September/October 2013
www.bvrla.co.uk
BVRLA News The bimonthly newsletter of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association
Fewer cars, more tech: the future of mobility By Gerry Keaney, BVRLA Chief Executive
avoiding traffic hotspots and locating the best available parking spot.
Over the past 20 years, the internet and digital communications have revolutionised the way we work. This technology has taken its time to filter through to the automotive world, but it is due to have a major effect on the way we use and access road transport.
All this technology is becoming cheaper and is being offered as standard with the latest range of affordable electronic vehicles, such as the Nissan Leaf and BMW i3. It is already beginning to usher in a new range of smarter, safer and more efficient road transport options that are easier to integrate with other forms of mobility.
Photo: © Iain McGillivray / Shutterstock.com
The catalyst for much of this change is the growth in urbanisation and the rising cost of motoring, which have led to a decline in car ownership, particularly among the young. Many people have found they are able to rely on public transport, walking or cycling for many of their journeys, paying to use a car or van as and when they need them. Elsewhere, business fleets are under ever more pressure to reduce costs and take a more sustainable approach to their mobility needs. There is an increased focus on travel planning and choosing the right form of transport for the job. The rapid rise of smartphones and vehicle telematics is making it easier for people to adopt this approach to travel. There is already a range of apps that can tell people which train or bus to catch and where to find their local car club or rental depot. There is also no shortage of digital assistance to help drivers make safer and more sustainable journeys – finding the nearest electric vehicle charging point,
The vehicle rental and leasing industry has pioneered the development of pay-asyou-go motoring and will be at the heart of this rapid transformation. It won’t be alone because it will face competition from technology companies, vehicle manufacturers and transport operators. Luckily, our members are used to working in this kind of environment, where they add value by applying their finance, knowledge and expertise. They continue to thrive because they stay focused on the requirements of their customers. This approach should stand the industry in good stead as we enter a ‘brave new world’ of smart mobility and connected cars. u The Future of Mobility is the theme of this year’s BVRLA Industry Conference on Thursday 5 December, which will also include a break-out session looking at the impact and potential of the ‘Connected Car’. For further information see the BVRLA website: www.bvrla.co.uk
Rental brokers join BVRLA for first time Solihull-based Fownd becomes our first rental broker member, making the BVRLA more industry-inclusive than ever before. page 3 DVLA outlines online plans The BVRLA has been working with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to help it develop new services for the fleet sector. page 5 The Peoples champion Alastair Peoples, Chief Executive Officer of both the DSA and VOSA has a big task as the agencies get set to merge. He told us all about it. page 6 Carbon reporting gets serious Find out about the major changes being proposed for the way fleets’ carbon emissions will be measured and reported. page 7 Under the FCA’s eye The Financial Conduct Authority is applying closer scrutiny to how firms identify and reduce risks. page 9 Sun shines for Golf Day 2013 Summer held out long enough for another great BVRLA Golf Day. But who took home the trophies? page 10
• Promoting responsible road transport since 1967 •
The BVRLA returns to London’s West End on 6 March 2014 for its Annual Dinner – The Big Event! It is the only evening to bring the whole industry together – last year more than 900 people, representing over 100 companies, enjoyed top-class food and entertainment at the London Hilton on Park Lane. Why not bring your clients and business partners to this must-attend occasion, widely acclaimed as the friendliest, funniest and most looked-forward-to event on the rental and leasing industry calendar? As well as providing an unrivalled opportunity to network amongst your peers, you can join with us in recognising some of our industry’s most talented individuals and unsung heroes. The Big Event comes at typically great BVRLA value, with tickets costing just £215 (+VAT) and tables of ten £2,150 (+VAT).
Book online here For further information visit www.bvrla.co.uk For details of accommodation options, contact Member Services Sales Administr ator Fr an Hampson: Tel 01494 545703 Email fr an@bvrla.co.uk
London Hilton on Park Lane 6 March 2014
Supported by
Comment BVRLA accepts rental brokers into the family
Writing in a week when government ministers and their shadow understudies have been shuffled left, right and centre, it seems a good moment to reflect on how things can be made to run more efficiently. Electric vehicles, for example.
