Empowering Progress: Ayvens at Empowering Women in Fleet 2026

Empowering Women in Fleet 2026 brought together a diverse audience from across the fleet sector, offering a strong mix of content alongside valuable networking opportunities.

From the outset, it was clear the day would be both engaging and thought provoking. With attendees spanning a variety of roles, levels of seniority and sectors, the conversations reflected the breadth and complexity of today’s fleet landscape.

A consistent thread ran throughout the event. Meaningful progress in fleet comes from combining innovation with inclusive leadership. While technology continues to advance at pace, it is confidence, representation and opportunity that ultimately determine how successfully those innovations are adopted.

Stephen Briers’ market update provided important context, including the insight that the fleet industry’s gender pay gap remains higher than the UK average. This served as a timely reminder that while the industry is evolving, there is still progress to be made in creating a more inclusive environment.

Katy Leeson’s session was a standout moment of the day. Her perspective on overcoming imposter syndrome and reframing it as a potential superpower rather than a limitation, resonated strongly. It offered an empowering message around self-belief, and the role individuals can play in shaping their own career journeys.

The interactive roundtable sessions were another highlight, providing space for open, practical discussions on the challenges facing fleet today.

A key theme raised by fleet representatives was the need for suppliers to work more collaboratively to connect the dots across an increasingly complex ecosystem. Fleet management has evolved into a multifaceted discipline, and data now sits at the centre of effective decision making. Bringing together insights from different systems and partners is essential to give fleets a complete and accurate picture and ultimately help them make better informed choices.

One discussion focused specifically on the implementation of technologies such as telematics. While the benefits are widely recognised, including improved safety, reduced costs and stronger compliance, adoption is not always straightforward.

Driver buy in remains the biggest challenge. Concerns around privacy, unfamiliarity with technology and perceptions of being monitored can create resistance. The consensus was that success depends on clear communication, transparency and trust. Positioning telematics as a form of protection rather than surveillance is key.

In vehicle cameras were highlighted as a good example of this shift in perception. Initially met with resistance, they often gain acceptance once drivers see how they can protect them from false claims and provide objective evidence in incidents.

The discussions also reinforced the growing importance of data in driving behaviour change. Tools such as driver scorecards can encourage positive performance through greater visibility and even healthy competition, particularly when linked to incentives.

However, technology alone is not enough. Fleet culture plays a critical role. Disconnects between office teams and drivers can undermine adoption, while open, transparent and approachable management fosters trust and engagement.

Practical considerations such as the difference between business and personal vehicle use were also explored, with personal use increasing privacy concerns while also offering opportunities, for example more accurate business mileage tracking.

Telematics is also playing an important role in supporting the transition to electric vehicles. By providing real world insights into driver behaviour and usage patterns, it helps organisations identify suitable candidates for EV adoption and challenge assumptions that may otherwise slow progress.

Again, the key barrier is not technology, but mindset. A phased approach, supported by clear data and strong communication, can help organisations unlock early wins and build confidence over time.

If there was one overarching takeaway from the day, it is this. The biggest opportunities facing the fleet industry will not be solved by technology alone. They will be unlocked by empowering the people behind it.

At Ayvens, this aligns closely with our approach. As fleet management continues to evolve, connecting data, systems and partners will be essential, alongside fostering trust, collaboration and inclusive leadership across the industry.

Events like Empowering Women in Fleet play a vital role in driving that progress forward, and we are proud to be part of the conversation.

This article reflects industry perspectives and does not constitute financial or investment advice.