For Gareth Livingstone, Stewart Signs Group, successful fleet branding isn't about applying graphics to vehicles. It's about building long-term partnerships that support a fleet's operational, commercial and sustainability goals.
Speaking in the 2026 Trusted Brands in Fleet report, Livingstone says the foundation of that relationship is experience and consistency.
"Experience is vital. We've got more than 60 years' experience in the sector, which means we know not only what works, but also what doesn't. For fleet operators, that reassurance really matters."
As fleets become larger and more geographically dispersed, maintaining a consistent brand image has become increasingly important. Whether a vehicle is operating in Exeter or Edinburgh, customers expect the same professional presentation and quality standards.
Livingstone believes that consistency comes from treating every customer relationship as a long-term partnership rather than a series of individual projects.
"We view client relationships as long-term partnerships rather than transactional projects. Instead of approaching work on a job-by-job basis, we focus on a broader roadmap aligned to the customer's wider fleet journey."
That approach extends beyond vehicle branding itself. Stewart Signs works with customers to understand operational requirements, vehicle lifecycles and sustainability objectives before recommending solutions, recognising that no two fleets face exactly the same challenges.
Looking ahead, Livingstone sees technology and data playing an increasingly important role in fleet branding. Digital visualisation, analytics and smarter reporting are helping fleets improve efficiency, reduce waste and make better long-term decisions, while advances in materials are creating new opportunities to balance durability with environmental performance.
His message reflects one of the key themes running throughout this year's 100 Trusted Brands in Fleet report. As fleet operations become more complex, the strongest supplier relationships are built on trust, transparency and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. For vehicle services providers, success is no longer measured by delivering individual projects, but by helping fleets protect their brand, reduce operational friction and plan confidently for the future.
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