BVRLA News - Spring 2020 (Leasing)

Spring 2020

The quarterly newsletter of the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association

YOUR ASSOCIATION

Life after Covid-19

Supporting members during Covid 2 Keep your systems safe 2 Welcome to the BVRLA family 4 Movers and Shakers 5 Leasing Broker Conference 7 BVRLA Parliamentary Reception 7 Growth in membership 8 Membership up, fleet size up 9 BVRLA Manifesto for Covid-19 recovery 11 Annual Dinner 2020 13 In the Spotlight 14 Communications toolkit 15 The BVRLA blog 15 Brand Partnership Opportunities 16

The Covid-19 Pandemic is the single most dramatic event to have impacted our citizens, industry and wider economy in the entire 53-year history of the BVRLA. The arrival of coronavirus impacted everybody – and quickly – challenging the most resilient and affecting the entire automotive supply chain.

Doors closed on UK homes and businesses.

Manufacturing halted, vehicle movement stopped, and rental companies switched from serving retail customers to essential business services and key workers.

In March, the BVRLA was quick to adapt working practices and took steps to stop faceto-face engagement. All members of staff were equipped with the tools to work from home, and except for not carrying out face-to-face activities, the association has continued to support members and ensure that the voice of the industry has been heard by government, regulators and others influencing policy.

As the UK starts to ease the lockdown and enters the next phase of life after Covid-19, businesses are putting measures in place to resume business activity whilst keeping employees and customers safe. u

Practical tips for businesses planning a safe return to work The Government is asking businesses to take the following 5 practical steps: 1. Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment 2. Develop cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures 3. Help people to work from home 4. Maintain 2m social distancing, where possible 5. Where people cannot be 2m apart, manage transmission risk Employers should also read all the Government guidelines relevant to your workplace environment, including for offices, vehicles and branches.

Full guidance details can be found on the Covid-19 Business Advice page of the BVRLA website. u

Over 5.55 million cases of Covid-19 have been diagnosed, with more than 350,000 fatalities globally including over 37,000 deaths in the UK. World Health Organisation figures as at 10am on 27 May 2020.

REGULATION & COMPLIANCE Temporary changes to inspections 6 Ask Adam 6 RESEARCH & INSIGHT New commercial vehicle report

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LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT New SM&CR e-learning modules 12 Members celebrate development 13

YOUR ASSOCIATION

Supporting members during Covid Since mid-March, the BVRLA has introduced a series of dedicated Covid-19 communications to keep members informed of the latest incentives, guidance and advice being issued by Government.

On 17 March, the association introduced a dedicated Covid-19 Bulletin, to highlight the most important information issued by Government within the previous 24 hours. These have been issued almost daily in recent months, emailed to over 5,300 individuals from all sectors of membership.

The association also added a Covid-19 Business Advice page to the BVRLA website, which attracted over 10,000 visits in its first two months.

Over 100 members tuned into the association’s Covid-19 webinars that took place in April and May, providing an interactive opportunity to ask questions whilst also hearing from expert speakers. Members can view the webinars by logging in to the BVRLA website and visiting the webinars page.

The BVRLA published a Guide to Operating during the Covid-19 Pandemic to provide support and guidance to members on the running of their operations during the Covid-19 pandemic. The guide is tailored specifically for those operating in the vehicle rental and leasing sectors. u

Keep your workplace safe The Health and Safety Executive has published a short guide to help businesses to protect people from coronavirus in the workplace.

All employers should do a risk assessment and take measures to enable people to work from home where possible, maintain social distancing and ensure there’s good cleaning and hygiene.

Employers have a duty to consult their workers, and unions where applicable, as part of their risk assessment. By consulting and involving people in the steps you are taking to manage coronavirus in the workplace you can: 2

• explain the changes you are planning to work safely • make sure changes will work and hear their ideas • continue to operate your business safely during the outbreak More detail on carrying out risk assessments can be found on the HSE website. u

Keep your systems safe

The National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of GCHQ, has seen an increase in malicious activity with themes related to COVID-19 and are warning people to be extra vigilant.

