On 16 July 2025, representatives from more than 38 local authorities gathered at JCB World Headquarters and the JCB Quarry for the Municipal Fleet and Plant Procurement Event. This unique event promoted sustainability in fleet and plant procurement, and was made possible through a collaboration between JCB, The Procurement Partnership (TPPL), and Fleet Vision International.
The inaugural Municipal Fleet & Plant Procurement Event (MFPPE) was invite-only for public sector organisations that are members of TPPL. This unique conference, exhibition, and live demonstration event provided an unmissable opportunity for local authority fleet and plant operators to discover how procurement innovation can lead them to operational sustainability.
The day kicked off with an exhibition at JCB World HQ, where exhibitors showcased a range of innovative solutions to help public sector organisations make informed, sustainable procurement decisions. Exhibitors included JCB, The Procurement Partnership, NRG Riverside, Hillend Engineering, NTM GB, Romaquip, Hako Machines, Bucher Municipal, Scarab Sweepers, Specialist Fleet Services, CTS Hire, Refuse Vehicle Solutions, CPL, Fleet Factors, Mackworth Vehicle Conversions, Quartix, Mellor, Pentagon Group, Versalift, JHM Butt & Co, Dawson Group, and RSD Recruitment.
World-class speakers
Alex McFie Hyland, Government & Municipalities Sales Manager at JCB, opened the conference with a keynote presentation on JCB’s role as the public sector’s trusted partner, offering tailored machinery solutions, procurement support, and responsive after-sales service. ‘We understand your challenges,’ Alex said. ‘From budget pressures to sustainability goals, we are ready with practical, efficient, and future-proof solutions.
‘JCB LiveLink, for instance, empowers smarter fleet management, reducing downtime and meet compliance requirements through real-time data insights. At the same time, JCB’s hydrogen combustion engine technology represents our commitment to a zero-carbon future – delivering clean power without compromising on performance or reliability.’
TPPL’s Managing Director, James Brennan, returned to the beginning of TPPL’s founding in his presentation, delivering insight into how the company has developed into a leading provider of procurement services to UK public-sector organisations. He also provided a general market overview of the fleet sector and offered helpful information on how government policy frameworks are shaping the electrification of the sector. James disclosed interesting trends in the electrification of vehicles and supporting infrastructure as we head towards the phased ban of new petrol and diesel passenger cars, vans, and HGVs between 2030 and 2040.
Phillip Williams, Director of Procurement at The Procurement Partnership, aimed to give delegates an understanding of the new public sector procurement regime, the Procurement Act 2023. He also explored its impact on frameworks and how TPPL solutions remain compliant for its public-sector users.
Peter Vickers, Business Development Manager for the Southeast at The Procurement Partnership, presented alongside Chris Demetriou, Assistant Director of Corporate Fleet, Transport & Accessible Community Transport at Islington Council. Together, they discussed Islington’s electrification, infrastructure, and fleet requirements. TPPL not only assisted the local authority during its extensive electric vehicle procurement process but also tailored solutions specifically to meet the council’s needs.
‘Our hands-on approach to procurement at Islington is an example of how TPPL helps our members save time and money while providing an additional resource that is often lacking in the public sector,’ said Peter Vickers.
Peter and Chris illustrated how a close understanding of objectives and desired outcomes can help overcome challenges. Their collaboration led to multiple successful and cost-effective procurement projects, delivering innovative solutions and adding value through TPPL’s unique approach to public procurement.
Alex Webster, Sales Director at Ryze Power, concluded the conference by announcing the development of the Bradford Low Carbon Hydrogen (BLCH) project. This initiative aims to create a facility for producing low-carbon hydrogen in Bradford, West Yorkshire, and it will be one of the UK’s largest low-carbon hydrogen production facilities.
The facility will use renewable electricity to generate green hydrogen. This hydrogen is intended to help decarbonise vehicles and industries, with distribution managed by Ryze Hydrogen. The project is a collaboration between Hygen Energy and Ryze Power, with support from Northern Gas Networks and Bradford Council. Alex explained that the project will ensure the widespread availability of green hydrogen in the UK, aiming to bring costs on par with diesel in 2027.
Live and static plant and vehicle demos
After a networking lunch at JCB HQ, delegates were transported to the JCB Quarry, where JCB’s Technical Sales Manager, Steve Gallimore, showcased a spectacular lineup of JCB plant and machinery during the live demonstrations at the JCB grandstand.
From the versatile JS20MH to the JCB Hydrogen Loadall, every piece of equipment had the audience buzzing with excitement. Attendees witnessed the JCB Pothole Pro, the efficiency of the 437 and 457 Wastemasters, as well as the Fastrac Industrial series tractors, along with compact models like the 19E and 1TE/3TE.
The MFPPE static vehicle demonstrations showcased products from several companies, including Hillend Engineering, known for innovative waste and recycling vehicles; Mackworth Vehicle Conversions, which presented its latest 3.5-tonne lightweight tool pod tipper; CPL, which demonstrated its 3.5-tonne articulated aerial platform; Pentagon Group showed its state-of- art BYD SEAL and BYD DOLPHIN SURF EVs; and Hako Machines, displaying its cutting-edge 3.5-tonne City Master.
Exhibition
Attendees also had the opportunity to explore a range of vehicles from NRG Riverside, Hillend Engineering, NTM GB, Romaquip, Hako Machines, Bucher Municipal, Scarab Sweepers, SFS, CTS, RVS, CPL, Mackworth Vehicle Conversions, Mellor, Pentagon Group, Versalift, JHM Butt & Co, and Dawson Group. Knowledgeable representatives were on hand to discuss the vehicles and explain the features and specifications of each machine.
Following the demonstrations and outdoor exhibition, delegates returned to JCB HQ to explore the Story of JCB Tour before heading home.
Alex McFie Hyland, Government & Municipalities Sales Manager at JCB, said: ‘Hosting the TPPL MFPPE at JCB was a fantastic opportunity to showcase how our solutions can support public-sector authorities in achieving their goals. The event proved incredibly beneficial, allowing us to engage directly with decision-makers and demonstrate the real-world impact of our machinery and services. We’re proud to be part of a collaborative effort driving innovation and efficiency across the sector.’
James Brennan, MD of The Procurement Partnership, said: ‘MFPPE was a unique event unlike any other in the industry, bringing together public-sector delegates and key suppliers from the fleet and plant sectors. The day featured a diverse, busy schedule designed to support the public sector in sustainable procurement and fleet decarbonisation. We are delighted that TPPL customers had the opportunity to visit the iconic JCB World Headquarters and learn about the latest advancements in fleet and plant technology from leading suppliers.
‘The seminar presentations focused on strategic procurement to support sustainable transport and help local authorities navigate the new procurement regulations, ensuring compliance with the principles outlined in the Procurement Act 2023. Through careful planning, strategic procurement, and innovative technologies, the sector can create a cleaner, greener environment for future generations.
‘We would like to express our gratitude to JCB for being such fantastic hosts, as well as to TPPL members, suppliers, and our partner Fleet Vision International, which helped us to create a memorable event.’
