The fleet management industry has such a diverse range of people and roles, and everyone has a unique story of their journey in our industry.

This month we talk to Thomas Brayley, Plant Fleet Services Manager at Logan City Council

FI: How did you get started in fleet and plant, and what was your first job in the industry?

TB: I began my career as an apprentice automotive mechanic on Porsche and Volkswagens in the UK - where we spent a considerable amount of time honing our timing skills on removing and replacing a VW beetle engine - I think I had it down at under 9 minutes to point of turnkey!

As a person always wanting to try new experiences, I changed direction after this and went on to study and qualify in Amenity Horticulture, Golf course construction and Golf Course Management.

I found my way into the civil construction industry as a facilities, plant and fleet manager 21 years ago on returning from a long period of travelling through India. I started working on contracts around the UK for Communications, Gas, Rail and Renewable energy – living in a Winnebago; fantastic job for a single man!

I moved on to qualify in an Oxford and Cambridge Certificate of Professional Competency in Fleet Management and Road Haulage Operations.

FI: Tell us about your role and the kind of fleet and plant you manage.

TB: I started with Logan City Council (LCC) about 18months ago, before this I was with Tweed shire Council for 9 years. I lead a fantastic team of fleet, workshop, fabrication, business support and operations professionals through the day to day life in Local Government.

We have a large fleet of standard Council equipment ranging from mowers to graders whilst also managing a large external hire contract for the organisation. We have field maintenance staff that are available 24/7 and we are looking at expand depot operations as growth in SW Logan increases.

FI: What’s your favourite part of your job?

TB: Making the move to LCC was probably the best decision of my professional life (so far) and although it is an extremely challenging role, it is also very rewarding. I am much more focused on leadership now and mentoring people in their chosen section of fleet, whether this be technical, procurement or maintenance coordination - all of this I really enjoy.

FI: What are some of the biggest challenges you see facing fleet professionals in 2019 and beyond?

TB: I see one of the biggest being uncertainty. The changing environmental regulations and how we adapt our operations and operating methods to suit these; technology; EV's and the impact on the grid, infrastructure upgrading and the 'buy in' factor; data and the most productive way to use it; sustainability and carbon reduction targets set by the government.

FI: How do you think the fleet department can make sure it has buy-in and support from the rest of the organisation?

TB: I am fortunate enough to be part of the Executive Leadership Team which comprises of CEO, Directors and Managers - this provides a platform for high level discussions on fleet where I can 'pitch' new ideas and get buy in…or not!

FI: If you weren’t in the fleet industry, what would you be doing?

TB: 18months ago I could have told you that - now I think I am pretty much immersed in a career that I am more than happy to be in as I have more decision-making power and can have more impact on the industry - maybe a game keeper in highlands of Scotland!