The UK contract hire sector is often called a generic industry. Because at the end of the day it’s probably fair to say that a similar physical end product will arrive in the company car park whichever funder or service provider you choose.

And when it comes to the additional products and services on offer, such as accident management, risk management, daily rental etc, our Fleeteye CSI survey shows that as a sector we’re meeting needs very effectively. And when you look at the companies in the FN50 league table, many tend to offer the same service mix, albeit branded and packaged differently.

So how can contract hire and leasing companies really set themselves apart and create a compelling proposition?

The answer, as I see it, is being provided through the Fleeteye CSI survey and has been for some time.

“Communication”, “Account Management”, and “Day to Day Fleet Management.”

These three areas continue to come out as less well ranked in our surveys, even though they are seen as being important to fleet managers.

And when you talk about a company’s overall proposition in any market place, these are key factors to a great offering. After all, studies show that one of the biggest reasons companies lose their clients is due to these types of criteria.

So, here lies a fantastic opportunity for companies to set themselves apart, put the softer skills at the heart of their strategy, make it a key part of their proposition and make it a priority within their sales and marketing activity.

I believe there’s a gap in the market right now. And I’m delighted that our surveys continue to highlight these vital areas, enabling our syndicate members from across the FN50 make some extremely important strategic decisions.