The National Cyber Security Centre has published guidance to support businesses moving from physical to digital delivery as part of the ongoing Covid-19 response. It includes advice on home working, video teleconferencing and spotting email scams related to Covid-19.

Establishing exactly what new cyber security measures you need to put in place can seem like quite a challenge. The guidance will help you determine how ready your business is for this digital transition and point the way to any new cyber security measures you should put in place.

Read the guidance on the National Cyber Security Centre website. u Spring 2020 |

Gerry’s note: This edition of BVRLA News features the association’s Annual Dinner, which took place at the beginning of March. It was a fabulous evening where almost 800 of our industry colleagues gathered to celebrate the achievements of our association, our industry and of those who work within it.

A few weeks later, with the country put into lockdown, most business and leisure activity was drastically curtailed.

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit us fast and hit us hard, posing an existential threat to the future of many of our members and their business models.

events to keep members up to speed with the latest information, advice and support.

Since the start of this crisis we have been liaising with government on a daily basis, making sure that the various support measures, government guidance and regulatory easements are introduced with the vehicle rental and leasing sector’s needs in mind.

As I write this, we are entering the next stage of the COVID-19 response, when we gradually emerge from lockdown and learn to live and work with the virus, at least in the short term.

The BVRLA must step-up as never before, keeping members informed and protecting the interests of the wider industry.

I am confident that our resilient, innovative and responsive industry will adapt accordingly to face the challenges of a post-pandemic business environment. We will be there to support you through it. u

Our Covid-19 Bulletin emails are read by around 1,500 people every day, with more of you visiting our dedicated Covid-19 Business Advice web page.

We have continued to provide guidance, webinars, online training and other digital engagement

Gerry Keaney, BVRLA Chief Executive

BVRLA, River Lodge, Badminton Court, Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP7 0DD Tel 01494 434747 Email info@bvrla.co.uk Web www.bvrla.co.uk

© COPYRIGHT BVRLA 2020

THE BVRLA TEAM • THE BVRLA TEAM • THE BVRLA TEAM • THE BVRLA TEAM

Chief Executive: Gerry Keaney Secretary to the Chief Executive: Kate McLaren Management Accountant: Bharti Ladwa Sales Ledger Administrator: Wilma Bowles Director of Corporate Affairs: Toby Poston Public Affairs Manager: Rachael Hewish (Maternity leave) Research & Insight Manager: Phil Garthside Communications Manager: Andrea Davies Senior Communications Officer: Helen Lawrence Senior Digital Officer: Maya Thomson Events Manager: Fran Hampson Director of Member Services: Nora Leggett Head of Learning & Development: Mark Pow Learning & Development Coordinator: Tessa Warn Director of Legal & Membership: Shashi Maharaj Membership Manager: Greg Theaker Membership Support Officer: Joshua Saunders Senior Compliance Officer: Adam Holt Compliance & Governance Officer: Hayleigh Morris CRM Data Manager: Robert Burford Senior Policy Advisors: Catherine Bowen & Thomas McLennan Director of Fleet Services: Amanda Brandon Fleet Services Executive: Laura Birdsey Conciliation Service Manager: Sallie Catchpole Conciliation Service Officers: Stephen Dix Amanpreet Kalu Sarah Philp Laura Pite

BVRLA News articles may be used copyright free by members provided that an acknowledgement is given.

Chairwoman Nina Bell Vice-Chair Nick Brownrigg Honorary Treasurer Brian Back | Spring 2020

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YOUR ASSOCIATION

Welcome to the BVRLA family

Introduce us…

Since the previous edition of BVRLA News we have welcomed twenty-six new members: seventeen corporate members, eight leasing broker members and one associate member.

