Fleet size: 4,100 company and salary sacrifice cars.

IBM historically had a very large fleet, managed on sole supply?

The fleet has decreased in size in recent years as we restructure the business world-wide. We moved to dual supply in 2010 in the UK to facilitate a move to salary sacrifice and to reduce our dependency on one funding source.

How is that salary sacrifice scheme working out?

The introduction of salary sacrifice enabled us to place cars into our flexible benefits programme, so both existing company car users and self funded employees can elect to take a car or retain their cash entitlement.  Overall it has been well received and was a significant addition to our flexible benefits programme.

What are the main fleet issues for you presently?

We have recently completed a change of fuel card supplier and this now includes the provision of swipe and pin cards, reducing the risk of fraudulent use. Cost control remains high focus, particularly the unfair wear and tear expenditure. We are also piloting a telematics product designed to influence driver behaviour which we hope will both reduce costs and improve the safety of our drivers.

How is the telematics pilot going?

Participation has been by invite and on a voluntary basis. We do not use telematics to track cars, rather we use daily exception reporting direct from the supplier to the drivers, generated when their driving exceeds given parameters, with the expectation that the report will influence their future driving. We are in the early days but so far the indications are promising.

How is the car share database working – was it easier than expected to get staff who didn’t know each other to share travel? 

Take up is modest. Employees put their travel details on a central database so that others can see and make contact. However, I perceive there is much more collaboration between colleagues and friends in our offices these days so overall I think employees are sharing travelling and commuting more often than before.

Fleet responsibility is often juggled between HR and Finance, both of which tend to have opposing views.

What’s your view on the best way to sell an idea and achieve good end results for the company and drivers?

In the current climate I think it fair to say HR and Finance are in one accord on the business objectives – so this makes life easier!  But as always, communication is the key here. Explain what you want to do to get buy in, agree how you are going to do it, and when ready to implement obtain all parties’ commitment. 

Time for a hobby outside of work?

I enjoy watching most forms of motorsport so as time allows I can be found outdoors spectating. I have also participated in some track days.  Recently I have become a grandfather so my grandson brings me great pleasure and I am fortunate he lives close by so we are able to spend quite a bit of time together.