I don’t mean drive trains and batteries – I’m talking about how we can persuade people to actually buy, rent, lease and drive the things in the first place. Did you know that right now the Tesla is the best-selling car in Norway? Strange but true. It’s not because it has special fjord and glacier-handling abilities. No, it’s entirely due to a generous range of government incentives aimed at shifting the vehicle parc towards electric vehicles. Watch and learn, please, Westminster.
Toby Poston Editor
Toby Poston, toby@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545700
Production Manager
Steven Prizeman, steven@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545710
The BVRLA has welcomed Fownd as its first ever rental broker member. The Solihullbased broker supplies cars and commercial vehicles on behalf of BVRLA members to a range of UK businesses, from large corporations to family firms. Brokers are an important extra sales channel for the vehicle rental industry, buying and reselling rentals and providing customers with a range of comparable deals. By bringing them into membership the association will be able to represent the entire vehicle rental sector and provide a new group of customers with the reassurance of working with a BVRLA member. All BVRLA rental brokers will have to pass the association’s quality assurance inspection, participate in its conciliation service, sign up to its code of conduct, which requires them to be clear and transparent about their pricing and services, and use only BVRLA members as suppliers. “High standards, trust and worldclass customer care are at the heart
of everything we do and what better way to have this acknowledged than being the founding member of the BVRLA’s rental broker category,” said Fownd’s Managing Director, Christopher Dean.” Fownd Head of Sales Paul Tuszynski said that BVRLA membership would help his company establish trust with potential clients: “Seeing the BVRLA logo has always instilled confidence in the mind of clients. Being a rental broker with membership sets Fownd apart from the crowd and will also allow greater contact with potential suppliers within the association.” The BVRLA hopes to sign up a number of other large UK corporate rental brokers in the coming weeks before widening its recruitment campaign to include brokers focused on the leisure market. “Developing this new membership category is vital if the association wants to continue raising standards and promoting best practice within the rental sector,” said BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney. u
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Nora Leggett, nora@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545713 © Copyright BVRLA 2013 BVRLA News articles may be used copyright free by members provided that an acknowledgement is given.
BVRLA River Lodge, Badminton Court Amersham Buckinghamshire HP7 0DD T 01494 434747 F 01494 434499 E info@bvrla.co.uk W www.bvrla.co.uk Honorary Life President Freddie Aldous Chairman
Peter Cakebread
Vice Chairman
Neil Cunningham
Honorary Treasurer Brian Back Chief Executive
Gerry Keaney
HMRC attends ‘tax summit’ The BVRLA and a group of senior executives from the vehicle leasing sector have met with officials from HM Revenue & Customs to increase awareness of the industry and explore ways to improve the tax regime. All parties agreed that vehicle leasing was being disproportionately impacted by a government crack down on ‘big-ticket leasing’, which legal advisers to HMRC say is used by many companies to avoid tax. This concern contributed to HMRC’s recent decision to remove 100% first-year capital allowances from low-emission leased cars. HMRC said it now had a better understanding of the vehicle rental
BVRLA News | September/October 2013
and leasing industry’s buying power and the funding support it provides to companies up and down the country, particularly SMEs. It said that the current tax regime was unlikely to change substantially before the next general election, but that a major rethink would be required to cope with planned changes to global lease accounting rules, expected to be unveiled in 2014. HMRC is considering options for replacing capital allowances with a tax regime in which lessors are only taxed on the profit or margin of a lease. Both sides have agreed to further analysis of the vehicle leasing sector and the overall tax revenue it produces for the government. u
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DVLA focus
DVLA plans fleet portal for 2014
The new portal is being introduced as part of the DVLA’s plans to reduce its costs and as part of a wider government initiative to offer more services online. It will also provide some of the services previously handled by the network of 39 regional DVLA offices that are due to close by the end of this year. The following services are due to be offered via the online portal some time in 2014: ❱ Registration documents: Fleets registering a new vehicle will receive an electronic file of vehicle data instead of the vehicle registration document (V5C). If a paper V5C is required, fleets will be able to request one from the DVLA. ❱ Electronic bulk relicensing: Fleets will be able to relicense vehicles on a bulk basis, regardless of their age, type or tax class.
Photo: © lightpoet / Shutterstock.com
The BVRLA has been working with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s new Director of Technology to help develop an online fleet portal over the next 18 months.
