They always say it’s not about the winning but the taking part, and this sentiment was felt at the Commercial Fleet Awards 2018.

As the Commercial Fleet Awards 2019 opens for entries, we look back at the impact winning had on successful individuals and companies.

A celebratory award-winner announcement, words from a proud fleet manager or a congratulatory pat on the back from a peer – our channels were bursting with pride and well-wishes from the commercial vehicle sector last October.

The positive impact winning industry awards can have on a business and its employees is well recognised, and increasingly social media is an outlet.

1. Reflex Vehicle Hire took home the trophy for Rental Company of the Year for the second year running, and the industry responded warmly when it announced the win.

More than 35 industry professionals took the opportunity to congratulate the Reflex team, who felt the award was “well deserved”.

2. ARI UK announced their win for Supplier of the Year by posting a picture of a very smiley sales and marketing director Jason Chamberlain, which gained 100 likes on LinkedIn

The proudest acknowledgement from 15 comments came from ARI UK’s head of account management Nimesh Chauhan. He wrote: “Incredible achievement for everyone at ARI UK to be selected as the Supplier of the Year. Couldn't be prouder of our teams operationally supporting our customers day in, day out.”

3. Mercedes-Benz Vans shared its delight on Twitter when the Sprinter won Van of the Year 2018. The operator shared judges’ comments from the “prestigious awards” and said that it “couldn’t be prouder”.

“An ideal choice for virtually every type of fleet operation” – according the judges last week at the prestigious #CFAwards18. The new #Sprinter was crowned Van of the Year, beating off some tough competition to scoop the win, and we couldn’t be prouder! #MBVans pic.twitter.com/pcoh0n3nDX

— Mercedes-Benz Vans (@MBVansUK) December 3, 2018

4. LeasePlan UK was delighted to be supporting the commercial fleet industry in 2018, and was excited to recognise outstanding achievement. The company proudly showed its support on Twitter, ahead of the awards presentation.

Delighted to be @_FleetNews #CFAwards18 this evening. Recognising the outstanding achievements of organisations improving the safety, efficiency and environmental impact of #commercial fleets. Good luck to all nominees! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/HCClddgmux

— LeasePlan UK (@LeasePlanUK) November 30, 2018

The benefits of entering the Commercial Fleet Awards are limitless. Not only does the night provide the opportunity for recognition within the fleet sector, but our dedicated live awards coverage could boost your social media presence.

The ability to share highlights and proud moments has been amplified, since Fleet News announced that the Commercial Fleet Awards 2019 will be joining with its biggest car and van showpiece, Fleet Live.

Attendees, nominees and sponsors will now get multi-platform exposure on Fleet News and Commercial Fleet websites and all associated social media, alongside positive digital and print press coverage.

Fleet News’ editor-in-chief Stephen Briers said: “Fleet Live will get a boost from the ties we have with the van and truck sector, and the Commercial Fleet Awards will look to attract a larger audience of fleets, suppliers and manufacturers.”