Fleet profile Chris Bland, group fleet and transport manager, Center Parcs
Chris Bland, group fleet and transport manager at Center Parcs, tells Rachel Boagey all about the distinctive fleet dynamics and sustainability initiatives shaping the renowned holiday villages that have become synonymous with UK family getaways.
C
enter Parcs, a household name across the UK, operates six picturesque holiday villages: Whinfell Forest in Cumbria, Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, Longleat Forest in Wiltshire, Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire, Elveden Forest in Suffolk, and Longford Forest in Ireland. With approximately 11,000 employees, Center Parcs warmly hosts more than two million guests annually across its villages, boasting an average occupancy rate of 96%.
Unsung operations
With a fleet comprising over 13,500 bicycles, around 2,500 of which are used by its housekeeping department, and 413 vehicles, the holiday company relies heavily on its transportation assets for daily village operations. Overseeing the management of this diverse fleet is Chris Bland, the group fleet and transport manager. Assuming the role in June 2021 amid the challenges of the pandemic, Bland navigates the complexities of fleet management with expertise.
Prior to his tenure at Center Parcs Woburn Forest, Bland gained valuable experience in the public and third sectors, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of village operations before assuming his current role.
Right: Chris Bland, group fleet and transport manager, Center Parcs.
“Our fleet at Center Parcs is unique, with bicycles constituting the majority, making up approximately 85% of our company fleet,” Bland shares. While he oversees the motorised fleet, bicycle maintenance falls under the purview of village teams. When joining the group, Bland’s main priorities were to standardise, simplify and modernise the fleet and its fleet management. To achieve this, he knew behavioural and attitude changes would be needed. Bland notes, “I started by improving working relationships and communication with our fleet management companies to ensure the basics were being done well.” He explains that the significance of the vehicle fleet at Center Parcs often goes unnoticed. "This is partly because we prioritise ensuring our day-to-day operations seamlessly integrate with our guests' experiences.”
20 | April 2024 |
www.businesscar.co.uk
But the vehicle fleet is an essential part of the business operation, ranging from delivering bed linen to the lodges through to collecting colleagues from nearby towns. Bland speaks of his fantastic team, based across our villages, helping to implement and champion positive behaviours as well as running and constantly improving the day-to- day operations.
He tells us, “There is a fleet and transport co-ordinator at each village – a crucial role, coordinating the day-to-day operation and helping improve and develop ownership and accountability towards the fleet. They provide a point of contact at the village for continuity and rapid decision making.”
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