Ryan FowlerMercia Fleet Management has launched a six-month free grey fleet management offer for small businesses with up to 100 employees. The initiative is designed to help firms tackle the risks associated with employees using their own vehicles for work purposes and coincides with the launch and rebranding of the company’s new website.
The website aims to serve as a comprehensive hub of fleet management information, offering clearer navigation and enhanced functionality for users. As the fleet division of Tamworth-based EV salary sacrifice specialist Fleet Evolution, Mercia is targeting what it describes as one of the biggest risk areas for SMEs.
Andrew Leech, head of Mercia Fleet Management and founder of Fleet Evolution, said: “A recent study by Europcar Mobility Group found that 81% of UK businesses rely on grey fleet vehicles, raising concerns about safety compliance and sustainability. Managing grey fleet risk is a major challenge for businesses of all size, but especially so for smaller companies many of which may not have a full time fleet manager.”
Leech added: “With an estimated 14 million grey fleet vehicles currently on UK roads according to BVRLA estimates and the generally poorer condition of grey fleet vehicles, a road accident involving such a driver becomes an increasingly likely occurrence.”
The offer includes a full grey fleet review and vetting of relevant employees, their vehicles, and their eligibility to drive for work, resulting in the issue of a ‘permit to drive’. The process evaluates vehicle condition, servicing history, business insurance coverage, driving licence status, and previous accident declarations.
Mercia’s approach also includes helping employers develop clear driving-at-work policies and offering alternative mobility options. For example, the firm recommends short-term hire vehicles for journeys under 100 miles, which can be more cost-effective than reimbursing employees at 45p per mile through the AMAP scheme.
