The BVRLA Annual Dinner returned last week, bringing together individuals from across its membership to celebrate the contributions of the industry.
The event gave the 860+ delegates a chance to reconnect with colleagues and forge new relationships, as well as being entertained by top comedian, Matt Forde. Donations were collected all evening for automotive charity, Ben, raising thousands of pounds to support it’s work.
On stage, 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.”
The event also saw the BVRLA name its three peer-nominated Industry Heroes, as well as the top performer on the association’s e-learning platform and the prestigious Freddie Aldous Outstanding Contribution award.
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 made exceptional contributions to the industry overall, while committing significant efforts to support the work of the BVRLA. This year’s award went to Margaret Speirs from Arnold Clark.
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.”
Prior to that, the BVRLA had named Katy Aston from Gateway2Lease as the Learning & Development Achiever of the year, as well as three Industry Heroes. Nominated by colleagues, the Heroes are those to have turned in exceptional performances in their respective fields and made an extraordinary contribution to their organisations. This year’s Industry Heroes were Ollie Weston, Radius Vehicle Solutions, Nic Cottee, LeasePlan UK and Ben Edwards, Arval UK. See more on the Industry Heroes: Industry Heroes named at Annual Dinner.
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.
Photos from the evening can be viewed on the BVRLA’s Flickr channel.
The BVRLA Annual Dinner will return on Thursday 7 March 2024.
