YOUR ASSOCIATION
The knock-on impacts of extended lead times include vehicles being held on fleet longer, pushing up maintenance costs, as well as customers having to find compromises to keep mobile.
Vehicle supply woes continue
PreparingREPUTATIONfor
Spring/Summer 2022
“As a result of restricting vehicle supply to the fleet sector, the inevitable consequences are going to be increased costs to businesses, reduced choice for drivers, and higher emission levels.” u
This point is supported in the BVRLA’s latest data, where members reported that lead times of up to a year were now the norm for all vehicle types.
Dylan shared: “There has been a significant distortion in the new car market in recent months. Manufacturers have clearly been prioritising retail over all forms of fleet, and if you look at Q4 last year, retail was only down 1.3%, but over the same period fleet registrations were down 41.3%.”
A new Consumer Duty regime 14 Consumer Duty, what you need to DO
Commenting on the current supply challenges, BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney, said: “The supply chain challenges that beset our industry are having their negative impact on the fleet sector amplified by manufacturers prioritising other channels. This short-sighted approach will cause broader issues across the industry. A healthy fleet sector brings stability through long-term contracts, while bringing cleaner vehicles to the UK’s roads.
15
The BVRLA in numbers 4
The bi-annual newsletter of the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association
Growing the BVRLA family 12
Spotlight on Supply
With restrictions on vehicle supply expected throughout 2022, the BVRLA is urging Government to reflect these shortages in its policymaking.
Dates for your diary 16
Green Shoots 6
a long, busy summer 8
Getting to the point 10 ZEV mandate maps UK’s road to zero 11
Keeping customers happy 7
The BVRLA continues to monitor the situation and share its analysis with Government departments to ensure that they take these supply issues into consideration with their policymaking. The association recently convinced the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles to maintain its extended delivery period of 12 months for vehicles eligible for the Plug-in Grant.
In roads made by RTO working group 9
Automotive supply chain issues caused by the Covid pandemic and war in Ukraine are causing major headaches across the vehicle rental and leasing industry.
More than 300 members took part in a recent vehicle supply-focussed Industry Outlook webinar hosted by the BVRLA, which included Dylan Setterfield, Head of Forecast Strategy at cap hpi, assessing the impact of supply shortages on registrations.
BVRLA announces new Chair 5
How to keep compliant 7
EV LEARNINGINFRASTRUCTURE&DEVELOPMENTLearning&development
2
MOTOR FINANCE
GOVERNANCE & COMPLIANCE
This supply challenge has been reflected in the gap between vehicle order banks, which have been at record levels, and the numbers of new registrations being delivered. Lead times are extending, orders are being cancelled at short notice, and customers are being encouraged to accept alternative vehicles.
Widespread disruption has caused vehicle manufacturers to prioritise certain models over others. More importantly, they have chosen to prioritise the retail channel over fleet. This has meant fewer vehicles coming into the channel and cases of existing orders or agreements being ripped up.
Strength in numbers 13
This course will provide a full overview of Salary Sacrifice, cover the features of a typical scheme and who might benefit from Salary Sacrifice, PAYE, BIK, NI and OpRA Rules.
Mel White, Jigsaw Finance Limited
Matt Noonan, 1st Choice Vehicle Finance Ltd
This course provides a detailed market overview of the Electric Van & Truck landscape, while supplying valuable advice and day to day operational technical support that you can give to your customers (fleet operators and drivers) on how to effectively manage and drive EVs.
Fahad Romani, Venson Automotive
BVRLA Learning & Development offers a blended approach to training combining a range of courses, qualifications and e-learning solutions that aim to raise standards and professionalism across the vehicle rental and leasing sectors. Activities are designed to promote best practice, encourage knowledge sharing, skills acquisition and increase competence.
‘A well presented course with useful topics. It`s good to sit there and hear other people’s feedback in the industry as well. The course really makes you think about how the introduction of electric vehicles will impact the world and how we operate.’
Understanding Salary Sacrifice Instructor-Led Course
Electric Vehicles (Cars) Operational Technical Support Instructor-Led Course
Steven Marklew, Agility Fleet
‘This training, it was one of the best trainings I have been to. So interesting and so informative, the guy running it is an absolute expert in the field.’
Electric Van & Trucks Operational Technical Support & Fleet Management Instructor-Led Course
Selling Electric Vehicles to Fleet Customers
New customers entering this market for the first time may be nervous or hesitant in taking their first EV and will be looking to their supplier as a trusted support. This BVRLA course prepares attendees to be precisely that trusted support.
