The BVRLA Dinner returned last week, with the evening of celebration culminating in Margaret Speirs of Arnold Clark being recognised for her commitment to the association and its activities. More than 850 guests from across the rental, leasing and fleet sector were present at the London Hilton on Park Lane to see Margaret receive the Freddie Aldous Outstanding Contribution Award.
Bestowed in memory of the BVRLA Honorary Life President who passed away in 2017, the Freddie Aldous Outstanding Contribution Award is presented to an individual that has played a vital and long-term role in supporting the work of the BVRLA. It recognises the people that drive the industry forward.
Presenting the award to Margaret Speirs, BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney, said: “Margaret is a valued voice not just for the wider rental sector, but small and medium-sized operators in particular. She is invaluable in helping to steer the association’s activity to ensure the needs of those members can be met.
“Margaret’s unmatched passion for rental means we can all rely on her reasoned, valued observations on matters impacting members from all corners of the UK.”
This year, the BVRLA’s Annual Dinner was back to its best, with over 860 delegates joining the festivities after three years of pandemic disruption. The event brought individuals from across BVRLA membership together to celebrate the contributions of the industry.
Entertainment was provided by top comedian and impressionist, Matt Forde, before guests were wowed by card trickster Magic Singh while enjoying the play casino. All evening, donations for industry charity, Ben, were received, raising thousands of pounds to support Ben’s work.
Opening the event, Jon Lawes, BVRLA Chair, said: “Week by week, month by month, year by year, we can see our industry evolving in front of our eyes. We collectively have a part to play in navigating and accelerating our sustainability journey. Decarbonisation of our fleets is not a choice and our race to net zero has firmly begun. For some, it will be a sprint, and for others a marathon.
“Whatever your pace, the BVRLA is here to inform, inspire and support you as we all strive to meet the need for greener road transport.”
Sponsors for 2023 included Zenith and Zen Auto, Close Brothers Leasing, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Fleet Procure, Lombard, Radius Vehicle Solutions, United Rental Group, and Vehicle Rental Services.
The BVRLA Annual Dinner will return on Thursday 7 March 2024.
