AFP launches international fleet working group

A new international fleet working group – designed for UK vehicle operators managing fleets across Europe and globally – is being launched by the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP).

An inaugural meeting has been held, resulting in the creation of a dedicated WhatsApp group and the scheduling of an online forum for Tuesday 20 October.

AFP board director Julie Summerell has been elected chair and said: ‘Over time, it has become clear there is a cohort of UK fleet managers with international fleet responsibilities within the AFP who would benefit from their own network. Interest in our initial meeting was very high, reflecting the degree of enthusiasm that exists.’

The working group’s agreed objective is to support fleet managers with responsibility for vehicles operated outside the UK, including the Republic of Ireland, by improving understanding of legal, financial, and operational differences between countries through knowledge sharing, and collaboration. 

Julie said, ‘We are aiming to explore new ways of supporting these fleet managers. The WhatsApp group, online forum and meetings will provide regular discourse but we are also investigating formal training through the AFP Fleet Academy. 

‘Also, the AFP intends to work closely with European and global fleet associations to strengthen support for international fleet managers, promoting best practice and greater cross-border collaboration across the fleet sector.’

Fleets becoming involved in the group stretched from major global fleets that operated more than 95% of their vehicles outside the UK through to small operators with a handful of cars in European countries, she added.

‘Early indications point to particularly strong demand for guidance covering the Republic of Ireland, with many UK fleets running vehicles there and feeling a need for help and support,’ said Julie.