‘Highly informative and the course met our expectations with ideas and improvements to our sales process.’
Spring/Summer 2022 |2
Learning Development&
‘I found this course extremely informative and have a much better understanding of salary sacrifice and what steps our business would need to take to further consider offering this to our customers (and potentially employees).’
This course provides a full overview of the EV landscape, current market entrants and valuable advice for members supporting their customers’ need for day-to-day technical operational support.
Enjoy the read, be sure to sign up for a BVRLA website account and follow us on social media to ensure you do not miss regular email updates and news from across the industry. u
I have often spoken of the resilience of BVRLA members in recent years, and I must continue to do so now. No sooner has one once-in-ageneration issue been overcome than another emerges. Having tackled Brexit and Covid, we now find ourselves embroiled in a supply crisis unlike anything we have seen before. It is an issue being experienced across our membership and is our lead story.
Gerry’s note:
Gerry BVRLAKeaney,ChiefExecutive
BVRLA, River Lodge, Badminton Court, Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP7 0DD Tel 01494 434747 Email info@bvrla.co.uk Web www.bvrla.co.uk BVRLA News articles may be used copyright free by members provided that an acknowledgement is given. | Spring/Summer 2022 3 Chief ShashiDirector:LegalEleanorAffairsPolicyCatherineSeniorRachaelPublicThomas&HeadFranEventsShahebOfficer:CommunicationsSeniorHelenOfficer:SeniorAdamCommunications:HeadPhilInsightResearchTobyDirector:CorporateSamanthaAccountsBhartiAccountant:ManagementKateChiefSecretaryGerryExecutive:KeaneytotheExecutive:McLarenLadwaAssistant:HulbertAffairsPoston&Manager:GarthsideofForshawCommunicationsLawrenceDigitalKhanManager:HampsonofPolicyPublicAffairs:McLennanAffairsManager:HewishPolicyAdvisor:Bowen&PublicAdvisor:Bruce&MembershipMaharaj Head of Compliance & TessCoordinator:LearningMark&HeadNoraDirector:HumanSarahStephenLauraServiceConciliationLauraFleetSallieServiceConciliationAmandaFleetRobCRMMichaelHeadJoshSupportMembershipGregMembershipNicholasOfficerJuniorAmanpreetSpecialist:CorporateHayleighGovernanceComplianceHarryGovernance:Madan&Officer:MorrisGovernanceKaluCompliance:BeveridgeManager:TheakerOfficer:SaundersofIT:SkinnerDataManager:BurfordServicesDirector:BrandonManager:CatchpoleServicesExecutive:BirdseyOfficers:PiteDixPhilpResourcesLeggettofLearningDevelopment:Pow&DevelopmentWarnTEAMBVRLATHE•TEAMBVRLATHE•TEAMBVRLATHE•TEAMBVRLATHE
2022BVRLACOPYRIGHT©
Alongside all of this, the BVRLA’s events and training calendar is as full as ever, supported by comprehensive guidance pages and resources online. No matter what issues you are facing or support you require, the BVRLA team is here to help.
An extraordinary amount has happened since the last issue of BVRLA News, and this edition looks back at some of the main highlights of 2022 to date, while considering the ongoing challenges we are collectively overcoming.
vehicles are being overlooked, but you can rest assured that the association is pushing hard for that to be addressed to enable a fair and achievable changeover.
Chair Jon Lawes Vice-Chair Lakshmi Moorthy Honorary Treasurer Brian Back
Elsewhere, momentum is building and more policies are coming to light that map out the UK’s road to Net Zero. Through the EV Infrastructure Strategy and ZEV Mandate, the Government is sharing the blueprints for that transition. Too often, fleets and commercial
YOUR ASSOCIATION Spring/Summer 2022 |4
of
with the
The BVRLA in Numbers
Webinars
Auto
The BVRLA’s popular Industry Outlook programme continues to grow, sharing vital
an in-person
You can watch previous webinars here: Looking ahead with Industry Outlook2,966,8771,214,306 1,566,184Cars Cars 186,387CarsCars Jan 2022 Jan 2022 Jan 2022 Jan 2022
The combined influence of the BVRLA and its members continues to grow, frequently demonstrating wider trends and shaping innovation. u insights analysis industry data support of our Insight partners, Trader and cap hpi. so far this year have put spotlights on vehicle supply, fleet customers, and consumer duty, with conference in December looking at what to expect in 2023.