As a member of the BVRLA family you may know an industry colleague who is passionate about the sector and would also benefit from becoming a BVRLA member. Why not introduce us…

Corporate members

1st Call Auto Rentals Stonehouse 365 Hire Plus Greys Bath Prestige Hire Corsham BuzzEV London Chase Van Hire Rugely City Transport Solutions Hemel Hempsted Ecohub Croydon Executive Luxury Hire London Inter Hire Cardiff Isuzu (UK) Solihull L & F Plant Hire Enfield Ravin AI (UK) Norwich Rentals Direct Tibenham Rent-A-Truck (UK) Erith Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Cradley Heath Specialist Trailer Hire Leeds The Out Whitley

Leasing broker members

DMT Vehicle Leasing UK Oldham D. P. Leasing Ashford eVie Innovations London Inter Lease Cardiff Leap Vehicle Leasing Cheshire Midlands Asset Finance Alfreton MotorAid Basildon Streamline Vehicle Leasing Warrington 4

Associate member Woodside Motorfreight www.woodsides.com The automotive division of Woodside Logistics Group, Woodside Motorfreight is Northern Irelands’ leading vehicle logistics provider, offering end-of-contract inspection, de-fleet, storage & transport throughout GB & Ireland. u

95%

of members say that the BVRLA provides status and credibility to their organisation.

2019 Member Survey

BVRLA members buy nearly half of all new vehicles sold in the UK, support around 465,000 jobs and contribute nearly £49bn to the economy each year BVRLA members operate a combined fleet of over 5 million cars, vans and trucks

BVRLA Membership Manager, Greg Theaker would be delighted to hear from any organisation interested in joining the BVRLA family: Corporates – those who own and operate fleets.

Leasing Brokers – those acting as an intermediary in the leasing of vehicles.

Rental Brokers – those acting as an intermediary in the rental of vehicles.

Fleet Operators – companies who supply products or services to our industry.

The new Value of Membership brochure outlines all the benefits. u

80%

see a greater value in making customers aware that they are BVRLA members and are proud to be part of the association.

2019 Member Survey

Spring 2020 |

YOUR ASSOCIATION

Movers and Shakers Changes in the top team The BVRLA has restructured its senior management team, with two of its long-serving members of staff taking on new director-level responsibilities.

Toby Poston, the former Director of Communications and External Relations, has been promoted to the role of Director of Corporate Affairs.

Toby joined the BVRLA in 2008 and has been a director since 2013. He will continue to take responsibility for the BVRLA’s communications and research activities and he will now also oversee the association’s policy work, government engagement and events.

Joining the top team Shashi Maharaj has joined the BVRLA as Director of Legal & Membership.

Former BMW Financial Services Head of Strategy, Shashi, joins the BVRLA to lead the association’s governance, compliance and membership functions.

He has previously spent over twenty years with BMW in a variety of senior legal, strategy and compliance roles, more recently been responsible for governance and compliance in the UK and Ireland.

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Amanda Brandon has been appointed as Director of Fleet Services.

In this new role she will lead the association’s government-approved Dispute Resolution Service and the provision of operational support to members – promoting best practice and raising standards across the industry. Formerly Head of Operations, Amanda joined the BVRLA in 2002 as Legal Services Administrator.

Management of the BVRLA Fair Wear and Tear Guides, Vehicle on hire certificates (VE103), the BVRLA Vehicle Mileage Database and the BVRLA RISC Database will all fall under her remit.

She will also lead the relationship with the Department for Transport, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency on operational matters. u

Staff highly rate the BVRLA as a good place to work “Gallop Q12 Engagement Survey” December 2019

New starters Mark Pow joins the BVRLA as Head of Learning & Development, responsible for leading the association’s formal training, e-learning and accreditation programmes.

Mark has spent 22 years at Europcar in a variety of roles from Learning & Development to Sales, and Customer Service, working closely with operators of all sizes from small retail desks to large airports. Reaching Director level, Mark has extensive experience at creating and developing a blended learning approach to support business growth and continuous improvement.

