In this edition of Focus, Mark Giannasi will be under the spotlight. Mark has been at Lafarge (UK) Services for 4 years and is responsible for a team of Sourcing Specialists, developing and implementing contracts to supply Lafarge UK with products and services ranging from Fleet and IT to packaging and explosives.

What do you enjoy about your role?

Being responsible for a wide range of categories allows the sharing of good ideas and best practices. It’s very rewarding to implement these and actually see the difference they make to the business.

What has been your biggest challenge in this role and what did you learn?

Lafarge UK is a very fragmented business both from a geographical and site product type. This means one size never fits all and makes it essential to understand what the needs of my stakeholders are.

What’s your main focus for 2012?

The economic environment is still extremely tough. The importance of controlling and minimising costs is a huge priority but along with this, we must ensure suppliers working with Lafarge – especially on our sites, do so safely with zero harm.

What key fleet issues do you see having the biggest impact on your fleet in the next 12 months?

The ever increasing cost of fuel is a significant issue. Our strategy of year on year CO2 cap reductions aim to encourage our drivers into more efficient cars which will help mitigate this and also help drivers offset BIK tax changes. The extension of phone and video conferencing will continue but I think this will have limited impact.

Please share a Fleet Best Practice or What have you recently improved on your fleet?

Removing the need for a significant level of capex by amortising the cost of the Duty of Care program was a particularly good project. Improving driver communication with an exciting driver portal is next on the list.

What do you see as key to managing a successful fleet?

Whilst it is very easy to just focus on monthly cost of the fleet, it is key to understand and tackle the true Whole Life Cost of the fleet. Of course ensuring drivers experience a high level of service is a pre-requisite for success.

Describe your fleet using 3 words?

Safe, efficient, good choice.

How do you see your fleet looking in 3 year’s time?

Cleaner with smaller vehicles and with alternatively fuelled vehicles where they are financially viable for the company and driver.

What’s your dream car?

Maserati Quattroporte – slightly less vulgar than a Ferrari and I could fit my golf clubs in!