‘Fleet Manager of the Year’, managing the ‘Fleet of the Year,’ surrounded by an award-winning team and 20 years of fleet experience… You’d be forgiven for assuming Matt Neale was far older than he is. His impressive career embodies a passion for his work which has been constant and continues now in his role with Platform Housing Group. We learn about his experience, innovations, academic aspirations for the industry and belief in forming valued partnerships.
You can listen to the full podcast here.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leader
A 20-Year Career in Fleet
With over two decades of experience, Matt Neale’s journey began in vehicle management and evolved through notable names like Lombard Vehicle Management, Masterlease, Fraikin, BT Fleet, and National Car Parks. Now Head of Fleet at Platform Housing Group, Matt oversees a 700-vehicle fleet comprised mainly of light commercial vehicles.
Building a Fleet Department from the Ground Up
Matt didn’t just inherit a fleet department, he built it. Upon joining Platform Housing Group, he established the fleet team, introduced a new operating system, and brought in critical solutions that transformed the organisation’s vehicle management practices.
Winning Fleet Manager of the Year
A Milestone Achievement
Winning the award was a significant personal and professional milestone for Matt, describing it as the “pinnacle of his career.” Having submitting entries multiple times, 2025 proved to be third time lucky, a testament to his perseverance and excellence.
Key Innovations That Made a Difference
Matt attributes his win to several impactful changes:
- Introducing a new industry Fleet Apprentice standard
- Fleet Service GB’s driver behaviour programme
- Introduction of electric vehicles (EVs)
- Enhanced road-related risk management
- A fully integrated fleet management system combining telematics and vehicle maintenance data.
Driving Efficiency Through Technology
Smart Data Integration with Fleet Service GB
One standout change was the adoption of an all-in-one fleet management solution provided by Fleet Service GB (FSGB). This integration enabled real-time oversight of vehicle maintenance, telematics, and driver data, which centralised operations and improved cost control.
Sustainability and EV Adoption in Fleet
Aligning with the ZEV Mandate
Matt’s team is proactively aligning with the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires 16% of vehicle orders in 2025 to be electric. Platform Housing Group is not only meeting its own goals but also assisting other housing associations by taking on additional EV orders.
Supporting the Broader Fleet Community
Matt promotes a collaborative approach to sustainability, working closely with suppliers such as TrustFord who have been appointed as Platform Housing Group’s sole supplier for all vehicle purchases. His efforts assist others in the industry transition to electric fleet solutions more smoothly.
Championing Collaboration and Best Practice Sharing
Housing Association Fleet Forum
Matt established a dedicated forum for housing association fleet managers to exchange ideas and strategies. This initiative promotes peer-to-peer learning and wider adoption of successful programmes, such as the FSGB driver behaviour tool that improved driver safety across multiple organisations.
Shaping the Future of Fleet Management
Developing the Next Generation: Fleet Apprenticeships
Understanding the aging demographic within fleet management, Matt has been instrumental in launching a Fleet Apprentice Standard in collaboration with Skills England. This programme will offer structured career pathways for newcomers, helping to safeguard the future of the fleet profession.
Involvement from Industry Giants
A diverse group of fleet operators, including Royal Mail, Openreach and National Grid, has joined the trailblazing initiative. Companies like Platform Housing Group, Bromford Housing, Speedy Services and Travis Perkins to name but a few, will be among the first to take on apprentices, offering hands-on experience and long-term career development.
Strategic Business Decisions for Operational Efficiency
Switching from Leasing to Ownership
Platform Housing Group made a strategic decision to move from contract maintenance and leasing to vehicle ownership and pay-as-you-go maintenance. This move was financially advantageous and gave the organisation greater control over vehicle downtime management, which is critical for a service-led business.
Partnering for Performance
Through a continued partnership with FSGB, Platform Housing Group ensures national network coverage, service bookings, and maintenance scheduling. All while retaining full operational control.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Platform Housing Group’s Fleet?
Continuous Improvement and Integration
Matt Neale emphasises the importance of slow, steady evolution in fleet strategy. Now aligned more closely with frontline drivers under Platform Property Care, the fleet team is better positioned to understand and support day-to-day operations.
Never Standing Still
For Matt, success in fleet management means never becoming complacent. With ongoing changes in technology, sustainability regulations, and business needs, adaptability remains the name of the game.
Final Thoughts
Matt Neale’s award is not just a personal victory, it represents a broader transformation in how modern fleet management should be approached: data-driven, sustainability-focused, collaborative, and future-ready.
Listen to the full podcast here.