Every calendar year, the BVRLA publishes the latest member data, giving a snapshot of the scale, diversity and influence of its membership. Membership returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2021, closing the year with 1,022 members from across vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management.
These graphics show the current composition of the BVRLA fleet and how that relates to total vehicles on UK roads.
and
YOUR ASSOCIATION|Spring/Summer 2022 5
,
•Corrine
Current Managing Director of Novuna Vehicle Solutions – a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC –Jon has almost 30 years’ experience in the fleet and leasing industry. He has been on the BVRLA’s Committee of Management since 2015 and was appointed as Vice Chair in April last year.
We are pleased to welcome Jon into this role and are excited to see what the BVRLA will achieve under his leadership. With a wealth of experience to draw on, supported by his close involvement with the association and the industry’s transition to net zero, Jon will undoubtedly oversee some significant milestones in the coming years.”
“Our gratitude is extended to Nina Bell, who steered the association through the most uncertain, tumultuous period we have ever faced. Under Nina’s leadership, with the support of the full Committee of Management, the BVRLA and its members are emerging from Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and ongoing vehicle supply challenges in a positive position, able to look forward with optimism.
Leasing
Alongside the move, Lakshmi Moorthy from Arval UK has been named as the association’s new Vice Chair, while Ryan Johnson (Enterprise Rent A Car), Per Voegerl (United Rental Group), and John Finch (Hertz), also joined the Committee of Management. u
Leasing Broker Committee •Lee Duerden, XLCR Vehicle Management •Keith Hawes, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts •Mike Thompson, Leasing Options •Paul Bulloch, Concept Automotive Rental Committee •Amy Bond, Sixt Rent A Car •Sam Patel, Enterprise Rent A Car
At May’s AGM, the BVRLA welcomed Jon Lawes as the new Chair of the association, taking over from Nina Bell, who oversaw an extended, three-year tenure due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tim Bailey is the new Chair of the CV Committee
BVRLA ChiefGerryExecutiveKeaney
Fleet Management
Other notable changes to the BVRLA’s wider team include:
Commenting on his new role, Jon said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be appointed, especially as we are going through some challenging, yet exciting, times in the automotive industry. I’m passionate about accelerating the transition to alternative fuels, solving society’s challenge to decarbonise and overcome barriers to electrification, the biggest of which being confidence in our UK charging infrastructure.
“I’ve learnt a great deal from my time on the Committee of Management and as Vice Chair and look forward to continuing to deliver key initiatives such as the Plug in Pledge to operate 1.3m plug-in vehicles by 2025. To achieve this, we need the continued backing and support from the Government and Department for Transport to ensure businesses and communities can transition with confidence.”
Value Expertisein
While we also welcomed a host of new experts across our sector-specific Committees & Committee Barton Arval UK
The Leasing Broker Committee named Paul Parkinson as its new Chair
BVRLA Announces New Chair
Flexible rental options – particularly on vans – have seen significant uplifts in demand, with salary sacrifice, Business Contract Hire and used car leasing also growing in popularity as driver perceptions on mobility evolve.
Another by-product of the changing priorities of manufacturers has been the acceleration of the shift to electric vehicles, which are benefitting from growing awareness and improving infrastructure. With such strong demand for zero emission vehicles, the total picture for EVs continues to improve. That said, the decision for manufacturers to prioritise the retail channel over fleet extends to electric vehicles, overlooking the fleet sector’s instrumental role in making the transition to Net Zero possible.
Impact on membersBVRLA that supply is a primary concern. that their vehicle fleet is ageing. customers are making compromises on vehicle to see growth in their fleet size over the next six months.
94% say
Changes in demand for mobility products and services
Spring/Summer 2022 |6 VEHICLE SUPPLY
Gerry Keaney concludes: “The fleet sector is the reason the electric
“Leasing brokers will always weather these kinds of storms better. This is because we are monthly payment driven and brokers are more agile, quicker to react in the market, and able to deal with all brands and OEMs.”
vehicle market is as advanced and buoyant as it is. Were it not for BVRLA members driving the move to decarbonise, taking on the early risks and leading from the front in creating real-world EV use cases, the technology would not be at the point it is today. Our members are resilient and adaptable, but the treatment of our channel throughout this supply crisis has been short sighted and needs to be rectified before long-term damage is incurred.