❱ SORN notifications: The DVLA will accept bulk Statutory Off-Road Notifications (SORNs) for vehicles being disposed of or taken out of use. ❱ Cherished numberplates: A new process will be introduced for the transfer of cherished numberplates between vehicles. The DVLA will test these new procedures with pilot groups and the BVRLA will try to ensure that these contain a representative sample of members. After refining the services the agency will make them available to a wider audience, with scope for further changes before switching over completely.
Temporary bulk relicensing system for older vehicles The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is launching a spreadsheet-based electronic bulk relicensing system for fleets wanting to relicense vehicles that are not eligible for bulk relicensing. (At present, only cars under three years old can be relicensed in bulk.) The temporary solution is being introduced to fill the gap between the closure of the DVLA’s regional offices this year and the introduction of a new online relicensing service in 2014. The interim system will be available from November and fleets
wishing to use it must register with the DVLA and pay through a prefunded account. Operators with a DVLA fleet code will be able to submit details of vehicles to be relicensed to the agency each month via a spreadsheet. Tax discs will be posted back within eight working days. The BVRLA’s Legal and Policy Director, Jay Parmar, commented: “We have worked closely with the Post Office and the DVLA to develop a simple solution to assist fleets whilst we work on a more streamlined online approach for all DVLA services.” u
BVRLA News | September/October 2013
The DVLA believes this approach will help it make new services available more quickly and effectively. The BVRLA has long campaigned for the DVLA to make its services available online, in the belief that it could save the vehicle rental and leasing industry millions of pounds in administrative costs, deliver efficient services and help compliance. u
Webinar reveals agency’s plans In September around 30 BVRLA members attended a webinar on the DVLA’s plans. BVRLA Legal and Policy Director Jay Parmar and Legal and Policy Executive Amanda Brandon explained the probable impact of the DVLA’s closure of its local office network and provided practical advice on the changing processes for tax disc distribution, vehicle relicensing and cherished numberplate transfers. The association is planning further webinars on the DVLA’s modernisation plans and their impact on the vehicle rental and leasing industry. u Let us know which online services you think the DVLA should prioritise. Contact Amanda Brandon, amanda@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545701 Further advice and guidance is available from the BVRLA website: www.bvrla.co.uk
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The Peoples champion BVRLA News posed some questions to Alastair Peoples, Chief Executive Officer of both the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) about how he sees these regulators working with the BVRLA and its members. This is what he said. BVRLA News: What is VOSA’s current relationship with trade bodies like the BVRLA and how can this be developed further? By devolving powers, perhaps? Peoples: I value the relationship we have built up over a number of years with trade organisations and other partners like the BVRLA. Members of the trade organisations are the operators and drivers who use the UK’s roads every day and we want to work with them to improve road safety. Each organisation has something different to bring to the discussion table and that is why we encourage all to attend VOSA’s regular trade/VOSA liaison meetings. As with any relationship, this is a two-way street and VOSA works to keep key stakeholders updated on the latest news. This is why the regular meetings are so important: because all VOSA’s partner organisations get to hear important messages at the same time. BVRLA News: VOSA has highlighted vans as a key target for enforcement, testing and education. Why is this and what will your strategy involve? Peoples: Light goods vehicles (LGVs) are involved in twice as many accidents as HGVs and have an MOT failure rate of 50%. Furthermore, in VOSA checks, LGVs are prohibited six out of ten times, and, when weighed, these vehicles are overweight three-quarters of the time. The results not only demonstrate a threat to the safety of road users, but also an unfair advantage over their HGV counterparts. That low compliance rate is even worse considering that HGVs are subjected to a significantly higher level of regulation than LGVs. During 2013, VOSA is conducting a targeted programme to address this situation and raise the standards of the LGV industry. The majority who try to be compliant will be offered education and advice to enable them to achieve their goal of operating safe and compliant vehicles. A mixed tactical approach will be used to address the operator who is ignorant of the requirements. They will be given educational assistance to help them to raise their standards. The minority who have no desire to comply will be subject to enforcement action in an effort to drive up compliance. VOSA is conducting a programme of checks in 20 cities throughout the year to raise its profile with LGV operators. This is being run with the cooperation of trade bodies and associations to assist in conveying the message that VOSA is determined to raise the standards of the LGV fleet.
