Resource Library

The Industrial Strategy launched yesterday (23 June 2025) sets out the Government’s long-term plans for growing the UK economy, raising living standards and building resilience and security.

BVRLA Chief Executive Toby Poston comments; June has been a busy month in Westminster. In the last three weeks we’ve heard the Comprehensive Spending Review, which paved the way for the respective long-term strategies for the UK’s Infrastructure and Industrial development.

The Government has launched its 10-year Industrial Strategy, outlining a long-term plan to grow the UK economy, raise living standards, and support key sectors. For the automotive industry, the newly released Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan is of particular relevance.

Vehicle safety and the negative impacts of misleading marketing will be the focal points of some upcoming government consultations. The Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, which is part of the Department for Transport (DfT), has confirmed the timings for forthcoming consultations following the passing of the Automated Vehicles Act 2024.

The unintended consequences coming to light as the industry gets to grips with the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate will be explored as part of the BVRLA’s Fleets in Charge Conference on 10 July. The launch of the latest Road to Zero Report Card will open proceedings, tracking how the mandate is impacting the sector’s transition to cleaner vehicles.

A who’s who of experts in fleet electrification will share the stage at this summer’s Fleets in Charge Conference, sharing their experiences and assessments of where progress is and isn’t being made. The selection of senior leaders from across the rental, leasing and fleet sectors are coming together as part of the one-day event from the BVRLA, in Westminster on Wednesday 10 July.

Delegates at July’s Fleets in Charge Conference will hear about the future of transport, including how new battery technology and the era of the ‘Software-Defined Vehicle’ are changing automotive business models. Jack Palmer, Principal Consultant at Frost and Sullivan will deliver a keynote speech exploring what members need to be aware of so they can prepare now.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced £6.4 million of grant funding is available to subsidise the cost of AI skills training for SMEs.

Leading figures from the Conservative and Labour parties will share their visions for road transport at this summer’s Fleets in Charge Conference. Ahead of a General Election later this year, delegates will get a feel for where the priorities of each party lie, and what the future could hold for the sector.

Giving a mid-year assessment of how 2024 is progressing, the BVRLA’s Fleets in Charge Conference will explore how we are faring on the Road to Zero. The agenda presents a carefully curated program designed to inspire, inform, and ignite discussion.

Leading fleet operators will discuss critical aspects of the zero-emission transition during the ‘Fleet Takeover’ session at this year’s Fleets in Charge Conference. Charging infrastructure will be among the topics on the agenda as the experts share what others can learn from their experiences.

Bill Esterson MP, Shadow Minister for Roads is confirmed as one of the keynote speakers for the BVRLA’s Fleets in Charge Conference in July. Opening the full-day event, Esterson will outline Labour’s priorities, its approach to decarbonisation and road policy, and what steps the party will take if it wins the next General Election.