Expansion, innovation and diversity is driving the BVRLA forward

The first quarter of 2018 has seen the BVRLA forge ahead with its expansion plans as investment into infrastructure, research and expertise is well underway.

The association has recruited new staff to increase the capacity of its compliance, communications and policy teams and has brought in expertise from external public affairs specialists to support its campaigning work. A new website has been commissioned and is on schedule to launch later this year.

This busy start to the year marks the start of the association’s recently published Three-Year Plan, which outlines the BVRLA’s intentions to achieve stronger industry representation, be a louder voice of influence, collate deeper industry insight, have a wider service offering and bring greater value to members.

BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney said: “We have invested heavily to give the association what is required to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse membership. Our members are operating in a dynamic sector and their core business activities are expanding to meet customers’ increasingly complex needs. We too are expanding and are looking at introducing new member categories, which will further increase the diversity of our membership.”

Today, BVRLA chairman Matt Dyer welcomes Nina Bell as the new vice-chair on the Committee of Management, replacing Simon Oliphant. Nina will support Matt for one year, then take up the role as BVRLA Chair for two-years before reverting back to vice-chair.

Introducing Nina as the new vice-chair, Matt Dyer said: “Nina has made a significant contribution to the rental sector in her role as Managing Director of Avis Budget UK and she has made a valued contribution on the BVRLA board since 2015. We are delighted to announce her as our first ever female vice-chair.”

Nina added: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to play a more active role within the BVRLA and give back to the industry I have worked in for over 20 years. I am especially proud to be the first female Vice-Chair; we are seeing increasing number of women across the industry, and I believe that my appointment underlines the Association’s commitment to ensure representation of our very broad and diverse member base.”

Joining Nina on the Committee of Management will be Margaret Speirs from Arnold Clark, who takes up the role of Chair of the BVRLA Rental Committee. Margaret replaces Brian Swallow from Enterprise, who steps down after his two-year term.

As the association welcomes new blood to the top of the organisation, it has been paying tribute to one of its founding fathers, the late BVRLA Honorary Life President Freddie Aldous, who passed away in December 2017.

In recognition of the contribution made by Freddie to the sector and more specifically the BVRLA, the association will be naming its conference room the Freddie Aldous Room. The room will feature a number of appropriate dedications.

The association is also introducing the Freddie Aldous Lifetime Achievement Award to be presented annually at the association’s illustrious industry Dinner. The individual will be nominated by the Committee of Management and the award will recognise outstanding contribution to the development of the association and the sector. The commemorations have been arranged in full agreement with Freddie’s family, who were “touched and delighted” to hear of the plans.