Analysis carried out amongst 7,000 company drivers on training needs identified two issues: the ability to tailor the training to fit driver needs, and having trainers available in locations convenient to the company.

Cost was less of an issue but quality was at the top of fleet managers’ requirements. The experience of the trainers used also rated highly. Ex-police drivers or those with previous driving roles were preferred with one respondent citing: “Our drivers like trainers who know the temptations first hand.”

In response, IAM RoadSmart has developed a new course portfolio which supports these needs including its new headline course – Driving for Work. These courses, developed in conjunction with industry experts, offer a tailored approach to training, working closely with the customer throughout the process to establish the needs of their drivers.

The new courses for business drivers aim to understand the individual’s own motivations and concerns, on a one-to-one basis, while looking at what can be done to make the often stressful business of driving for work easier and more enjoyable.

Lesley Upham, IAM RoadSmart commercial director, said: “Business drivers are already under pressure. They are being bombarded with messages from all quarters, not least to be meeting their business objectives. We are conscious that we should not add to these distractions. Instead we work with delegates to make their lives easier through the way they drive.

“This will in turn lead to them being safer on the roads, save money through using less fuel and taking the stress out of the sometimes arduous task of business driving. Driver retention is a key concern of fleet managers and supporting this through improving their driving enjoyment is really important. Taking out the chore and bringing back the fun.”

IAM RoadSmart has recently launched the Business Customer Advisory Group (BCAG), to support its customers through better understanding the issues affecting the industry they operate in. The first gathering in March saw industry professionals come together to give their opinions on what they need from driver risk management programmes.