What are the judges looking for?

This category is for end-user fleet decision-makers only.

The judges will be looking for both a robust and holistic risk management and safety policy plus initiatives that have been introduced by the fleet, with clear evidence of how those initiatives have impacted on safety. Vehicles, drivers and the journey will all be key considerations during the judging process, as will the fleet’s incident rates, training records, root cause analysis, attitude towards risk management and understanding of duty of care. Please support your entry with relevant graphs/tables/facts.

What are the judges looking for?

This category is for end-user fleet decision-makers only.

Environmental concerns are high on the agenda. Cutting CO2, NOx and particulate emissions enables fleets to protect the environment, improve air quality, meet corporate responsibilities, win more business and reduce costs through reducing the fuel bill. However, sustainability is about more than just electrifying the fleet; it is also about reducing waste, optimising routes, managing fuel use, right-sizing vehicles, training drivers and robust maintenance controls. The winner of this award will display excellence across all these areas.  

What are the judges looking for?

This category is for end-user fleet decision-makers only.

The judges will be looking for detailed understanding of all aspects of fleet management and clear evidence of a business that has improved its performance over the previous 24 months.

Examples of improvement might include risk/safety, environment, operational, cost or driver management, with clear explanations about what the improvement(s) are, how you achieved them and the measures of success. Please include clear proof of your actions.

Fleet strategy: Questions 5 - 9, please explain improvement in performance across some or all of the following areas, illustrating what you did to affect change (including any hurdles to overcome) and what the impact has been.

Most improved timescales are the past 24 months as at the time of entry.

The person who spends the most time running the fleet and has decision making power on fleet matters should complete the entry. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 25-minute interview by the judging panel on either 28th or 29th January 2026 which will include a 10-minute presentation.

They will be notified of this by mid December.

What are the judges looking for?

The judges will be looking for detailed understanding of all aspects of fleet management, including current and future legislation and a commitment to training, innovation, the environment and cost control. Examples of best practice, including gaining support within the company, will be advantageous.

The cateogory is split into sections: personal details, fleet details and fleet strategy.

In the fleet strategy section of the questions, please provide clear evidence of any improvements/successes to support your entry.

This category is for end-user fleet decision-makers only.

Any company running a combined car/van/truck fleet of up to 250 vehicles.

The person who spends the most time running the fleet and has decision making power on fleet matters should complete the entry. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 25-minute interview by the judging panel on either 28th or 29th January 2026, which will include a 10-minute presentation.

They will be notified of this by mid December.

What are the judges looking for?

The judges will be looking for detailed understanding of all aspects of fleet management, including current and future legislation and a commitment to training, innovation, the environment and cost control. Examples of best practice, including gaining support within the company, will be advantageous. The cateogory is split into sections: personal details, fleet details and fleet strategy.

In the fleet strategy section of the questions, please provide clear evidence of any improvements/successes to support your entry.

This category is for end-user fleet decision-makers only running a combined car/van/truck fleet of 251-1,000 vehicles.

The person who spends the most time running the fleet and has decision making power on fleet matters should complete the entry. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 25-minute interview by the judging panel on either 28th or 29th January 2026 which will include a 10-minute presentation.

They will be notified of this by mid December.

What are the judges looking for?

The judges will be looking for detailed understanding of all aspects of fleet management, including current and future legislation and a commitment to training, innovation, the environment and cost control. Examples of best practice, including gaining support within the company, will be advantageous. The category is split into sections: personal details, fleet details and fleet strategy.

In the fleet strategy section of the questions, please provide clear evidence of any improvements/successes to support your entry.

This category is for end-user fleet decision-makers only running a combined car/van/truck fleet of more than 1,000 vehicles.

The person who spends the most time running the fleet and has decision making power on fleet matters should complete the entry.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 25-minute interview by the judging panel on either 28th or 29th January 2026 which will include a 10-minute presentation.

They will be notified of this by mid December.

What are the judges looking for?

Fleet dealer of the year will recognise a franchised dealer which shows an outstanding level of sales and aftersales support to its fleet customers. It will understand the challenges they face and provide solutions.

The winning dealer will display innovation in both fleet sales and aftersales support, showing how it meets the needs of fleet operators and their drivers.

Car and/or van dealers are eligible to enter.

What are the judges looking for?

This award recognises the best rental provider in the UK. It is open to rental companies that manage their own vehicles - not brokers or software aggregators.

The judges will be looking for innovation, new services, a clear understanding of customers’ needs and case studies which show evidence of your company’s impact on a fleet operator.

They are also looking for innovative ways to deliver mobility services.

What are the judges looking for?

This award is designed to honour a technology provider (telematics, AI, cameras, routing packages, fleet management software) which is meeting – and exceeding – the needs and expectations of its fleet customers.

The winner will display innovative solutions to problems, a willingness to create bespoke solutions and examples of outstanding customer service.

This award is open to all technology companies that have proved over the year that they are invested heavily in their commitment to fleet. The reasons for the award win will be clearly stated in the judges’ notes following the decision. What are the judges looking for?

