In our Meet the Experts series, we introduce you to key members of the Interleasing team and shine a spotlight on their expertise. Here we talk to Business Development Manager Lycette Silvey, who joined us in August 2022.
Thanks for your time, Lycette. How long have you been working in asset finance/fleet solutions for?
Sixteen years across two countries – England and Australia from the late 1990s with a few breaks out of the industry between then and now. Definitely back where I belong!
What does your role entail and what excites you about it?
I love people and solving problems for clients. I have a passion for educating on each element of the lease/service/product to ensure clients are getting value for money, and that they are looking at like-for-like comparisons when choosing a partner.
I provide a high level of service to everyone I deal with. No one fleet is the same, so each organisation I work with I like to really get to know so I can provide solutions to their pain points.
What are some of the challenges that you help solve for clients?
Lack of service seems a hot topic in the aftermath of Covid, with people movement and reduction in headcount having a negative impact on service in general. Clients pay FMOs a management fee to take a hands-on approach to managing their fleet and that’s exactly what we all should be doing.
The transition from internal combustion engines to cleaner vehicles is another topic, with education, being fit-for-purpose, infrastructure and supply all a concern for any sized fleet. Interleasing have case studies of businesses we have assisted in transitioning to a green fleet and we are currently reducing the emissions of our own fleet.
What are the biggest opportunities for fleet managers?
Grey fleet and risk management. If a business supplies a car allowance instead of a company provided vehicle they still have a duty of care to their employees: they need to have an up to date, signed vehicle policy; they need to check on licences, servicing schedules and insurances for business use.
What future trends do fleet managers need to be aware of?
Managing risk, reducing carbon footprint (in a variety of ways) and keeping updated on industry news such as supply chain issues and EVs.
What makes Interleasing different?
The culture. Everyone takes accountability for their work and there is no shortage of offers to assist a colleague. Our internal ticket system means every request is actioned and an individual is responsible for the timeframe of resolution.
What is the biggest opportunity for Interleasing in the coming years?
With the Electric Car Discount Bill having successfully passed through Parliament, electric vehicles (EVs) are more attractive to businesses with a company car fleet. I see this as a great opportunity for businesses to partner with Interleasing to understand their fleet sustainability needs.
Many businesses have reduction targets and don’t know where to start. Interleasing are well positioned to support clients and have partnered with best-in-class providers to offer a range of solutions, starting with understanding driving patterns and ensuring EVs are fit-for-purpose for organisations and their driver. We also take care of on-the-go, home and workplace charging solutions, and run EV drive days so our clients can experience driving an EV for themselves!
We can also advise on other options for fleets where EVs aren’t suitable (for example, utes towing or carrying heavy equipment) and assist with carbon offsets or purchasing carbon neutral fuel.
What was your first job?
Working as an implant for a car hire company within a leasing company in the UK.
What inspires you?
Setting an over-ambitious goal and achieving it – both professionally and personally.
Other resources
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