Questar UK took centre stage at this year’s Public Sector Fleet Conference, not just as a proud sponsor of the event, but also as a thought leader shaping the future of fleet management in the public sector.
Held at One Great George Street in London, the event brought together senior fleet professionals from across local and national government to explore strategies for efficient, safe and sustainable fleet operations. As the event’s headline sponsor, Questar UK delivered two presentations, one independently and one in collaboration with leading fleet software provider, Chevin Fleet Solutions.
In a solo session led by Questar UK’s Ben Copitch, delegates were invited to consider whether public sector organisations are at a disadvantage when it comes to implementing new fleet technologies.
Drawing on over a decade of industry insight, Ben illustrated the “fishbowl effect” of public sector accountability and the challenges it creates for innovation. Using a visual comparison between public and private sector implementation pathways, the session highlighted how budget cycles, procurement hurdles and market engagement can slow progress for public fleets.
Despite the constraints, Ben emphasised that successful outcomes are not only possible but replicable, particularly when organisations embrace a phased, collaborative and data-informed approach to technology adoption.
The presentation sparked lively discussion among attendees, many of whom acknowledged the tension between risk aversion and the need to modernise. The message was clear: with the right strategy, public sector fleets can lead the way in innovation.
In a joint presentation with Rich Clark, Head of Product at Chevin, Questar UK explored how strategic technology partnerships can unlock long-term savings without compromising on service delivery.
The session focused on how integrated systems, spanning telematics, diagnostics, compliance, safety and business intelligence, can reduce costs, improve driver behaviour and enhance vehicle uptime. Case studies included a groundbreaking ambulance fleet project where evidence pack turnaround times were reduced from five days to under five hours, leading to more successful prosecutions and better crew safety.
Another highlight was a predictive maintenance initiative that used diagnostic fault code tracking to reduce unresolved events by over 60%, paving the way for up to 20% savings in repair and maintenance budgets.
Both presenters addressed common integration challenges, such as data compatibility, vendor lock-in and user training and showed how these can be overcome through effective governance and strong supplier relationships.
The session was especially well received by fleet managers looking to modernise without blowing their budgets, with many requesting follow-up discussions on how to apply these best practices to their own operations.
Following the event, an audience feedback poll revealed a unanimous endorsement of Questar’s contributions. Both the solo and joint sessions received a 100% “Excellent” rating from delegates, an impressive result that highlights the relevance and impact of the insights we shared.
A Resounding Success
Throughout the day, the Questar UK team engaged with a broad spectrum of attendees, sharing insights and exploring potential collaborations. Their presence underscored the company’s ongoing commitment to driving value and innovation across the public fleet sector.
Reflecting on the event, one attendee commented:
“All speakers and exhibitors were really engaging and happy to speak in the breaks, so I was able to get some good contacts for the assistance we need.”
Want to continue the discussion? Head over to the new Fleet Interoperability Forum to share your thoughts on the latest public/private connectivity issues.
For more information about Questar UK’s fleet solutions or to explore a potential partnership, please contact us at sales@questarauto.co.uk