“Vehicles run by fleet operators cover the greatest mileage and provide mobility to more people when compared to private sales. These supply restrictions are creating a huge administrative and customer service burden and are leading to older, dirtier vehicles covering more miles on UK roads.” u
92% say
The exceptional agility and resilience demonstrated by members shows that the sector has the traits to recover as supply returns. This could particularly be the case for leasing brokers, as explained by Lee Jones of Fleet Procure:
The BVRLA’s latest Business Impact Survey was conducted in March and highlighted the scale of the challenges being tackled by BVRLA members.
Business Contract Hire 44% of members said they had 11%‘stronger’experienceddemandwhilstsaid‘muchstronger’
In the face of restricted supply coming to the channel, BVRLA members are in a strong position to keep drivers on the road with a variety of mobility solutions.
Green Shoots
Salary sacrifice 42% of members said they had 18%‘stronger’experienceddemandwhilstsaid‘muchstronger’
54%choice. expect
74% agree
Used Car Leasing 45% of members said they had 5%‘stronger’experienceddemandwhilstsaid‘muchstronger’
• RVSS (Rental Vehicle Security campaign:Scheme)
Investing in Your Team
Are you up to speed with what RVSS is and how to act?
Customers place value on the BVRLA logo as it tells them that they are dealing with a company that upholds exacting standards and meets industry recognised Codes of Conduct. The association’s audit programme is designed to support members in retaining those levels year-round.
Audit programmes run in parallel for rental and leasing broker members, generally visiting each member once every 18 months and, where necessary, providing them with a Get Well Plan to ensure all standards, and subsequently, customer expectations are being met.
GOVERNANCE & COMPLIANCE 7| Spring/Summer 2022
Leasing Brokers: points to consider
The BVRLA’s runs a Trading Standards Institute-approved alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service, available in those rare circumstances where a customer has exhausted a member’s complaints procedure and remains dissatisfied.
Analysis of Get Well Plans created by the BVRLA for members shows some of the key points where improvements can be made. Members are encouraged to check the right standards are being met all year, with the below a good place to start. u
Onboard new team members as quickly as possible, making sure they are up to speed with the processes you use and levels of service you expect. This is most effective when delivered through both internal and external training programmes.
• Data protection: Are you vehicleanycustomersadvisingtoremovedatainputtothepriortoreturn?
• Financial Crime: Are you taking the right steps to protect yourself when it comes to policies & procedures and AML responsibilities?
General vehicle condition: as vehicle supply issues limit the number of new vehicles reaching the channel, vehicles are being kept on fleet longer and incurring more damage.
• Compliance Monitoring: Are your plans regularly recording when the last activity was completed and the outcome?
Clearly communicate what ‘fair wear & tear’ covers, and what it does not. Also ensure you are running comprehensive pre- and post-collection vehicle checks with your customers, obtaining a signature to agree levels of damage or fair wear and tear.
• Compliance Procedure: Are you keeping review dates on policies and procedures up to date?
Manage customer expectations from the start, being transparent about the vehicles that are available and the standard of equipment their vehicle will provide. If their first choice is not available, offer suitable alternatives.
ProgrammeDevelopmentSM&CR EnviroinManagementComplaintsaRegulatednment Customers–Treating Fairly
How to Keep Compliant
With travel numbers increasing as people become more mobile after an extended period of facing social distancing guidance and lockdowns, the cases handled by the ADR show several trends for BVRLA members to be aware of.
The BVRLA’s comprehensive learning and development programme contains a suite of courses and resources that help upskill your team to give them the right skills and knowledge to manage a host of compliance and customer service issues. Keeping Customers Happy
The issues outlined below are growing in prominence. Members are encouraged to review the procedures and services they have in place to help overcome these challenges and improve the customer experience.
Disputes over damage: whether looking at short-term rentals or leases over a few years, the subject of damage is always hotly contested.
Customer service: complaints are increasing, potentially due to staff changes brought about by the pandemic. As business ramps up, service levels will be tested further.
Issue BVRLA Recommends
Rental audit: areas of interest
• Site accessibility: Do you have spaces reserved for disabled customers?
YourReducingRisk
Are you providing drivers with VE103B ‘Vehicle on hire’ certificates with drivers planning to take the car abroad?
Do you know what the customer will do with the vehicle?
Is there any external equipment you can offer that will give the same experience, such as roof boxes, trailers, or sat nav systems?
Make sure your website is clear about what the price contains, and what extras the customer may wish to consider.
A rental car or van is a very expensive asset, so it is important that you can trust your customer to return it in good condition and within the time agreed.
The RISC database is the BVRLA’s risk management tool for rental and leasing companies. It allows businesses to qualify their customers when hiring out vehicles, containing information that can help in preventing, detecting, and controlling fraud and other losses.
