New research from Venson Automotive Solutions has highlighted the amount of time fleet managers across the UK may be wasting as a result of automated customer service lines.

According to the firm’s findings, more than half (57 per cent) of UK fleet managers regularly lose time in their day as a result of waiting in long call waiting queues when contacting customers and suppliers.

On average, the time needed to speak to a real person was between ten and 15 minutes.

As a result, the organisation is calling upon UK businesses to amend their customer service policies and employ more call handlers, as doing so could significantly enhance productivity and mean less time is being wasted on a daily basis.

Automated phone systems were shown to be a turn-off for busy business people, with a lack of personal interaction a factor in many companies choosing to shift their business elsewhere.

With this in mind, Venson recommended UK fleet providers also pick up on this fact and ensure they are offering a personalised service to their own customers, with direct access to a fixed account manager.

Simon Staton, client management director for Venson, commented: “A smaller fleet management provider can often remove needless delays from automated systems, as they are better placed to provide fast, direct access to managers and senior staff.

“Of course, technology, such as dashboards, apps and portals all play a vital role in effective fleet management, however, accountability is vital in a successful fleet management relationship.”

At The Fuel Card People we pride ourselves on our personal service and all of our customers get a named account manager to help them make the most of their fuelcard account.

To discover what we could do for your business click here.