The launch of Van Excellence in 2010 has been widely welcomed in the industry, and many businesses have joined the scheme. Van Excellence is a standard set by van operators for use by van operators, sharing and formalising working practices already used by leading companies in the sector.

 

In the 18 months since the scheme launched, 27 fleets have achieved accreditation to the Van Excellence Code, with a further 80 having expressed interest or undergoing accreditation. The total number of vans operated by those organisations is 137,500.

 

There are, to date, 14 organisations that have joined the Van Excellence programme as partners and are suppliers to van fleets. Partners promote the Code of Van Excellence amongst their customers and encourage its standards to be adopted and followed throughout the light commercial vehicle sector.  

 

Among Jaama customers that have achieved Van Excellence as determined by the ‘Van Excellence Code’ are: Amey, DHL International (UK), Enterprise Managed Services, Norse Commercial Services and South Central Ambulance Trust. 

 

South Central Ambulance Service introduced Jaama’s Key 2 system to manage its fleet of almost 1,000 vehicles including lease cars, rapid response cars/motorcycles, ambulances and patient transport vehicles two years ago. In addition, SCAS runs a total of five workshops and a vehicle commissioning unit, which is responsible for adding specialist equipment to vehicles.

 

Head of fleet Rick Stillman said: “The Jaama system provides SCAS with cutting-edge functionality. We wanted a standard fleet management software system across the whole of the service so that we could accurately gauge fleet costs and manage workshop parts much more effectively to reduce vehicle downtime. We wanted complete visibility across all parts of the fleet for all vehicle and workshop administrators.

 

“Following the introduction of Key2 we are delivering significantly improved vehicle operating efficiencies and reducing operating costs.”

 

Martin Evans, Jaama’s sales and operations director, said: “Technology is a major aid to making fleet administration easier for fleet managers and ensuring vehicles are operating in tip-top condition and comply with legislation.

 

“Jaama is the industry’s benchmark for quality and innovation and is established as the UK’s most recommended software supplier in the fleet, leasing and hire markets.

 

“As well as Key2 technology delivering financial savings and improved operating efficiencies, businesses across the public and private sectors are generating administration benefits as fleet department employees become more productive. This means they are able to turn their attentions to other more strategic management areas as a consequence of the time savings generated by Key2.”

 

Mark Cartwright, the FTA’s head of vans and light commercial vehicles, said: “Van Excellence is all about recognising excellence across the sector. Jaama’s support of Van Excellence demonstrates their commitment in supporting van operators and FTA is delighted to welcome the company as a Van Excellence partner.”