RISC contains details of over 7,000 individuals and companies who have been identified as a potential risk based on previous experience. The data held is a factual report of incidents where there have been breaches in terms and conditions of rental.
A community of BVRLA members contribute to the data, collectively allowing each other to make more informed customer qualification decisions.
The more members that are using the database, the more reliable it can be. Members not currently subscribed to RISC should contact risc@bvrla.co.uk for more details. u
Are you offering your customers alternatives if their first choice isn’t available?
Security checks, vehicle availability and return standards often lead to emotional exchanges.
This summer is the first since 2019 where UK residents will be able to travel freely across the country and much of Europe. The removal of social distancing requirements and mandatory testing is expected to see demand spike, with customers expecting the same high levels of service they were used to pre-pandemic.
Are you being transparent with your pricing, including any extras?
Are your staff fully trained and able to handle all types of customer query?
Failure to present the correct paperwork could see your vehicles impounded or delay your customer’s return to the UK.
If they are driving in areas with clean air zones or congestion charges, advise them of charges ahead of time to avoid having to process fines at a later date.
That returning demand will be welcome relief to many rental operators, but it is important that your processes, workforce and vehicles are prepared.
Many operators had to shrink their workforce during the pandemic or have seen a higher-than-average level of turnover within their teams. Vehicle shortages have also left many with a smaller, older fleet. All these issues present a greater risk when it comes to retaining high levels of customer service, or simply keeping up with demand. u
Preparing for a long, busy Summer
How are you communicating vehicle availability or standards with your customers?
REPUTATION Spring/Summer 2022 |8
With many fleets getting older, or incurring more cosmetic damage before being replaced, are you making your customers aware of that before they collect?
Particular points that members should consider this summer include:
the
Last month, the Department for Transport published its statutory guidance for local authorities outside London on civil enforcement of bus lane and moving traffic contraventions. The guidance advises local councils on how to set their processes and where exemptions may be appropriate.
Getting
On Course to Success
Offering a blended approach to training, the BVRLA Learning & Development programme combines a range of courses, qualifications and e- learning solutions that aim to raise standards and professionalism across the vehicle rental and leasing sectors.
Thanks to the BVRLA’s intervention, armed with data and testimonies from members of the RTO Working Group, the guidance gives clarity on how councils should handle representations from vehicle rental and leasing companies.
In roads made by RTO Working Group hold of facts
REPUTATION 9| Spring/Summer 2022
The BVRLA continues to work with the operators of the Tyne Tunnels to introduce a bulk payment facility and a new process for members’ customers to make post-payment representations when they believe they should not have been charged.
The Road Traffic Offences (RTO) Working Group has made a real impact in a couple of key developments recently, underlining its influence and shaping the sector in a positive way.
The Road Traffic Offences Working Group brings specialists together from across the BVRLA’s membership to share views on how to bring positive change to the industry. It seeks to make the processes for handling charges or transferring liability as simple and consistent as possible. u
From Age Discrimination to Clean Air Zones, the BVRLA has a huge array of fact sheets and guidance covering many of the tax, regulatory and legal issues surrounding vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management. Guide to Road Traffic Offences Clean Air Zones Security & Counter Terrorism Taking AbroadVehicles
This reduces the likelihood of issues arising for members when transferring liability as councils start putting the guidance into practice later this year.
UK LegislationVehicleCommercial MasterclassChargePenaltyNotice ValuesFutureResidualsUnderstandingandVehicle Fair Wear & Tear Consumer Duty Carbon Reduction PlansTaking Vehicles
A similarly positive result was seen in May when the BVRLA secured a dedicated team from the operators of the Tyne Tunnels, allowing BVRLA members immediate access to the operator when looking to discuss details of claims being processed. A bespoke online query form has also been created for the exclusive use of BVRLA members.
Getting Ahead
As vehicle technology and attitudes toward mobility change, BVRLA members and their teams need to adapt how they deal with their customers and how they manage their vehicles.
Getting to the Point
If the UK is to meet its 2030 phase-out targets and accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles, more investment in the nation’s charging infrastructure is required. As vehicle choice and capabilities improve, the charging network needs to keep pace to support the transition.
A host of industry reports have also been launched in recent months, notably from the EV Energy Taskforce (EVET) and the Green Finance Institute-led Coalition for the Decarbonisation of Road Transport (CDRT), both of which the BVRLA is actively involved in.
