NATIONAL Fleet Services has announced an impressive line-up for its annual conference this month – rounded off with a “thank you”  evening of beer, wine and medieval revelry in the Great Hall at Warwick Castle.

An impressive and comprehensive list of guest speakers from the industry will address a day of interactive seminars at Ashorne Hill Conference Centre in Warwickshire, including leading industry figures.

Managing director Christopher Rouse said: “We are trying to create an opportunity for our brokers to understand that although the marketplace is changing it is only going to change things for the better

“Over the last few months the motor industry has gone through significant changes with the influence of financial regulation.

“To reflect these changes we are privileged to announce that our guest speakers include leading industry figures and organisations who are helping to influence and shape the future of vehicle broking.”

Chris Rouse pointed out: “We are being joined by the Financial Ombudsman who will bring a different perspective to the day. They have been very helpful in trying to assist us in putting on a conference that is both informative and varied. The Energy Savings Trust have agreed to speak about issues surrounding greener transport.

“The leasing companies will of course be present which is important to us as we have been helped endlessly by so many of them in many ways.

“The teams at Arval, Lex and ALD are great supporters of our network of approved brokers. Alphabet, Network, Hitachi and TCH amongst many others have helped build National Fleet Services into the corporate supplier that we are today.

“It has taken nearly 20 years to grow to one of the larger brokers in the UK. Dealing with the leasing companies is a privilege and not a right so without their support we would not exist.

“We believe that the future for the motor industry is being gradually changed and influenced by the independent sector who can offer ever improving levels of service through the use of technology and companies like ourselves helping to look after some of the larger fleets. We are able to offer great value to the customer through our commercial agreements with our panel of funders alongside a very personal service which creates powerful offering.

“If we can lead the way in promoting selling in a compliant way with high ethics it can only make us stronger in what is a very competitive marketplace.”

Rounding off the busy schedule for around 100 staff, brokers and the distinguished guests are the National Fleet Services awards, detailed here, including the BVRLA’s  Five Star Award for Excellence.

Chris Rouse said: “The Five Star Award For Excellence is being given to either an individual or a  company who has stood out in their efforts to help promote the broker community. This is a new award to help in the recognition of the selfless work by certain individuals and companies who truly deserve to be recognised.”

And after the serious business comes a lightening-up tour of the dungeons at Warwick Castle and then the  celebrations in the Great Hall, with themed entertainment and dinner.