Thomas McLennan joins the BVRLA as Senior Policy Advisor, leading on tax and motor finance policy and engagement.

Having spent four years at the National Franchised Dealer Association working on a variety of policy, public affairs and operations issues, Thomas has a strong track record of engaging with policymakers and industry stakeholders.

He has also project managed some ground-breaking electric vehicle-related initiatives for the automotive retail sector.

Maya Thomson joins the BVRLA as Senior Digital Officer, delivering the association’s digital engagement work focusing on the BVRLA website and email system.

Having spent 10 years in marketing, Maya joins the BVRLA from international construction equipment firm, Kubota where she worked in their UK digital marketing team. She has also worked in a variety of marketing and database administrator roles in the Pharma and tool manufacturing sectors. u

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GOVERNANCE & COMPLIANCE

Temporary changes to inspections With face-to-face inspections suspended following the outbreak of Covid-19, the BVRLA has made some temporary changes to the leasing broker, commercial vehicle and rental member inspections, which form part of the association’s governance programme.

Leasing Broker inspections

The same content is looked at and there is no change to the quality of the follow-up reports or support and guidance provided post inspection.

first receive a letter from the BVRLA providing notice that an inspection is due. CCAS will contact members in advance to arrange a suitable time and date to have a call. Prior to this, they will request a number of documents to be sent via email, which will be reviewed as part of the inspection.

For those members who have received a visit before, the format should feel very familiar. Members will

Remote inspections will continue until it is safe to return to on-site visits.

Face-to-face on-site visits were suspended in April 2020 and have been replaced by a remote audit.

Rental and CV inspections

BVRLA inspections have been temporarily suspended.

Due to the level of physical points that need inspecting, a remote inspection is not suitable for rental and commercial vehicle members.

Many areas of the inspection cannot be carried out remotely so inspections will continue to be on hold until it is safe to return to on-site visits. u

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Ask Adam Send your questions about the BVRLA inspection programme to Senior Compliance Officer Adam Holt at adam@bvrla.co.uk.

Q: I have been contacted to say I that am due a leasing broker inspection this year.

Will this be the same as my last one?

A: The leasing broker inspection is designed to ensure that members are adhering to a minimum standard set by the BVRLA Code of Conduct and are compliant with any regulatory requirements as outlined by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Our inspectors may carry out certain checks that have been done before during previous inspections. Additional checks will also take place if new requirements have been introduced since your previous visit. SM&CR is a good example as this as this regime only came into effect in December 2019. Other new checks could relate to financial crime and knowing your customer, for example. Following inspection, we can provide support on how to address any identified improvements.

Q: Are there any new areas that I should be aware of for my branch visit this year?

A: Rental inspections will include several new checks this year, including checking compliance with the government’s Rental Vehicle Security Scheme, process and safety checking of car seats, reporting suspicious behaviours, ICO registration checks, refuelling charges and live customer observations.

There will also be some new questions looking at First Aid, PAT Testing and Environmental Waste Transfer. u Spring 2020 |

YOUR ASSOCIATION

Headline Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor

The BVRLA’s one-day conference especially for leasing broker members will return for its second year on Wednesday 14 October in London.

The conference, taking place at the Royal Institute of British Architects, provides the perfect opportunity to network with industry peers and hear from a range of industry experts.

Topics on the agenda include automotive trends, technology, fleet management, compliance and industry reputation. The conference will also look at opportunities and threats facing the sector.

Free to Leasing Broker and Leasing members, full details of the event can be found on the BVRLA website.

The event can also be attended by industry suppliers and associate members for a ticket price of £250+vat per person. u Brand partnership opportunities are available.

BVRLA Parliamentary Reception The BVRLA will be hosting this year’s Parliamentary Reception on Tuesday 20 October at the prestigious House of Commons Terrace Pavilion, overlooking the River Thames.

Last year’s event was attended by over 200 guests, including two government ministers, three shadow ministers, the chair of the BEIS Select Committee, 18 Select Committee members, three shadow spokespeople, three Peers and around one hundred BVRLA members and staff.