The EVET report, ‘Charging the Future’ highlights what more needs to be done to hit the UK’s Net Zero targets. It calls for greater collaboration between the energy, infrastructure, and transport industries, saying it is the only way in which the seismic shift to zero emission road transport can be achieved.
BVRLA ChiefGerryExecutiveKeaney
Moving Forward Together
Watch our video that explains what the strategy covers and what it means for you.
Selling CustomersVehiclesElectrictoFleet SacrificeSalaryUnderstandingElectric Vehicles (Cars)TechnicalOperationalSupport Electric Vans/Trucks –TechnicalOperationalSupport & Fleet Management Spring/Summer 2022 |10EV INFRASTRUCTURE
While the BVRLA broadly welcomes the issues addressed in the strategy, the association and its members have called for a similarly comprehensive approach to be taken in addressing the infrastructure needs of fleets, particularly those that operate commercial vehicles.
One of the key steps the government has taken in delivering that network is the launch of its EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy. Announced in March, the strategy will deliver a better, more reliable experience for people and businesses that charge at home or rely on public charge points and will help underpin the seismic shift to zero emission road transport.
It also called for more support to be given to local authorities, acknowledging the role they will play in delivering the right mix of accessible, reliable solutions that benefit all road users. This is something that the BVRLA has been campaigning for, having launched the Fleet Charging Guide in February (more opposite). u
The EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy is a major step forward that will give greater confidence to the millions of road users that need to make the switch to electric over the next decade. The recognition for the mix of different charging solutions is crucial. It is not simply about having more chargers, we need the right solutions, placed strategically to be accessible to all drivers.
One of the Government’s key tools in achieving the 2030 phase-out targets, the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Sales Mandate gathered significant momentum in April, where the initial terms and timings were set out.
The full guide can be read on the BVRLA website.
Enhanced credits for car club and car rental vehicles (shared mobility) and vehicles adapted for disabled drivers short video
A more realistic van phase out trajectory that doesn’t rely on significant hybrid van volumes
1 2 3 Proposed targets and deadlines for Zero Emission Vehicle sales
A regular theadequatesectorscheckevaluationmarkettothatallfleetaregettingansupplyofrightBEVs Our
Compiling the findings of extensive research conducted with a variety of fleet operators, including those with car clubs and rental divisions, the Guide provides detailed case studies, advice and tangible solutions that can be applied at a local level across the UK.
The Fleet Charging Guide contains 12 distinct recommendations, all designed to arm local authorities with the background knowledge they need to develop informed strategies. u
Getting Local Authorities to ‘Think Fleet’
meansZEVwhatoutlinesthemandateforyou:
11| Spring/Summer 2022 EV INFRASTRUCTURE
ZEV Mandate Maps UK’s Road to Zero
The association’s three key recommendations for the mandate
The ZEV mandate is a vital part of the UK being able to reach its Net Zero targets, and its effective implementation will be the difference between the UK leading the way for decarbonisation or falling behind the rest of Europe. The BVRLA remains in close contact with the Department for Transport to ensure that member views are heard at every stage, and that all sectors are treated fairly.
Up to now, infrastructure decisions have been developed with individual drivers and private use cases in mind. This needs to change so we are providing local authorities with the tools they need to succeed. By having fleets involved in the planning, roll out and maintenance of charging networks, local authorities can ensure they are catering to the broadest number of road users with solutions that will stand the test of time.
First coming into effect in 2024, the ZEV Mandate should help to ensure that the right vehicles are supplied to the UK market by setting out what portion of sales must be for zero emission vehicles year by year. The mandate determines the respective trajectories for cars and vans, acknowledging that they are not currently at the same point of the journey to Net Zero. These trajectories make it clear to those buying vehicles what points they need to be at each year, while also enabling manufacturers to plan their production schedules to ensure adequate supply of vehicles to the UK.
BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney
Earlier this year, the BVRLA launched a new initiative to help local authorities as they try to meet the diverse charging needs of electric fleets. With the roll-out of charging infrastructure increasingly being devolved to local government, the association’s new ‘Fleet Charging Guide’ highlights some key fleet use cases and how they can best be supported on their zero-emission journey.