The supplier must show it offers a genuinely valuable service, product or other benefit to fleet decision-makers. It needs to have been implemented well and where possible show demonstrable results. The judges will be particularly keen to see customer testimonials and case studies showing the benefits of these companies’ relationship with the supplier.

What are the judges looking for?

This award is designed to honour a converter which is meeting – and exceeding – the needs and expectations of its fleet customers.

The winner will display innovative solutions to problems, a willingness to create bespoke solutions and examples of outstanding customer service.

This award is open to all conversion companies that have proved over the year that they are invested heavily in their commitment to fleet.

The supplier must show it offers a genuinely valuable service, product or other benefit to van/truck fleet decision-makers and show demonstrable results.

The judges will be particularly keen to see customer testimonials and case studies showing the benefits of these companies’ relationship with the supplier.

What are the judges looking for?

This award is designed to honour a graphics/livery company which is meeting – and exceeding – the needs and expectations of its fleet customers.

The winner will display innovative solutions to problems, a willingness to create bespoke solutions and examples of outstanding customer service.

This award is open to all graphics/liverycompanies that have proved over the year that they are invested heavily in their commitment to fleet.

The supplier must show it offers a genuinely valuable service, product or other benefit to fleet decision-makers with demonstrable results.

The judges will be particularly keen to see customer testimonials and case studies showing the benefits of these companies’ relationship with the supplier.

What are the judges looking for?

This award is designed to honour a service provider (SMR/fleet management, tyres, training, risk management, accident management, charge points, fuel card solutions) which is meeting – and exceeding – the needs and expectations of its fleet customers.

The winner will display innovative solutions to problems, a willingness to create bespoke solutions and examples of outstanding customer service.

The supplier must show it offers a genuinely valuable service, product or other benefit to fleet decision-makers with demonstrable results.

The judges will be particularly keen to see customer testimonials and case studies showing the benefits of these companies’ relationship with the supplier.  

What are the judges looking for?

This award recognises the best contract hire and leasing company with a risk fleet of up to 20,000 cars, vans, trucks and two or three-wheelers.

The judges will be looking for companies who operate as a true partner to fleet decision-makers, focusing on services, cost reduction, environmental initiatives, safety and risk management and innovative products.

The judging criteria will be weighted in favour of customer service and innovation.

What are the judges looking for?

This award recognises the best contract hire and leasing company with a risk fleet of more than 20,000 cars, vans, trucks and two or three-wheelers.

The judges will be looking for companies who operate as a true partner to fleet decision-makers, focusing on services, cost reduction, environmental initiatives, safety and risk management and innovative products.

The judging criteria will be weighted in favour of customer service and innovation.

What are the judges looking for?

This award will honour the vehicle manufacturer which is leading the way in the transition of its models to zero emission. The winner will also display its holistic strategy to become net carbon zero across its business.

What are the judges looking for?

Manufacturers have different levels of resource to invest in their fleet operations but it’s not all about money – customer service for sales and aftersales (both central and via the retail network), a value proposition, strong product range and the ability to solve problems are key to a long-lasting relationship.

This category is designed to honour those manufacturers - car, van or truck - that have made the biggest strides forward in terms of their relationships with fleets over the past 12 months.

It gives the manufacturer’s fleet operation deserved recognition for new initiatives, improved service or simply a new approach towards fleet.

What are the judges looking for?

Open to a van with a gross vehicle weight up to and including 2.2-tonnes

This is a key sector that supports small businesses throughout the country. The judges will be looking at payload, load volume, level of standard specification and drivability when making their decision.

These awards will be decided by a combination of deliberations from the judges and a fleet-focused points matrix.

The judges will then score shortlisted vehicles before meeting for a final discussion.

 What are the judges looking for? Gross vehicle weight over 2.2 tonnes, up to and including 2.8 tonnes

These vehicles form a bridge between the small vans and the heavy panel vans and there is no shortage of choice. Manufacturers have been expanding their ranges and now there are short and long wheelbase and standard and high roof variants. The judges will be looking at the breadth of range, practicality, reliability, drivability and levels of standard specification when making their decision.

This award will be decided by a combination of deliberations from the Fleet News Awards judges and a fleet-focused points matrix.

The Fleet News Awards judges will then score shortlisted vehicles before meeting for a final discussion.

No online entries required for 2026.

What are the judges looking for?

More than 2.8 tonnes, up to and including 3.5 tonnes (4.25 tonnes for electric vans under the derogation)

Heavy panel vans and chassis-cabs are popular and versatile. Judges will be examining each contender’s breadth of range, together with pricing, reliability, drivability and levels of standard specification when making their decision.

No online entries required for 2026.

What are the judges looking for?

These awards will be decided by a combination of deliberations from the judges and a fleet-focused points matrix.

The judges will then score shortlisted vehicles before meeting for a final discussion.

No online entries required for 2026.

What are the judges looking for?

These awards will be decided by a combination of deliberations from the judges and a fleet-focused points matrix.

The judges will then score shortlisted vehicles before meeting for a final discussion.

No online entries required for 2026.

What are the judges looking for?

