Ashley Crookes has worked in the fleet industry for over 25 years, 15 of those at Ogilvie Fleet having been one of the first hires as the business expanded into England in 2007. Leading the sales team in Northern England, Ashley has overseen a rapid increase in the number of light commercial vehicles, which now accounts for over 25% of the total fleet size. 

What are the key challenges for commercial vehicle fleets in 2023? 

Rising inflation and volatile supply chains are affecting an already limited supply of new LCVs (Light Commercial Vehicles) into the market. High fuel prices, the change to import and export processes (largely due to Brexit), and the pressures to decarbonise, are all a constant pressure on a business operating an LCV fleet alongside an ever increasing need to be able to adapt to remain efficient.  

How does managing an LCV fleet differ from a traditional company car fleet? 

They are entirely different to most businesses, as the vehicles are usually determined on a job-need basis, with vehicle downtime critically impacting on the business. There are often operational complexities and compliance and logistical duties, (just to name a few), which also need to be carefully managed within the business. 

What has Ogilvie done differently to help customers effectively manage their LCV fleets? 

Working with the existing and newly emerging Original Equipment Manufacturer Services (OEMS) allows us to fully understand evolving technologies which helps to future proof LCV fleets in the coming years. Having great partnerships within the EV (Electric Vehicle) infrastructure, and specialist vehicle convertors, allows us to provide bespoke solutions to meet the various needs of our client base. Ogilvie ensure that a completed vehicle, with conversion, livery, and telematics, is completed in advance of delivery, so the vehicle is ready to use the day the contract commences. 

How is Ogilvie helping businesses transition their LCV fleets to alternative fuels? 

Many fleets have significant operational issues to overcome ahead of the role out of alternative fuel LCVs, but we are working closely with our clients to better understand these challenges. We conduct fleet assessments based on whole life costs and suitability for electrification. Interestingly, through this process of consultation, we have identified that generally 1 in 10 LCVs can comfortably adopt electrification right now when compared to ICE vehicles. Furthermore, alternative fuels such as Gas to Liquid (GTL) and Hydro Treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) are being considered for the larger fleets as an interim solution helping to meet their ESG commitments.  

What one company achievement by you and your team are you most proud of in the last 12 months?

Ogilvie are pleased to partner with one of the UK’s leading infrastructure companies, who have replaced their entire c.1000 LCV fleet, in what have been the most challenging past few years. We have achieved this by regularly consulting with various stakeholders across the business, who were helping to implement a replacement vehicle programme. Ogilvie have been working with multiple OEMs ensuring the latest technologies were used, all of which include bespoke conversions, livery, and telematics solutions, all delivered and ready to go, right across the UK.