Premier Vehicle Leasing Ltd Cheadle Royal Ready2Lease Ltd Leicester
12 Spring/Summer 2022 | YOUR ASSOCIATION
Harris Truck and Van Ltd Gateshead Invicta Lease Manchester
Fiveways Municipal Hire Ltd Basildon
Rent1lease1buy1.com Thirsk
Camper Ninja Ltd Taporley
QDrive Performance London
Smart Leasing Harrow
Pure Leasing Ltd Birmingham
Leasing broker members
Engage Camberley
Vehicle Consultancy Ltd Belfast
Birkenhead Car & Van Hire Wirral
4 Mobility Ltd
Creditplus Poole
Access Commercials UK Ltd South Weald, Brentwood
Ethos Asset Finance Ltd Harrogate
Ricky Fenby Hire Frome
Lincoln Vehicle Hire Lincoln Network Vehicle Hire Ltd Didcot
E-Van Leasing Limited Skelmersdale fleethelpline Blackburn
Fleetmate Ltd Hull
Croxdale Car & Van Rental Durham
AW Rentals Ltd Rayleigh
Royal Supercars London
Cute Club Limited Llantwit Major Elliott Jarvis Leasing Ltd Plymouth
Forces Cars Direct Lincoln Love Electric Financial Services Ltd Edinburgh
The Van Franchise Ltd Grimsby
Associate members
Varissa Limited Southampton
Anglia (UK) Ltd Spalding
Aston Lark Farnborough
Daloop Leca da Palmeira
Sefton Hire Ltd Liverpool
Richard Lawson (Autoecosse) Limited Dundee Sherwood Car and Van Leasing Ltd Nottingham
Corporate members
Nathaniel Car Sales Ltd Bridgened Premier Leasing Solutions Bedford
Snap Car Hire Exeter
CamperVango UK Limited York
New Horizon Campervan Hire Sale
At the close of 2021, BVRLA membership reached 1,022, returning to pre-pandemic levels. We are pleased to welcome 23 new leasing brokers, 27 corporate members, and 16 associates since our last edition of BVRLA News.
Growing the BVRLA family
Your New Car Ltd Leeds
Happy Hire Tonbridge
The Electric Car Scheme Hayes Trio Leasing Ltd Swadlincote
CVS Vehicle Group Colne elmo Surrey
Bournemouth Airport
Bordon Vehicle Hire Ltd Borden
VIP Group Cardiff
Anglo Scottish Asset Finance Limited Chester Le Street
Autosecure Limited Cowbridge
Gap Leasing Manchester
carwow London
Product
TVL Security
Zeti
YOUR ASSOCIATION|Spring/Summer 2022 13
The Algorithm People Ltd Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Fleetprocure
The BVRLA team continues to grow, both in numbers and breadth of expertise. Since the last issue of BVRLA News we have welcomed:Harry
Ohme Operations UK Ltd London Partnerships Limited Leeds
Brentwood
Ferris Horsham
Adam Forshaw, Head of Communications
The latest addition to the BVRLA, Sam joined the finance team in March. She brings with her several years across busy finance departments and bolsters the association’s accounting and bookkeeping activities. Sam can be contacted at samantha@bvrla.co.uk
Ltd Witney Isuzu UK & Subaru UK Solihull Moneypenny Wrexham MotorLease Coventry Peak Collections Ltd Macclesfield
Nicholas Beveridge, Compliance Officer
Strength in Numbers
London/Manchester
Madan, Head of Governance & Compliance
Harry joined the team in September and brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously worked for the company that conducted the BVRLA’s Leasing Broker Inspection Programme. He has a strong record for project delivery within the compliance sector and can be reached at harry@bvrla.co.uk
Nicholas joined the team in December and strengthens the BVRLA’s services in providing governance and compliance support to members. He plays an instrumental role in the provision of the association’s extensive audit programme and can be reached at nicholas@bvrla.co.uk
Having started back in October, Adam joined the BVRLA after working with suppliers across the automotive industry. He leads the association’s work in keeping members and the media updated with the BVRLA’s activity, raising awareness and increasing the influence of our industry. He can be contacted at adamf@bvrla.co.uk
Sam Hulbert, Accounts Assistant
There are three key behaviours required of firms, called the Cross-Cutting rules. Firms should:
4 Products and services should be fit for purpose and represent fair VALUE.
Immediate action is your best option
2 PRODUCTS AND SERVICES should be fit for purpose, designed to meet customer needs, and targeted to the right consumer.
A New Consumer Duty Regime is Coming
3 Firms must design processes in a way that actively take CONSUMER NEEDS into account.
You don’t need to wait for us to give detailed rules – you can get a head-start now by making sure you have the right mindset, culture and data in place, and looking for gaps between where you are now and where you’ll need to be.