Members interested in attending this year’s event should email events@bvrla.co.uk. u

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YOUR ASSOCIATION

Trading Standards praises dispute resolution service The BVRLA Alternative Dispute Resolution service has been praised by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute following a review carried out on 4 February.

In a written report, the Trading Standards Institute concluded that “Overall BVRLA and ECRCS have shown to be providing an effective ADR service.”

It also praised the work of the ADR team, saying: “CTSI was impressed with the knowledge of the ADR officials and the thorough process carried out when making a decision.”

The review assessed the BVRLA and European Car Rental Conciliation Service (ECRCS) ADR services, reviewing compliance against set criteria covering: • Access to the ADR body • Expertise, Independence, and Impartiality • Conflict of Interests • Transparency • Effectiveness • Fairness • Legality • Grounds for refusal

Growth in membership The latest data from the BVRLA shows that membership numbers continued to rise during 2019, ending the year with 1,007 organisations in membership, up 2% on the previous year.

2019 saw more rental, leasing & fleet management, commercial vehicle and associate members joining the BVRLA family and the association also welcomed members to its new Fleet Operator category. Leasing broker numbers reduced slightly, largely due to consolidation in the sector.

The size of the short-term rental fleet continued to grow at a stable but modest rate of 1%, in line with the previous year, with just under 480,000 units. A slight reduction in the size of the rental car fleet was offset by an increase in the commercial vehicle rental fleet.

The total BVRLA fleet size grew modestly during 2019, with members collectively responsible for just over 5.1 million vehicles, up 2% year-on-year.

Personal leasing contracts continued to represent the highest level of growth in 2019, up 6% year-on-year, accounting for over 2 million vehicles. The number of personal contracts taken out on both cars and LCVs grew, whilst HGVs saw a small reduction.

Cars continue to be the most dominant vehicle type on fleet, up 1.5% at over 4.1 million.

The number of vans and trucks on fleet also continues to grow, with both the LCV and HGV fleet sizes increasing by 4% and 1.5% respectively.

BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney:

The BVRLA has handled 3047 cases and ECRCS 3945 cases over the period 2018/20, with an average resolution time of 20 and 22 days respectively for each scheme.

Customers of BVRLA members can access the ADR free of charge, referring an unresolved complaint at any point within 12 months of a member organisation’s final response to them. u 8

There was no change to the total number of business contract hire vehicles on fleet, remaining static at around 2.6 million, with a modest reduction in the size of the car fleet being offset by an increase in commercial vehicle business leasing. u

Gerry Keaney with BVRLA Chairwoman, Nina Bell

“ We are delighted to have seen another year of growth at the BVRLA, in what has been a difficult year for the wider automotive industry.

“As well as seeing continuing growth in personal leasing, we have also seen an increasing trend in the number of commercial vehicle operators looking to the rental and leasing sectors for more cost-effective, cleaner transport solutions.”

Spring 2020 |

YOUR ASSOCIATION

Membership up, fleet size up

| Spring 2020

Each year the BVRLA publishes its membership data and the 2019 figures are summarised in six short infographics:

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RESEARCH & INSIGHT

New commercial vehicle report The BVRLA published its first-ever Industry Outlook for Commercial Vehicles report in January, charting the main challenges faced by the sector and providing insight into how they are being overcome.

The BVRLA’s Q4 Quarterly Leasing Survey has a new improved analysis, that provides a wider and more accurate perspective on what is happening in the market.

Data from the survey shows that BEVs were responsible for more than 4% of new lease car registrations, a 750% growth in market share compared to the same period in 2018.

The association, whose 1,000+ member organisations are responsible for around 20% of all trucks and vans on UK roads, collaborated with Motor Transport and ten automotive leaders to provide a collective industry view.

A surge in battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations helped drag average new lease car emissions down to 113g/km CO2 at the end of 2019, the lowest level since Q3 2018.

