Individuals and teams from across the vehicle leasing and rental sector were recognised as part of the BVRLA’s Annual Dinner on 4 March.
Taking place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, the black-tie event welcomed over 950 guests, comprising of industry colleagues, stakeholders and decision makers. The association’s chairperson, Lakshmi Moorthy opened proceedings with an overview of the positive progress being delivered by the BVRLA and its members.
Addressing guests, BVRLA chairperson, Lakshmi Moorthy said: “Whether you represent a global leasing company, a national rental brand, a specialist broker or a growing SME, the pressures are real. Regulatory complexity, cost pressures, supply chain volatility, compliance demands; these are not challenges confined to one part of our membership. They are shared across our community. Where the situation has changed, the BVRLA has been there.”
BVRLA Chief Executive, Toby Poston, then took to the stage to present a host of awards, spanning the individuals and teams that are making stand-out contributions to their company, the sector, and the work of the BVRLA.
Toby Poston said: “Raising Industry Standards is a core priority that we will deliver through 2026 and beyond. Our winners are prime examples of the people and members that have embraced that ethos and are setting the bar ever higher. It is important that we take a moment to pause and recognise the efforts of our colleagues and their exceptional achievements.”
The headline announcement, the Freddie Aldous Outstanding Contribution Award, had two recipients for the first time ever. Each year it recognises those leading the way in their support for the industry, alongside being a true advocate that is helping to drive the BVRLA and its members forward.
Martin Brown of Fleet Alliance, and Rod Lloyd, formerly of the lcv group, were both named as recipients on the night for their sustained efforts to raise the stature, credibility and impact of the leasing broker sector. As former chairs of the BVRLA’s Leasing Broker Committee, both were recognised for their work to represent member interests and support the sector through challenging times.
Presenting the award, Toby Poston added: “The journey for brokers has been long and there are scores of individuals to have supported that transition and enabled positive progress to take place. Martin has been there from day one. Making the case, bridging the gap, and pulling the sector forwards through his work on our broker committee, as a trusted confidante to BVRLA colleagues, and as a very public representative for the sector.
“More recently, Rod did more than any other to ensure that broker members had the support and advice they needed as motor finance came under the regulatory and legal spotlight. He made a deliberate choice to support others in the industry when he could have very easily chosen to focus on his own personal responsibilities.”
Other accolades presented on the night included the ever-popular Industry Hero Awards. Nominated by industry peers and colleagues, the awards recognise the outstanding efforts of individuals and teams that could otherwise go unnoticed. The three winners named on the night were:
Business Builder award: Claire Coomber, Alphabet (GB)
Decarbonisation Driver award: Stuart Chamberlain, Arval UK
Service Specialists award: Employee Engagement Renewals Team, Tusker
Arnold Clark Finance and Rivervale were named as the BVRLA’s Learning & Development Achievers of the year, following their respective commitments to raising industry standards and supporting the association’s growing programme.
Sponsors for 2026 were BYD, Avilioo, Close Brothers, Enterprise Mobility, Fleet Procure, Jaama, Motorway, PEAC Solutions, QV Systems, and Vehicle Rental Services. Donations were placed on the night in aid of Ben, raising over £10,000 to support the charity’s activities.