May 21Jun 21Jul 21Aug 21Sep 21Oct 21Nov 21Dec 21 May 22Jun 22Jul 22Aug 22Jan 22 Feb 22Mar 22Apr 22 Jan 23 Feb 23Mar 23Apr 23Sep 22Oct 22Nov 22Dec 22 14 May 2021: FCA introduced new guidance on Consumer Duty Two rounds of consulta on with industryFCA-regulated businesses to begin implemen ng new regime July 2022 Final publishedrules July 2023 New Consumer Duty rules officially come into effect
Four
Four outcomes are specified with detailed expectations for firm conduct
• avoid causing foreseeable harm •enable customers to pursue their financial objec ves
2 take all reasonable steps to enable customers to pursue their financial objectives
4 Price
In its new Consumer Duty proposals, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) wants to ensure a higher and more consistent standard of consumer protection for users of financial services and to help stop harm before it happens. It wants to secure a ‘paradigm shift’ towards more ‘outcomes-focussed regulation.’
Firms must take all reasonable steps to:
Firms must act in good faith towards customers Outcomes for the key elements of the firm-consumer rela onship: Communica ons Products and Services Customer Service and Value
2
The changes will impact all members that conduct FCA-regulated business in personal leasing or rental.
1 take reasonable steps to avoid foreseeable harm to customers
A new Consumer Duty, what you need to know.
3 act in good faith
1 CONSUMER UNDERSTANDING: Consumers should be given the information they need, at the right time and presented in a way they can understand.
FCA Interim Director of Retail Lending, Brian Corr. Speaking at Credit Summit 2022 in March
Consumer Principle Overarching Cross-cu ng Rules
1
3
14 Spring/Summer 2022 | MOTOR FINANCE
Are products and services specifically designed to meet the needs of consumers and sold to those whose needs they meet? Are they designed to benefit your customers and perform as you would reasonably expect?
1 2 3 4 MOTOR FINANCE|Spring/Summer 2022 15
outcomeseachformonitorProactivelyoutcomesconsumersacrossoftheDuty’sfourandproduceeffectiveManagementInformation.
Do the prices of products and services represent fair value for your customers and are they relative to the expected benefits?
The BVRLA has compiled necessary guidance resources into an online portal that will be constantly updated with key developments, training materials, events, and timings.
ensuretrainingRefreshtothatstaff
Does customer service meet the needs of consumers, enabling them to realise the benefits of products and services and act in their interests without undue hindrance? Is it as easy to exit a product or service as it is to purchase it in the first place?
Can you demonstrate that you take proportionate steps to review your products and, where appropriate, test and adapt your communications to ensure they are likely to be understood by your target customers?
Are your communications framed in a way that is reasonably likely to be understood and that facilitates decision-making?
Conduct a gap analysis between your current practices today and the required mode of operation in April 2023.
Key questions to ask yourself right now
Your first steps
What is your price and value proposition?
at all levels of the firm understand their obligations under the Consumer Duty.
Consumer Duty, what you need to DO
Structure meetappropriatelyapproachyourtoregulatorydeadlines.
Get fully up to speed
Members are urged to act now to ensure they have the right processes in place ahead of the new Consumer Duty officially being enforced. Asking the right questions now and forming a plan of action will enable a smooth transition, retain service levels, and ensure compliance.
Do you equip your customers to make effective, timely and properly informed decisions about your financial products and services?
Fleets in Charge Webinar
looking at the latest trends in risk management and security issues in conjunction with Synetics Solutions and Towergate Insurance. A must for any SME member who is looking to protect their business against those who are out to defraud them.
The BVRLA’s calendar remains full right up to the end of the year and beyond, spanning digital, physical and hybrid events. They offer the chance to hear from industry experts, gain clarity on complex matters, and network with peers.
16 Spring/Summer 2022 | YOUR ASSOCIATION
Industry ConferenceOutlook
Thursday 1 December 2022
Wednesday 16 November 2022
Thursday 6 October 2022
Fleets in Charge Webinar
The one-day conference returns in 2022 and will again provide delegates with exclusive insights on market trends and what that means for members going into 2023. More information on the agenda and details of how to secure a space will be shared shortly.
Thursday 3 November 2022
ReceptionParliamentaryAutumn
Tuesday 27 September 2022,
RIBA, 66 Portland Place, London
Wednesday 21 September 2022
Webinar2-3pm
RVR Forum
Thursday 10 November 2022
TOM Forum
Risk and Security Forum
Leasing Broker Conference
Dates for your Diary
The conference 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, exploring the opportunities and threats facing the sector.
202214WednesdaySeptember