The report provides an industry view on 7 key areas: 1. Operator behaviour – Evidence suggests that operator demand for rented or leased commercial vehicles is increasing.

5. Last mile – The reality is some way behind the excitement when it comes to technology driven innovations for ‘last mile’ logistics.

2. Brexit – Brexit-related uncertainty continues to dog all areas of the road transport supply chain.

6. Big data – Capturing and analysing data is big business and becoming increasingly important.

3. Clean Air Zones – Devolving the introduction of air quality strategies to local government has created inconsistency and uncertainty.

7. Skills and talent – Retaining and recruiting skilled staff whilst tackling skill shortages is crucial. u

4. The Road to Zero – Electric vans and some form of gas for long haul trucks is the industry’s consensus for delivering the UK’s zero-emission goals.

Read the full 22-page report on the BVRLA website.

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Quarterly Leasing Survey

The salary sacrifice sector is leading the way in BEV registrations, responsible for 24% of new car additions in Q4 2019. During the same period BEVs made up just over 6% of new business contract hire cars.

At 113g/km CO2, the average lease car registered at the end of 2019 had emissions 10% lower than the average newly registered car.

As well as viewing the summary of the BVRLA’s Q4 2019 Quarterly Leasing Survey, members can log in to the BVRLA website and download the full report. u

Spring 2020 |

YOUR ASSOCIATION

BVRLA Manifesto for Covid-19 recovery

Government seeks input from the BVRLA on transport decarbonisation

During the Covid-19 pandemic the fleet industry has reasserted its role as the lifeblood sustaining the vital organs of the UK economy and society.

Twenty-seven different member organisations were present at the association’s decarbonisation policy workshop in May, which was attended by senior officials from the Department’s for Transport, Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, HM Treasury and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles.

The focus of the workshop was to discuss the feasibility of achieving a 2035 target for the phasing out of the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles.

It is the trucks taking PPE to our hospitals and groceries to our supermarkets; the vans delivering prescriptions to our loved ones and emergency plumbers to our houses; and the cars transporting NHS staff to their patients and other key workers to their place of work.

The BVRLA has produced a manifesto for government setting out a range of policy measures for delivering a swift and sustained recovery for the UK economy and its transport ecosystem.

Proposed plan of action for the Government’s next 90 days:

The official target for achieving this is currently 2040, but the Government is keen to explore bringing this date forward to 2035 and wants to understand industry’s views on what the potential obstacles would be to preventing an earlier date from being met.

3. Focus on the key levers for accelerating road transport decarbonisation.

4. T ake a more active role in supporting the roll-out of Clean Air Zones.

1. Maintain the financial liquidity that underpins the motor finance market.

5. S upport the role of flexible car models in enabling more sustainable transport choices.

2. Provide a tax and incentive regime that will stimulate vehicle demand.

Read the Manifesto for Covid-19 Recovery on the BVRLA website. u

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BVRLA members made clear that: • the next five years are critical for policymakers to pave the way to meeting their ambitious decarbonisation targets.

• charging infrastructure and van supply are two big challenges.

• policymakers should not try and adopt a ‘one size fits all’ approach to fleet decarbonisation and should instead recognise that different fleet segments have different trajectories.

The corporate car leasing sector was optimistic about hitting a 2030 target for banning new petrol and diesel car sales, while commercial vehicle fleet operators were much less optimistic about even meeting a 2035 deadline.

The BVRLA plans to organise a range of workshops on the transport decarbonisation theme as looks to take a proactive approach in advising the Government on its strategy.

To provide input, contact BVRLA Senior Policy Advisor, Catherine Bowen at catherine@bvrla.co.uk. u

Trade bodies collaborate on industry guidance The BVRLA has collaborated with the Finance and Leasing Association, National Association of Motor Auctions and the Vehicle Remarketing Association on a set of guidance to help clarify the requirements that apply on vehicle and parts collections, delivery and distribution, storage and technical services during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 9-page Guidance for vehicle collection, delivery distribution and technical services during Covid-19 can be read on the BVRLA website. u 11

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

More remote learning opportunities for members BVRLA e-Learning Platform

The BVRLA has expanded the number of modules available in both the Essentials Package and the Managers and Compliance Package, delivering even greater value to leasing broker members.