Fleet News will create a list containing every model on the market in each of the six categories. The judging panel will then select the winners against the awards matrix of the key criteria that fleets consider when adding cars to their choice lists.

They are:

• Running costs (SMR, depreciation, fuel)
• CO2 emissions
• Safety (technology and Euro NCAP rating)
• Reliability
• Manufacturer support (conversions, business support, bespoke relationships) and aftersales/dealer support
• Driver appeal (P11D pricing/BIK, badge image, performance)
• Range consideration (3dr/5dr/estate, 2WD/4WD, engine options)

No online entries required for 2026.  

 What are the judges looking for?

Fleet News will create a list containing every model on the market in each of the six categories. The judging panel will then select the winners against the awards matrix of the key criteria that fleets consider when adding cars to their choice lists.

They are:

• Running costs (SMR, depreciation, fuel)
• CO2 emissions
• Safety (technology and Euro NCAP rating)
• Reliability
• Manufacturer support (conversions, business support, bespoke relationships) and aftersales/dealer support
• Driver appeal (P11D pricing/BIK, badge image, performance)
• Range consideration (3dr/5dr/estate, 2WD/4WD, engine options)

No online entries required for 2026.

What are the judges looking for?

Fleet News will create a list containing every model on the market in each of the six categories. The judging panel will then select the winners against the awards matrix of the key criteria that fleets consider when adding cars to their choice lists.

They are:

• Running costs (SMR, depreciation, fuel)
• CO2 emissions
• Safety (technology and Euro NCAP rating)
• Reliability
• Manufacturer support (conversions, business support, bespoke relationships) and aftersales/dealer support 
• Driver appeal (P11D pricing/BIK, badge image, performance) 
• Range consideration (3dr/5dr/estate, 2WD/4WD, engine options)

No online entries required for 2026.

What are the judges looking for?

Fleet News will create a list containing every model on the market in each of the nine categories. The judging panel will then select the winners against the awards matrix of the key criteria that fleets consider when adding cars to their choice lists.

They are:

• Running costs (SMR, depreciation, fuel)
• CO2 emissions
• Safety (technology and Euro NCAP rating)
• Reliability
• Manufacturer support (conversions, business support, bespoke relationships) and aftersales/dealer support
• Driver appeal (P11D pricing/BIK, badge image, performance) 
• Range consideration (3dr/5dr/estate, 2WD/4WD, engine options)

No online entries required for 2026.

What are the judges looking for?

Fleet News will create a list containing every model on the market in each of the nine categories. The judging panel will then select the winners against the awards matrix of the key criteria that fleets consider when adding cars to their choice lists.

They are:

• Running costs (SMR, depreciation, fuel) 
• CO2 emissions 
• Safety (technology and Euro NCAP rating) 
• Reliability
• Manufacturer support (conversions, business support, bespoke relationships) and aftersales/dealer support 
• Driver appeal (P11D pricing/BIK, badge image, performance)
• Range consideration (3dr/5dr/estate, 2WD/4WD, engine options)

No online entries required for 2026.

What are the judges looking for?

Fleet News will create a list containing every model on the market in each of the nine categories. The judging panel will then select the winners against the awards matrix of the key criteria that fleets consider when adding cars to their choice lists. They are:

• Running costs (SMR, depreciation, fuel) 
• CO2 emissions
• Safety (technology and Euro NCAP rating)
• Reliability
• Manufacturer support (conversions, business support, bespoke relationships) and aftersales/dealer support
• Driver appeal (P11D pricing/BIK, badge image, performance)
• Range consideration (3dr/5dr/estate, 2WD/4WD, engine options)

No online entries required for 2026.

No entries are required for Fleet Supplier of the Year. The judges will decide the winner based on a shortlist of the winners of each of the supplier categories.

This award is based on voting by Fleet News readers (certified fleet decision-makers) via email in January 2026 on the car manufacturer they believe has best met their needs over the previous 12 months.

This award is based on voting by Fleet News readers (certified fleet decision-makers) via email in January 2026 on the van manufacturer they believe has best met their needs over the previous 12 months.

What are the judges looking for?

This category is for end-user fleet leaders/decision-makers only.

Key to the success of any fleet operation is a dedicated fleet manager. For this award, the judges will be looking for someone who has their finger on the pulse, not only of their fleet, but also of the wide array of issues which influence it, both externally and internally.

A good fleet leader should be able to demonstrate knowledge of and control of costs – that does not necessarily mean huge cost savings but they should be able to demonstrate control/cost avoidance/added value achieved, etc.

The winner will demonstrate a co-ordinated commitment to efficiency, safety, environment and driver satisfaction, with an inclusive approach covering fleet management, HR, procurement, health and safety and senior executives.

They should also be able to demonstrate knowledge travel and mobility services and the role they can play on the fleet, either now or in the future. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a 25-minute interview by the judging panel on either 28th or 29th January 2026, which will include a 10-minute presentation.

They will be notified of this by mid-December.

Decided by Stephen Briers, Group editor of Fleet News, in consultation with leading industry figures, the Fleet News Hall of Fame recognises and honours those people that have made an outstanding contribution to the fleet sector during their career.