ACFO to expand membership base

Membership of ACFO, Britain’s premier organisation for fleet operators, is growing due to its successes in representing all levels of fleet operators – and further expansion is planned with the targeting of HR, finance and procurement professionals – many of whom now have responsibility for corporate fleet operations.

ACFO membership stands at its highest-ever levels, which the group believes is powerful evidence of the essential role it performs in a number of different areas.

Coinciding with ACFO’s recruitment drive is its attendance at the first Fleet Business Show taking place at the Business Design Centre, London, (April 29 and 30), which will be attended by many senior managers that now have fleet management as part of their job description, but who are not full-time fleet professionals.

ACFO director and membership secretary Stewart Whyte said: “ACFO membership has reached record levels partly because of the changing face of the fleet industry. Now more than ever, there are many more finance, HR and procurement professionals directly involved in and responsible for fleet operations within their companies.

“ACFO has already been successful in recruiting some of these people to its ranks, and we know from direct feedback that they greatly benefit from the expertise freely available. We believe there are many more managers with some level of fleet responsibility who could also benefit from membership. This is one of the reasons why ACFO is attending the Fleet Business Show.”

He added: “There are fewer people being employed within organisations with the title of fleet manager, but that does not mean that the company car is dying. What we have seen in recent years, and doubtless will continue to see, is the outsourcing of some fleet operator roles. As a result, internal management of the fleet function is being taken over by individuals in other departments and from other disciplines. That is proving a rich recruitment ground as they are looking to increase their limited fleet knowledge by joining ACFO.”

ACFO has seen that the whole set of topics including duty of care, health and safety, managing on-road risk has made more fleets aware that outsourcing some functions for commercial benefits does not absolve them of direct and ongoing responsibilities. The media exposure to the introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act has been a major wake-up call.

It is essential that someone in the company is fully aware of main issues like these, so that the outsourcing agencies can be controlled and guided to meet client objectives. ACFO provides exactly the forms, range and levels of expertise to help and support staff in this position.

ACFO’s nine regional groups provide excellent networking opportunities for members to discuss topics and problems with each other and discover and then implement best practice solutions. The expanding website (www.acfo.org) provides further information and templates to help employees with little previous knowledge of fleet management.

As well as providing an active forum for fleet decision-makers, to discuss and promote best practice in fleet management, ACFO continues to represent the legitimate interests of vehicle fleet operators, to a range of organisations and bodies including vehicle manufacturers, service company suppliers and government departments and agencies, including HM Treasury, HM Revenue & Customs and the Department for Transport.

ACFO Directors and members will be available for discussion on Stand M6 at the Fleet Business Show.