Developing skills, enhancing knowledge and investing time in professional development is something that many people have turned to during the national lockdown. Furloughed staff, people working from home and those reflecting on their career have been using online learning resources to help boost knowledge and skills.

Essentials Package

Managers & Compliance Package

Each package costs £59.95 + VAT per learner for an annual subscription, including an on-line assessment and a Certificate of Completion for each module: • Anti-Bribery • Anti-Money Laundering • Complaints Handling • Consumer Credit Sourcebook • Data Protection: GDPR • Personal Conflicts of Interest • Safeguarding the vulnerable • Treating Customers Fairly • Whistleblowing • Introduction to SM&CR • Fraud Avoidance • Financial Crime Prevention NEW

• Leadership Essentials • CASS: Client Money and Client Assets • Conduct Risk • Fraud Prevention for Manager • Information Barriers • Introduction to UK Financial Regulation • Principles of Business • Senior Management Arrangement Systems and Controls • Training and Competence • Overview of SM&CR for Solo Enhanced Businesses • Overview of SM&CR for Solo Limited Scope Businesses • Overview of SM&CR for Solo Core Businesses • Managing Homeworkers NEW • Business Continuity NEW

BVRLA e-Learning Platform developed in partnership with The BVRLA’s new cost-effective Management Fundamentals Package will help managers reach their potential with modules on Leadership, Delegating, Project Management, Time Management, Presentations and Emotional Intelligence.

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NEW

iExpress Renewal Modules: The BVRLA e-Learning Platform works on an annual renewal basis. It is vital that our sector is kept up to date with key industry topics and learning is refreshed each year. In year 2 and subsequent years of their licences, learners can complete a fully interactive shortened version of 4 key modules, lasting under 10 minutes. If learners do not reach the pass-mark in an end of module assessment, they are automatically referred to the full module.

To find out more about the BVRLA e-Learning Platform visit the BVRLA website or email training@bvrla.co.uk. u

BVRLA Webinars The BVRLA hosts free webinars covering a wide range of topics that support members with compliance and capability building to help deliver the highest industry standards.

Recent webinar topics have included Working with Covid-19, Motor Finance Forbearance, Commercial Vehicles Industry Outlook and Best Practice in Risk Management.

Members who miss the live webinars can now login to the BVRLA website and view them at a time of convenience. u Spring 2020 |

YOUR ASSOCIATION

Annual Dinner 2020 The BVRLA honoured some of the vehicle rental and leasing industry’s finest at the association’s Annual Dinner at the London Hilton on 5 March.

The event, attended by around 750 industry colleagues and guests, was joined by comedian and actor Omid Djalili who provided the evening’s entertainment.

Guests dug deep to generously donate over £10,500 to the event’s chosen charity, BEN. From l-r, Emma Gilmour, Naomi Kerr, Rachael Dean and Jo Humphreys

Emma Gilmour and Naomi Kerr both from Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental were commended for achieving the joint highest scores amongst all those who successfully completed the BVRLA IMI Rental Operator Skills Award during 2019.

Rachael Dean of Alphabet and Jo Humphreys of Low Cost Vans were both awarded the BVRLA Industry Hero Award, recognising their performance and exceptional contribution within their respective fields and organisations. u Peter Cakebread was awarded the Freddie Aldous Outstanding Contribution Award.

The coveted award was first introduced last year in honour of the BVRLA’s Honorary Life President Freddie Aldous, who passed away in 2017.