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BVRLA News: What is the current situation regarding your Authorised Testing Facility (ATF) strategy? How does VOSA intend to improve the supply of testers and might it ever introduce third-party testing, as we have for MOTs? Peoples: Our ATF strategy has been successful and we will build on this success with Next Generation Testing. The government currently has no plans to introduce third-party testing, as stated by the Transport Minister Stephen Hammond at the recent Transport Select Committee hearing. VOSA is continuing preparations for Next Generation Testing. NGT will provide a flexible, modern service to ATFs. We will be carrying out an NGT pilot network by the end of March 2014 to test out some of the concepts that we have been working on. BVRLA News: Do you think more can be done to improve the response rates to vehicle safety recalls? Would you recommend the BVRLA’s ReCare online safety recall system, for example? Peoples: While VOSA is unable to endorse any particular system we value the insight and intelligence provided by the BVRLA and other organisations. VOSA is always looking at improving safety recalls’ response rates; we support any initiative which encourages vehicle owners to respond quickly to a manufacturer’s recall. BVRLA News: The BVRLA would like to see government motoring agencies work together more closely. Do you share this vision? Peoples: VOSA is committed to offering the best possible service to commercial vehicle operators, and will pursue, wherever possible, any opportunity to streamline essential services. One such example has been brought about through VOSA’s merger with the DSA [This will be implemented by 1 April 2014.], and already plans are being made to develop one single IT infrastructure with the aim of providing improved customer interaction. BVRLA News: What are VOSA’s key goals for 2014? Peoples: The VOSA Transitional Director’s Board is working hard to develop a clear vision and a supporting strategy for the new agency. The work of the combined agencies touches on almost every household in the country in one way or another, so there is recognition of the big responsibility to deliver the services customers and stakeholders want, and to do so professionally and efficiently. Clearly road safety will still be the foundation of the new agency’s future work – something all staff are passionate about. u
BVRLA News | September/October 2013
Carbon reporting gets serious UK fleets face some major changes to the way carbon emissions are measured and reported. BVRLA News collated the data. New system for calculating official CO2 figures The European Union has proposed a 95g/km CO2 limit for motor manufacturers’ average new car fleet by 2020. It has also called for the introduction of more realistic test procedures for fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from cars and vans as soon as 2017.
Reporting of greenhouse gas emissions As of October 2013, publically quoted companies are required to report their greenhouse gas emissions each year. BVRLA members might want to consider what advice and assistance they can provide their customers to help with this requirement.
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions values for new cars in Europe are determined via the type approval process, which currently uses the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) procedure. The BVRLA believes that the NEDC, having been set up 30 years ago and hardly altered since, is now no longer fit for purpose. The unrealistic drive cycle and variations permitted in the test procedure mean that the difference between official fuel consumption figures and real-world operational figures is too large.
The BVRLA’s view is that companies should take the simplest approach by reporting CO2 emissions based on fuel usage and ignoring the funding method entirely. This would include business use of employees’ own vehicles (the grey fleet) – data that most finance departments have. u
The BVRLA supports plans to introduce the new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) as a replacement for the NEDC. It includes profiles that more accurately match driving in the real world – including a new motorway mode – and limits the variations that manufacturers are allowed to use in carrying out the tests. The new procedure would mean changes for leasing quotation systems, whole-life cost calculations and fleet policies. The government would have to take any major revision in car CO2 figures into account when reviewing its tax strategy and has already confirmed that it wouldn’t apply any changes retrospectively. Energy efficiency audits The BVRLA is working with the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the Department for Transport (DfT) as they decide how to implement the EU Energy Efficiency Directive. This directive requires member states to introduce a programme of energy audits for ‘large enterprises’ by December 2015. Large enterprises – those employing more than 250 people and with annual turnover above 50m euros – would have to be independently assessed every four years to identify energy-saving recommendations. These audits could encompass fleet vehicles, including grey fleets. The BVRLA recently held a workshop with some of its members and with representatives of DECC and DfT to better understand what CO2 reporting is already undertaken and how any proposed audit legislation might impact businesses.
