F&I Management & Training

Peter Cakebread is the new chairman of the BVRLA.

He takes over from Hertz's Neil Cunningham, who has stepped down after completing his two-year term.

A Cambridge economics graduate, Peter is currently managing director of Marshall Leasing. He has helped steer the work of the BVRLA for more than a decade, chairing its Leasing and Fleet Management Committee between 2007 and 2009. More recently, he was part of the selection panel that recruited the BVRLA's new chief executive, Gerry Keaney.

"It has been a pleasure working with Neil, particularly as we have similar views on most things," said Cakebread, who has already identified some priorities for the association. 

"I want to ensure that the BVRLA punches its weight in government circles and is the first port of call for policymakers when they are drawing up new laws that could affect our sector. In a world where legislation comes thick and fast it is vital that we get involved at the earliest stage.

"Coming from a position of running one of the association's smaller members, I also want to ensure that what we do benefits all members. I feel confident that we can do that for both the rental and leasing sectors."

New leasing and fleet management chairman

Keith Allen, managing director of ARI Fleet UK, is the new chairman of the BVRLA's Leasing and Fleet Management Committee. He replaces Simon Oliphant of Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, who becomes vice-chairman following a two-year stint leading the committee.

Keith brings more than 17 years of experience in the industry, having spent 13 years as managing director of ALD Automotive.

"We always have plenty of challenges to deal with on the committee and I can already see that my time as chairman won't be any different. We have new lease accounting rules on the horizon, major reorganisation at the DVLA and some key messages to get through to government on how the business car tax regime needs to change.

"We need to tackle these issues while ensuring that it is business as usual as far as the leasing and fleet management industry's customers are concerned."  

Huxford takes the leasing broker helm

Paul Huxford of PHVC Vehicle Management has replaced Fleet Alliance's Martin Brown as chairman of the BVRLA Leasing Broker Committee.

"I am proud to be taking over the committee in such good shape," said Huxford. 

"I hope to continue the work that Martin Brown started in improving relationships with motor manufacturers and funders. We also have to get to grips with the introduction of the new Financial Conduct Authority, which will have a major impact on the leasing broker sector."

About the BVRLA:

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association is the national trade body for companies engaged in the leasing and rental of cars and commercial vehicles. Its members provide short-term rental, contract hire and fleet management services to corporate users and consumers. They operate a combined fleet of around 2.75 million cars, vans and trucks, buying nearly half of all new vehicles sold in the UK. Through its members and their customers, the BVRLA represents the interests of more than two million business car drivers and the millions of people who use a rental vehicle each year. As well as lobbying the government on key issues affecting the sector, the BVRLA regulates its members through a mandatory code of conduct.

Please visit www.bvrla.co.uk to find out more.

Follow us on Twitter: @bvrla

DATED: 20.05.13

FEED: HA