Peter has been an active member of the association for more than 20 years, helping to shape the sector and make it the force that it has become today. Peter has performed every role it is possible for a BVRLA member to perform with commitment and selflessness. u

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YOUR ASSOCIATION

In the spotlight…

Press releases and byline articles issued during Q1: 1 Tackling tomorrow’s fleet challenges – BVRLA Industry Outlook 2020 2 Industry calls for certainty with Plug-In Grants 3 BVRLA Chief writes to PM Boris Johnson following electoral win 4 Changes to BVRLA senior management team 5 Increased uncertainty drives CV Operators towards flexible solutions 6 EV surge drives fall in lease car CO2 emissions 7 Growth continues at the BVRLA as sector remains resilient 8 Time for decarbonisation action as well as targets, says BVRLA 9 Fleets urged to consider their options as WLTP data gap bites 10 Preserve the Plug-in Grant, says BVRLA 11 Air quality is a hot topic for the vehicle rental and leasing industry 12 BVRLA welcomes London Councils’ initiative 13 BVRLA tribute to Brian Johnson of Grosvenor Group 14 BVRLA Annual Dinner honours outstanding contributors to industry 15 Budget boost for zero emission fleets and drivers 16 COVID-19 response will rely on vehicle rental, says BVRLA 17 Vehicle rental supports essential services and staff during the COVID-19 crisis

YOUR ASSOCIATION

Communications Toolkit The BVRLA has published two new Communication Toolkits: Plan Your Lease and Love Your Lease.

The BVRLA Blog shares the knowledge, expertise and views of specialists and industry experts.

Steve Bloor, Technical Director at Consumer Credit Advisory Services, who delivers SM&CR training to BVRLA members, talks about the continuous journey of SM&CR that goes way beyond 9 December: SM&CR: An on-going journey.

Free to members, the toolkits contain useful digital, social and print resources to support members’ own communications. Each Toolkit contains an A4 poster, A5 leaflet, Digital banners for websites and Social Media images for LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

The Plan Your Lease Toolkit is designed to help customers who are considering leasing a vehicle.

The BVRLA Blog

The Love Your Lease Toolkit is designed to help customers who want to know how to look after their leased vehicle. u

Other recent BVRLA bloggers include: Motor Transport Editor and freight industry expert, Steve Hobson explains why the road freight transport industry could be said to be a ‘3C’ industry: The three Cs driving road freight transport VRLA Government Affairs Manager, Paul Thompson shares his B thoughts post-election about what could happen under the new government regarding Brexit and road transport decarbonisation in the coming months: So, what next for the new government? s the year draws to a close, BVRLA Chief Gerry Keaney A shares his views on what has been another year of growth for the association: 2019: A year of diversity and collaboration at the BVRLA RLA’s Public Affairs Manager Rachael Hewish shares some V insights from the main political parties’ manifestos ahead of the December 2019 general election: Parties compete on Road to Zero targets.u

To request co-branded versions, members can email communications@bvrla.co.uk

All BVRLA Blogs are published on the BVRLA website.

Members can access the resources by logging on to the Communications Toolkit via the BVRLA website.u

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To enquire about joining the BVRLA blogging community, contact communications@bvrla.co.uk. u 15

Connect your brand to the key decision makers in the vehicle rental, leasing and fleet industry.

Digital advertising

Sponsorship There are a number of opportuni es for sponsorship at BVRLA key events throughout the year. All sponsors will have their brand promoted on all event material and event-related communica ons.

• Exhibition stand • Headline/Supporting sponsor • Conference networking partner

Thought leadership Members, partners and industry experts share knowledge, views and opinion on a range of topics of interest to the vehicle rental, leasing and fleet industry.

As well as invited guests, there are also opportuni es for brand partners to share their views and exper se.

• BVRLA Blog partner • BVRLA LinkedIn partner • Conference speaker

Brand Partnership Opportunities 2020

t leadership Digital advertising · Sponsorship · Though makers Connecting your brand to the key decision . vehicle rental, leasing and fleet industry

in the

For more information contact: brandpartnerships@bvrla.co.uk tnerships@bvrla.co.uk or call 01494

For more information contact: brandpar

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