BVRLA News | September/October 2013
Photos: © antb, Adrian Reynolds, Peteri / Shutterstock.com
For further information see CO2 reporting for publicly quoted companies (BVRLA Fact Sheet 591). This can be downloaded from the BVRLA website. It is a membersonly publication, so a login is required: www.bvrla.co.uk Guidance is also available from the GOV.UK website: www.gov.uk
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Spot the electric car The government published a new strategy for ultra-low-emission vehicles in September, but will its thin set of incentives do anything to change the market’s less-than-enthusiastic reposonse to electric and hybrid cars? The latest sales figures for plug-in vehicles suggest that the government’s ultra-low-emission incentive scheme is failing to excite the market. Newly published data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) shows that registrations of Plug-in Grant-eligible cars grew by just 14% in the first half of 2013, compared to the previous six months. Meanwhile, registrations of Plug-in Grant-eligible vans actually fell by 27%, with just 119 registered in the first half of 2013 compared to the 163 registered in the second half of 2012. “These figures show that the current strategy for driving uptake of ultra-lowemission vehicles is not working,” says BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney. “The fleet market buys more than half of all new vehicles registered each year and operates the greenest cars and vans on UK roads. As bulk purchasers, fleet operators could create a huge surge in demand for plug-in vehicles if they were given the right package of incentives. Unfortunately, the current tax regime actually encourages many fleets not to run plug-in vehicles.
more specific about the key role played by the vehicle rental and leasing sector,” says Keaney. “Rental and leasing companies buy nearly half of all cars and vans registered each year and run the lowest emission vehicles on UK roads. As bulk purchasers, they are uniquely positioned to be able to work proactively with government policymakers in helping them deliver their green agenda. This still isn’t happening.
The BVRLA recently held a webinar with the Energy Saving Trust, outlining its Plugged-in Fleets Initiative. This scheme provides organisations with a free audit, analysis and report outlining where and how they can use ultra-low-emission vehicles on their fleets. For more information and details of how your customers could benefit, contact Caroline Watson at the EST: caroline.watson@est.org.uk.
“The government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) recently launched its new strategy and announced that it would look to develop a ‘strong, clear and lasting’ set of tax incentives. This work cannot happen soon enough.” The BVRLA has consistently campaigned for users of Plug-in Grant-eligible vehicles to be offered longer-term, in-use incentives. These could include a ten-year road tax exemption, free parking and financial support for installing charging points at work premises.
Photos: © marvellousworld, Jelle-vd-Wolf, Tomasz Bidermann / Shutterstock.com
In response, the BVRLA called on the government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) to work more proactively with the sector to come up with a regulatory and fiscal regime that can boost demand for ULEVs.
“OLEV rightly highlights the urgent need to ‘secure the right regulatory and fiscal measures’ and give prospective ULEV users a clear indication of what to expect in the future. This has been the Achilles Heel of the government’s ultra-lowemission strategy so far and it is vital that OLEV and HM Revenue & Customs consult widely with industry to come up with a long-term, workable tax and incentive regime.” u
“OLEV describes the huge challenges and opportunities facing the road transport sector as it reduces carbon emissions, but we are disappointed that it has not been
Driving the Future Today: a strategy for ultra low emission vehicles in the UK can be downloaded from the GOV.UK website.
The ultra-low-emission vehicle strategy Driving the Future Today, the government’s recently published strategy for ultra-low-emission vehicles (ULEVs), pledges to maintain plug-in grants until at least 2020, encourage higher uptake within the public sector and provide more cost-of-ownership information to fleets.
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BVRLA News | September/October 2013
Identify your risks to keep the FCA satisfied By Dave Stickland
Reporting system that all firms need to complete bi-annually. The conclusion of the review was that we had appropriately identified and managed risks to our business.
In July, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) carried out a detailed two-hour telephone review with LeasePlan UK’s Managing Director, David Brennan, and myself to establish how LPUK identifies and reduces risks. The FCA intends to ensure that all firms are contacted for a review either face to face, by telephone or via an online assessment. During the review we were asked to explain our governance relating to accountability and also our culture around behaviours and transparency of decision making. We were asked how we exercise controls and carry out training and supervision. A key area that was discussed was how we ensure regulatory compliance and how we identify risks both strategic and systemic, given that 20% of our business will be covered by the FCA regime when it takes over
Heroes wanted!
