR is driver-biased, while finance keeps a direct eye on costs. McDonald says co-operation between the three is vital. “Communication of the chosen strategy combined with choosing the right tools
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