*Sponsored content from bp.
Despite the freeze on fuel duty for another year, the cost of petrol and diesel at the pumps remains high and isn’t expected to reduce any time soon, meaning you may have no choice but to pass the pain onto your customers in the not-too-distant future. The trouble is, it can be hard to predict how your customers will react and so much will depend on what your business competitors decide to do.
There are a number of simple steps you can take to counter these rising prices. Measures like educating your drivers on how to drive more efficiently, using digital tools that give you more control over many aspects of your fleet management and introducing fuel cards to secure discounts at the pumps while, at the same time, helping you to keep on top of your invoicing and cut down on time-consuming admin.
Ways to fight back #1: Better driving
Let’s start with a few tips for the driver. The heavier the luggage you have in your boot, the harder the engine has to work to power the car and the more fuel you use. So, it’s not a good idea to keep your golf clubs in the boot all week, ready for your game at the weekend.
It also pays to keep tyre pressure at the recommended level. This will help your tyres last longer and reduce fuel consumption as your engine is not toiling harder than normal due to the extra friction caused by spongey tyres.
Rapidly accelerating and braking in heavy traffic is something else to be avoided. Your employees need to try and drive smoothly, leaving a good gap behind the car in front, which will reduce their need to brake and the amount of fuel used.
Ways to fight back #2: Better fleet management
The latest generation of fleet technologies can also help give you more control over your driving costs with regular reporting and data analytics that can make business journeys more cost efficient.
Tools like this are now available with most good fuel cards, giving you extra control over your fleet management and the added security protection of cash-free accounting.
Ways to fight back #3: Money-saving fleet cards
There are other ways that fuel cards can be a great money-saving option for your business, and the bp Fuel & Charge card is one of the best. Whether you're a sole trader, independent driver or fleet manager, this card can help you pay less at the pump, earn loyalty rewards and cut down on paperwork.
Not only does your card secure special discounts on bp branded pump prices, but you’ll be able to use it at 3,400 fuel stations* on major routes throughout the UK, including Esso, Texaco and Gulf.
The online platform lets you track spend and manage your HMRC-approved VAT invoices all in one place, reducing time-consuming paperwork. While PIN protection makes cash a thing of the past.
Better still, every time you use the card, you earn points redeemable at M&S Simply Food and Wild Bean café, and more at bp forecourts.
To find out about other benefits of the bp Fuel & Charge card, simply click here.
*Disclaimer: This blog post is sponsored content, which is independent of the FMB. Publication does not constitute endorsement or recommendation from the FMB.
