Three more major organisations operating in the company car and van sector have joined ICFM’s Corporate Investor Programme, which is designed to appeal to employers that provide products and services to fleets.

The organisations are: The Accident Exchange Group of companies, which offers protection and monitoring services as well appropriate replacement vehicles following non-fault accidents; Chargemaster, the UK’s leading provider of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and operator of the UK’s largest electric vehicle public charging network; and vehicle leasing and fleet management specialist Pendragon Vehicle Management.

The aim of the Corporate Investor Programme is to further raise the standards of fleet industry professionals and overcome a possible skills and knowledge shortage inside many employers. Additionally, member businesses also become more closely involved in ICFM initiatives, which include training for employees, the organisation’s annual conference and Masterclasses on key industry issues.

The ICFM, now in its 26th year, is the UK’s only independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to furthering the education and advancement of car and light commercial vehicle fleet management.

Providing services from asset protection and telematics to post-accident replacement vehicles for fleets of all sizes, Accident Exchange’s affiliation will see it participate in key ICFM events tackling issues facing the fleet sector.

Scott Hamilton-Cooper, Director of Sales and Operations at Accident Exchange, said: “The ICFM is committed to continually raising standards through the delivery of its training programmes and promoting excellence in fleet management.

“These are values we felt resonate with our own as we continually strive to deliver excellence in our operations, for the benefit of our customers and to aid our continued growth. Our Corporate Investor Programme membership of the ICFM is therefore a natural step, complementing our business aims.

“As a leading provider of services to the fleet sector, we realise that our investment in the ICFM adds credibility and value while providing an invaluable network of insights, contacts and benefits. We’re looking forward to rubbing shoulders with other leading fleet service providers who have also joined this growing Programme.”

Chargemaster was the headline sponsor of last month’s ICFM 2018 Annual National Members’ Conference, which attracted a record 250 fleet professionals.

David Martell, the company’s Chief Executive, said: “Whereas early electric vehicles were really only suitable for low-mileage private users, electric cars on the market today are proving hugely appealing to fleet operators and drivers alike. The number of electric cars available will increase dramatically over the coming years, and we predict huge demand from fleet operators as they seek to reduce their running costs and emissions.

“Joining ICFM’s Corporate Investor Programme will help us interface with the most progressive fleets in the UK, assisting them in their switch to electric vehicles. Our range of services, from workplace charging points, to company-wide access to the UK’s largest public charging network, are tailor-made for businesses looking to electrify their fleets.”

Pendragon Vehicle Management, a previous National Members’ Conference sponsor, with more than 17,000 vehicles on contract hire, said it was “excited” to support the ICFM’s mission of promoting excellence in vehicle fleet management practices and enhancing personal development and career prospects in the sector.

Neal Francis, Divisional Managing Director, Pendragon Vehicle Management, said: “The ICFM and Pendragon Vehicle Management both share a vision of excellence in the fleet management arena and we are delighted to continue our affiliation. We look forward to supporting the Institute by sharing our learnings and best practices with fleet managers, whilst making our facilities available to host masterclasses and seminars.”

ICFM sales director Peter Eldridge said: “The Corporate Investor Programme is gaining significant impetus and the decision of Accident Exchange, Chargemaster and Pendragon Vehicle Management continues that momentum.

“We hope that many other businesses will clearly see the value for money benefits of membership and the training and learning opportunities available and then enrol their employees in the various courses and attend our events, whether that be the ICFM’s annual conference or its Masterclasses tackling key fleet decision-maker issues.

“Investment in ICFM adds credibility and value to businesses and their employees and provides an invaluable network of contacts and benefits.”

Among companies that have also joined ICFM’s Corporate Investor Programme since its launch are: Ambit, Auto Windscreens, Geotab, Michelin, SG Fleet and Thrifty Car & Van Rental.