The FCA impressed on us that it was important to continue to review risks within our business on an ongoing basis and at regular intervals to help make sure processes and procedures deliver fair treatment for customers. David Brennan: LeasePlan UK’s MD
consumer credit from the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in April 2014. As part of its ‘treat customers fairly’ initiative the FCA wanted to understand how we manage complaints and feedback and also asked about our recruitment and reward structure. We also discussed capital adequacy and explained our familiarity with the online Regulatory
It is clearly very important for a firm to ensure its governance, culture and controls are focused on mitigating potential risks to the business and customers to ensure it meets the FCA’s regulatory requirements. u Dave Stickland is Finance Director of LeasePlan UK. The BVRLA guide Consumer Credit Regulation: Applying for Interim Permissions from the Financial Conduct Authority can be downloaded from the BVRLA website: www.bvrla.co.uk
Is there a dynamo at your rental desk, a belter in the back office, or a star on the sales team? Whoever the whiz in your workforce is, the BVRLA wants to know.
Vehicle Mileage Database: ensuring the clocks aren’t turned back for Winter
Our Industry Hero Awards recognise the vehicle rental and leasing sector’s most deserving staff. We want you to tell us about outstanding contributions during 2013. Winners will be announced at the BVRLA Annual Dinner on 6 March 2014, which they will be invited to attend as our guests.
The BVRLA operates a Vehicle Mileage Database that enables members to contribute mileage data to the major provenance providers. By providing this data, members improve both their own credibility and that of the industry as a whole, while helping to protect consumers.
Entries are open to all BVRLA corporate and leasing broker members. Just tell us why your employee deserves to win (in no more than 500 words). Please note that all submissions must be approved by a senior manager, although senior managers are not themselves eligible. Contact Nora Leggett, nora@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545713
A ‘clocked’ vehicle – one in which the mileometer has been wound back, reducing the tally of miles driven – is worth considerably less to a consumer. The inaccurate mileage may also result in it missing vital servicing, posing a danger on the roads. The BVRLA’s mileage data can help provenance providers identify clocked vehicles, because a full mileage history makes inconsistencies far more visible.
BVRLA News | September/October 2013
BVRLA members, as the largest purchasers of new vehicles, can make a huge contribution to road safety and consumer protection, simply by providing their mileage data to the association. Members can receive a rebate on their annual BVRLA membership fee based on the number of ‘hits’ on the data they provide. Typically this is 5-10%, although in many cases can be considerably more. u If you are interested in contributing to the Vehicle Mileage Database, contact Member Services Administrator Robert Burford. Contact Rob Burford, robert@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545702
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Sun shines for Golf Day 2013 Summer held out until Thursday 5 September to help ensure the success of this year’s BVRLA Golf Day, sponsored by auction house BCA. Hosted once again by Frilford Heath Golf Club, near Oxford, the famous Red course provided a challenging environment for both individual and team events. Following the customary early-morning shotgun start, play continued until lunchtime. Despite strong showings from both Autoclenz and Leasedrive, honours in the team event went to Europcar, and First Self Drive’s William Howard won the individual prize. u To book a place at next year’s Golf Day, call Membership Executive June Dyer. Contact June Dyer, june@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545714
Team Comp etition Citroën Cup Europcar victorious: the winners of this year’s Team Stableford Competition accept their trophies, including the Citroën Cup, from the BVRLA’s Gerry Keaney (left), presiding over his first Golf Day as Chief Executive
Individual Priz e 1st William Howar d, First Self Drive 2nd Kev in Armstrong, Autoclenz
3 rd Leasedri ve/Neva
Ne are st the Pin Deryk Worrall, Autoclen z
Longest Drive Rob Rossiter, ALD Automotive
Best Lady Golfer Anne Gallagher, Gallaghers
Photos: Fran Hampson
3r d Gary McDonald, Leasedrive
1st Europca r 2n d Enterpri se
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BVRLA News | September/October 2013
ADVERTORIAL
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BVRLA News | September/October 2013
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New members Rental Allied4vans Ltd (Castleford)
Causeway Campers (Portrush)
EMG Car and Van Hire (Bury St Edmunds) Low C Rent (Eastleigh) Rental Broker Fownd Ltd (Solihull)
Admin Business Solutions Admin Business Solutions Ltd, based in Earlswood near Birmingham, is a wellestablished provider of back-office support for several major fleet and leasing companies and vehicle manufacturers. Its portfolio includes V5/MOT management, storage and dispatch; production and dispatch of monthly RFLs via its in-house EDI process; fine processing; document storage and retrieval; and call centre activities. www.adminbusinesssolutions.co.uk
Fleet Consultant Development Programme 13-14 November 2013 and 8-9 January 2014, Amersham
Giles Insurance Brokers Giles Insurance Brokers Ltd provides comprehensive cover against the additional risks of renting vehicles. Its relationship with a number of insurers allows it to regularly review policies to ensure that it is providing the best cover at a competitive price. It offers insurance for fleets of cars, vans and commercial vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes mgw, and minibuses up to 17 seats. www.gilesinsurance.co.uk
To give delegates the knowledge to identify damage outside BVRLA guidelines and to ensure that, where identified, this can be charged back to the customer, if appropriate.
