Fleet maintenance has always been a hands-on job, but over the past 30 years, the tools, technology, and expectations have changed dramatically. Operations Director, James Hipkiss has been in the thick of it from the start, adapting as the job evolved to a blend of technical skill, diagnostics, and compliance.
We spoke to James about how the industry has transformed, what challenges fleet operators face now, and how fleet service solution providers like Pullman are preparing for the next wave of change.
“My first day? I was given a car key and a business card”
Above: James Hipkiss at our Ellesmere Port Workshop.
James’ first day wasn’t exactly textbook onboarding.
“I was literally given the keys to a car and told to go out and win new business. We were basically an in-house maintenance company back then, so the aim was to build something bigger”.
That “something bigger” now includes nationwide VMUs, franchise locations, mobile support, and a growing list of major retail and logistics clients.
What’s changed most in 30 years?
“Vehicle technology and compliance – no question. The emissions challenge alone has created huge changes in how trucks are built and serviced”.
He’s seen the impact up close: the rise of exhaust after treatment systems, the move to Euro VI, and the influx of complex electronics in what used to be purely mechanical machines.
Euro 7 (expected 2026 for new HGVs) is the first standard to regulate non-exhaust particulates (such as brake dust and tyre wear) alongside traditional exhaust pollutants, and introduces stricter durability and on-board compliance requirements.
“But it’s also opened doors for us. I get a real buzz about onboarding new business; that’s probably the thing that’s kept me focused for 30 years.
When we became a Carrier dealer, it was quite an exceptional opportunity that doesn’t come along very often, and to still enjoy a really positive partnerships and play a key part in their growth is a great thing to look back on”.
Fleet support is no longer one-size-fits-all
Gone are the days of being tied to one truck brand or service type. James believes the future lies in being multi-marque and multi-skilled. That flexibility has helped businesses like Pullman carve out a niche between the OEMs and the independents: a one-stop-shop where downtime is measured in minutes, not days.
“With our OEM relationships and multi marque experience, we can still offer tailor made solutions, regardless of marque of vehicle”.
What does that look like in practice?
“We’re not subcontracting anything. We’re not waiting for the refrigeration engineer or the tail lift guy to turn up. We can do it all. That’s the real value of being a one-stop-shop”.
With the UK targeting 50% zero-emission HGV sales by 2035, fleet servicing is becoming more complex. While full electrification may still be years away for many fleets, workshops are already being called on to handle more advanced diagnostics, tighter compliance, and evolving training needs, areas where Pullman continues to invest.
The quiet revolution happening in workshops
Above: Apprentices at Pullman
While vehicle technology gets the headlines, the bigger story might be the shift happening on the workshop floor. The job of a technician is changing fast, and attracting the next generation has never been more critical.
“There’s still a huge gap in our industry,” James says. “But the new breed of technicians coming through aren’t afraid of diagnostics software or electric drive systems. That’s the future”.
Apprenticeships and upskilling programmes are key to this. Pullman’s own GearUp pathway gives people with a mechanical background a clear route into the HGV world, combining structured training, IRTEC qualifications, and the potential to earn up to £55k.
A career that moves with you
James has been around truck & trailer workshops, led teams, and seen firsthand how technician careers evolve at Pullman. When it comes to what makes the job rewarding, he keeps it simple:
“I think what you get at Pullman is that variety of different opportunities. We have workshop and mobile technicians, specialist services such as refrigeration, tail lifts, and onsite support. We have the full range which allows us to tailor what we do for each customer”.
Words to work by
“Learn from the people around you. This industry’s all about having the right team, the right capabilities, and spotting the opportunities. This is a key part of our success”.
Want to start your own journey at Pullman?
Explore technician careers and other vacancies on our careers page.
