Commercial Fleet is offering readers a chance to boost their business performance, their fame and their credibility. How? By entering the Commercial Fleet Awards 2018.

Numerous studies that have shown the positive impacts that winning industry awards can have on a business and its employees. Even being shortlisted can have a positive effect, according to studies carried out by awards consultancy Boost.

Entries are now open for fleet operators, suppliers and van/truck manufacturers – your opportunity for recognition both within the fleet sector and beyond.

Being shortlisted for a fleet category, for example, is about more than a pat on the back for the fleet manager; it’s about raising the profile of the company brand with customers and potential customers.

Organisations who take seriously their safety and environmental obligations to their van and truck fleets are ideally placed to win business – these things really matter to consumers.

Award winners say it has helped them to acquire new talent, raise their brand profile and improve client relationships. So, to help, we will commit to publicising all shortlisted companies prior to the awards evening and promoting the winners after the event.

We recognise that the number one reason for not entering awards is the fact it can be too time consuming. So, for the fleet categories, we have changed the process.

To begin with, we simply need you to tell us in up to 750 words why you believe you should be shortlisted.

This could include information about new initiatives you have introduced, improvements you have made or simply your continued success in running an efficient, safe fleet of vans and/or trucks.

The judging panel will deliberate and select the best to go through to the shortlisting phase. Only then, once you have bene confirmed as a 2018 finalists, will we need you to complete and entry form giving the judges more detail about your fleet operations.

We believe the Commercial Fleet Awards has the outstanding credentials you need to make entering worthwhile. But don’t just take our word for it, we’ve also included testimonials from previous winners.

Finally, we will also give feedback after the awards evening to all unsuccessful companies – those who were shortlisted but didn’t win and those who did not make the shortlist - to help you in future applications.

New categories for 2018

In consultation with leading fleet operators, we have made changes to all the fleet awards categories for 2018.

Some are minor amendments to existing accolades, such as safety initiative of the year and clean air champion; others are all new.

These include Best Last Mile Solution, which recognises the need to address key issues in urban environments, such as emissions, congestion or safety; Best Use of Technology, recognising new solutions that have improved safety, reduced cost or lowered emissions; and Apprentice of the Year, nominated by a fleet or transport manager for an apprentice who is showing initiative and aptitude.

Stephen Briers, Commercial Fleet editor-in-chief, said: “We are constantly looking to keep the awards fresh and contemporary and believe these new categories recognise and reflect the changing face of fleet management.”

Six benefits from entering awards          

1. Improved financial performance

2. Personal recognition; career enhancing

3. Greater increase in sales than competitors

4. A rise in employee engagement

5. Positive press coverage

6. Increased customer awareness

Timeline

• Today: entries open. Go to the awards website to provide up to 750 words on why you should be shortlisted for fleet categories or register interest for supplier/manufacturer categories
• July 31: Deadline to receive your up to 750 words entry (fleet categories)
• August 10: Shortlisted fleets notified; second stage of online entry process opens
• September 30: Entry deadline for all categories
• October 17, 23-24: Commercial Fleet Awards judging days
• November 29: Commercial Fleet Awards ceremony

To enter the awards, go to: awards.commercialfleet.org/award-categories-and-entry-process

For more information email emma.bunce@bauermedia.co.uk or call 01733 395133.

Testimonials

Martine Smith, fleet services manager at AAH Pharmaceuticals: “The key to our success is recognising the hard work and commitment that goes into running an industry-leading fleet and the Commercial Fleet Awards gives us the opportunity to do just that. As winners of Commercial Fleet of the Year – Business Services and Best Fleet Customer Service, our customers know they will be provided with a trusted service that they can rely on.”                                    

Stewart Lightbody, head of fleet services at Anglian Water: “Having the opportunity to have my work reviewed and judged by a panel of industry experts and come out as the winner of ‘Commercial Fleet manager of the year’ has to be the best end to 12 months of hard work there can be. It is most rewarding in the fact it has been acknowledged by the wider fleet industry and not just by my employer. I’d thoroughly recommend anyone who has genuinely made a difference in the fleet operation to submit an entry.”

Dale Eynon, director at Defra Group Fleet Services: “It is absolutely fantastic to win an award and I was hugely pleased for everyone in the team.”

Paul Gatti, director at Royal Mail Fleet: It is fantastic to win – it means a lot to Royal Mail and the people who work for us.”

CATEGORIES

Safety initiative of the year

Public sector fleet of the year

Private sector fleet of the year

Best use of Technology

Cost saving hero

Clean air champion

Transport Manager of the year

Best Last Mile Solution

Most improved commercial fleet of the year

Apprentice of the year

Workshop Manager of the year

Commercial Fleet Manager of the year

SUPPLIER AWARDS

Fleet Partnership award

Leasing Company

Rental Company

Converter

Best New product

MANUFACTURER AWARDS

Small Van

Medium Van

Large panel Van

Pick up

Van manufacturer of the year

Truck Safety innovation of the year

Truck Manufacturer of the year

Truck of the year

Van of the year

For further information and to enter the Commercial Fleet Awards 2018, click here.