A new recruitment drive aimed at supporting managers of smaller fleets has been launched by the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP).
The industry body believes the advice, training and services it provides can often have the most significant impact on sub-50 vehicle operations.
One is Pal Dehal, operations support manager at ITS Technology Group, who said: “Joining the AFP was invaluable when I was asked to create a new fleet policy for our 18‑vehicle operation. The resources and support — especially the WhatsApp group where members openly share their expertise — made the process far easier. I’d recommend AFP membership to anyone with fleet responsibilities, regardless of fleet size.”
Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP, said: “People charged with managing smaller fleets are often facilities or office managers that have been handed the fleet as one of many responsibilities. They sometimes have little in the way of expertise and no access to help.
“We know from those who have found themselves in this position and joined the AFP that we’ve provided a lifeline, delivering the support needed to manage their fleet with a high degree of proficiency – helping to increase safety, aid compliance and reduce costs.
“That’s why we are trying to reach them in 2026. We can make a real difference to their working lives.”
The AFP’s biggest issue, he explained, was simply identifying these potential recruits, who rarely thought of themselves as fleet managers in a conventional sense.
“It’s very difficult to find effective channels through which we can communicate with those managing smaller fleets, often as part of another role. They probably don’t read the fleet media, take part in fleet webinars or visit fleet industry events. Their entire contact with the sector might be limited to their leasing company and their local dealership.
“Therefore, we are calling on fleet managers and others across the industry to help. If you know anyone in this position, please tell them about us and the support we provide.”
AFP membership is available from as little as £99 for individual members, he added, meaning that cost was very rarely an obstacle to becoming part of the organisation.
“At £99, even if we help someone with one problem, that amount is probably recovered many times over. If there is a barrier to entry, it’s that those managing small fleets often believe they need to be an industry professional to join the AFP, which is not the case at all. We’re here to help everyone and anyone who manages a fleet, and welcome all in a friendly and collegiate atmosphere.”
More information can be found at https://www.theafp.co.uk/membership/.
