The move, which accompanies ACFO’s plans to continue its popular seminar programme and its work with Government departments and agencies, would see a new line-up of clinics aimed at helping vehicle manufacturers and other suppliers to better understand fleet operator needs.

Following approaches by some manufacturers, ACFO chairman John Pryor explained: ‘What fleet managers require and expect needs to be better understood by manufacturers and other suppliers. The clinics will enable attendees to gain a more holistic view of a fleet manager’s job and the issues faced daily.’

Meanwhile, the organisation said it will continue to work closely with Government departments and agencies, particularly with the 2015 general election potentially triggering a series of major policy changes impacting on fleet managers.

Top of the agenda could be changes to the carbon dioxide (CO2) based company car benefit-in-kind tax regime amid well-documented air quality concerns not helped by the popularity of diesel vehicles. Chairman John Pryor said ACFO will continue to work closely with Government departments and promote members’ views and concerns.

Other work for 2015 includes a continued push on HMRC to publish reimbursement mileage rates for electric vehicles and continued collaboration with the DVLA as it introduces new online services including a driving licence validation service in early 2015.

ACFO added that is also keeping a ‘watching brief’ on Government and Highways Agency plans to introduce charging on other roads similar to the recent introduction of “free flow” charging at the Dartford Crossing, which has caused administrative upheaval for fleet managers.

Additionally, 2015 will see ACFO continue its popular seminar programme tackling major issues of concern with spring and autumn events planned. Current events being planned will focus on vehicle choice and fuel reimbursement in May; end-of-contract charges in June; and vehicle taxation in the autumn.

Meanwhile, ACFO is now considering making its website and its library of fleet policies, best practice procedures, fact sheets and white papers and its forums available to overseas fleet operators with the launch of an international division.

In conclusion, Pryor said: ‘Change has become a way of life and that is why ACFO must continue to evolve. The role and responsibilities of fleet operators continue to be refined and that makes ACFO more relevant than ever before – particularly supporting those responsible for mobility within their organisations whether in finance, HR, procurement or facilities.

‘ACFO is a members’ organisation, a conglomerate of best practice. ACFO punches above its weight and I hope that fleet decision-makers that are not members will join to help increase our voice.’