Six months into taking the helm at BVRLA, I wanted to give you an update on how the year is progressing. It has been one of the most challenging periods of my career, but also the most rewarding
In the first half of 2025, I’m pleased to say we have made positive progress across the board and in the face of widespread and varied headwinds.
In our imperative to deliver decarbonisation for all members and all business models, there remain a host of barriers that aren’t going away quickly. It is a generational transition. While we are seeing rapid progress – particularly this month – ultimate success will be realised over years, if not decades.
Something that continues to inspire me is that members are not waiting around for that perfect policy environment to be delivered to them. They are kicking on and doing the best they can now, while giving the BVRLA constant feedback about where roadblocks are emerging or solutions should be sought.
I can reassure you that we are being equally proactive. We are working incredibly hard behind the scenes to push for the policy progress you need.
Examples of where that campaigning has influenced positive change include the extensions of the plug-in grants for vans and trucks, as well as the easing of regulatory barriers impacting uptake of heavy electric vans. Just last month we also saw a signal of intent from the Government, committing £1.8bn to support the uptake of electric vehicles.
What matters now is what happens next with that funding. We remain laser focussed on that pledge to help you deliver decarbonisation and are working with Government to push for investment to be spent where it is needed most.
The regulatory landscape is another priority area of ours. Responding in the right way to changes and representing member views for a fair environment is crucial. The hottest topic in that arena is how the Supreme Court will rule in the high-profile motor finance commissions case. The appeal was heard in April with a judgement now just days away.
No matter what the verdict is, we have been putting in the work. In the hours, days, weeks, months that follow the ruling, we’ll be there with legal analysis, guidance and support to make sure that you can continue operating and keep supporting your customers.
The third imperative I laid out in January was for the BVRLA to know its members better. It is my job to make the association an indispensable partner of yours, meeting your needs day in, day out.
Over the last six months, I am confident in saying we have had the most engagement with members ever. Record number of visits, more calls, and new levels for how many members we’ve hosted at BVRLA events.
This engagement is not a nice to have. It is essential. Every meeting helps us understand your pain points, feeding into our priorities and plans for success. You can expect more engagement as the year progresses. Please contact me or the team directly if you have anything to share our would like to arrange a visit.
I look forward to working with you for the remainder of 2025 and far beyond.
I can’t promise you that we’ll see a better business environment in the coming months, but I can promise we’ll be with you every step of the day trying to make a difference.
You can hear more about the progress we’ve seen over the first half of 2025 tomorrow afternoon (Weds 16th at 1pm). I will be joining David Betteley of Asset Finance Connect for a live webcast. Register here.
