The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has launched an international fleet working group that’s designed for UK vehicle operators managing fleets across Europe and globally.

The new group is chaired by AFP board director Julie Summerell

The newly formed group has hit the ground running after its initial meeting, establishing a WhatsApp network and scheduling its first online forum for Tuesday 20 October 2026.

Julie Summerell, who has been elected chair of the new group, highlighted a growing demand for global collaboration.

Summerell, who is an AFP board director, said: “Over time, it’s become clear there is a cohort of UK fleet managers with international fleet responsibilities within the AFP who would benefit from their own network. Interest in our initial meeting was very high, reflecting the degree of enthusiasm that exists.”

The working group’s agreed objective is to support fleet managers with responsibility for vehicles operated outside the UK, including the Republic of Ireland, by improving understanding of legal, financial and operational differences between countries through knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Summerell elaborated: “We’re aiming to explore new ways of supporting these fleet managers. The WhatsApp group, online forum and meetings will provide regular discourse but we’re also investigating formal training through the AFP Fleet Academy.

The group support fleet managers with responsibility for vehicles operated outside the UK

“Also, the AFP intends to work closely with European and global fleet associations to strengthen support for international fleet managers, promoting best practice and greater cross-border collaboration across the fleet sector.”

The new initiative caters for a broad spectrum of operators, stretching from major global fleets that operated more than 95% of their vehicles outside the UK through to small operators with a handful of cars in European countries.

“Early indications point to particularly strong demand for guidance covering the Republic of Ireland, with many UK fleets running vehicles there and feeling a need for help and support,” Summerell added.

The online forum planned for 20 October is open to all AFP fleet operator members with an interest in international fleets. The session will be moderated by Summerell and fellow AFP director Debbie Floyde.

More details can be found at the event listing on the AFP website.