It is prominent in the hire sector, acting for many of Europe’s biggest companies, as well as medium and small operators. The self-drive hire team is headed by Partner Stuart Smith, based in the Liverpool office, who has acted for hire companies for over 10 years. www.hilldickinson.com
Selling Contract Hire 15-16 January 2014 Delegates will achieve a greater understanding of areas such as finance, taxation, competitive contracts, margins and underwriting considerations.
BVRLA Events AA, Oldbury
7 Nov
Residual Value and Remarketing Forum
Heritage Motor Centre
19 Nov
BVRLA Industry Conference
Heritage Motor Centre
5 Dec
London Hilton on Park Lane
6 March
For enquiries about BVRLA events, including forums, seminars, training, Industry Conference and Annual Dinner, and to book places, contact Member Services Sales Administrator Fran Hampson: fran@bvrla.co.uk, 01494 545703 Full details of all BVRLA events can be found on our website: www.bvrla.co.uk
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The Fleet Consultant Development programme is designed to align the rental/leasing sales function much more closely with the role, responsibilities and requirements of a typical fleet manager. The course invites delegates to step into the shoes of their client and discover the pressures, issues and considerations they face, enabling them to look at the role of the fleet operator from a fresh perspective.
Fair Wear and Tear Training LCVs: 20 November 2013 Cars: 12 February 2014
Hill Dickinson Hill Dickinson is a law firm that works with self-drive hire businesses to help protect them from fraudulent claims. It partners with companies to develop an effective counter-fraud strategy, including cutting-edge fraud detection through its Netfoil database, case management, analysis and, ultimately, prevention.
BVRLA Annual Dinner 2014
City & Guilds Rental Operator Skills Certificate 6 November This accreditation is an excellent way to reinforce best practice and legislative/regulative knowledge and understanding, while creating a pool of qualified staff, each holding a nationally recognised qualification.
Associate
Technical and Operational Management Forum
Training & seminars
Further information on BVRLA training courses can be found on the BVRLA website: www.bvrla.co.uk. To book places, contact Member Services Sales Administrator Fran Hampson. Contact Fran Hampson, fran@bvrla.co.uk 01494 545703
BVRLA News | September/October 2013
Switch to First Data Merchant Solutions and save up to £150*
As the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association’s associate member for card payment solutions, we understand how busy you are in managing your business so we make switching to us easy for you. Whether you need to accept payments face to face, over the internet or by phone, we have a solution for you. Simply contact us to find out more.
Switch to us and save up to £150 When you switch to us from your current service provider, you could receive up to £150 cash back. Simply send us evidence of the charges that you have incurred from your current provider - and we will credit your account with up to £150 to cover these fees. Terms and Conditions apply. We are part of the global First Data group which provides card services to over 6 million businesses worldwide.
Associate Member
Why switch to First Data Merchant Solutions? g Quick set up g Simple and secure payment solutions g UK based call centre g PCI Compliance support
Contact us now and quote BVRLA13
g Call
0800 652 5808†
(Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm)
g Or email partner.sales@firstdatacorp.co.uk
*First Data Merchant Solutions will give new UK based customers a rebate up to the value of £150 on cancellation charges imposed by their current card acceptance provider in order to switch to First Data Merchant Solutions. Terms and Conditions apply
Merchant Solutions are provided by FDR Limited, trading as First Data Merchant Solutions, as agents for Bank of Scotland. The Merchant's contract in respect of Merchant Solutions is with Bank of Scotland plc as the registering member under the relevant Card Schemes. ©2013 First Data Corporation. All rights reserved. All trademarks, service marks and trade names referenced in this material are the property of their respective owners. †Calls may be recorded for security purposes and monitored as part of our quality control process..