Innovation in the sector was highlighted at the annual Leasing Broker Federation Awards, despite the impact of Covid and supply issues.

Paul Hollick, chair of the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) and chair of the Leasing Broker Federation Awards judges, said that the quality this year was the “best-ever”.

He continued: “It is obvious that there is a lot of innovation in the sector – especially in the support of EVs, SME deployment and electrifying the UK.

“What really hit me was the CSI results all the brokers are achieving (Trustpilot et al).

“When comparing the broker segment to the leasing segment I think there are some real learnings that the lease companies should deploy to improve their own customer/driver satisfaction.

“The broker segment really is leading the way in terms of customer satisfaction in what is, a very difficult market to achieve good results as there are so many moving parts and touch points with both drivers and customers in this sector.”

The awards ceremony was held at the Home House Club in London. The 2021 Leasing Broker Federation award winners were:

• Best Small Leasing Broker: UK CARLINE VEHICLE LEASING
• Best Small Leasing Broker Customer Service Award: CARLEASE UK
• Medium Leasing Broker Award: SYNERGY AUTOMOTIVE
• Best Medium Leasing Broker Customer Service Award:  SYNERGY AUTOMOTIVE
• Best Large Leasing Broker: FLEET ALLIANCE
• Best Large Leasing Broker Customer Service Award: FLEET ALLIANCE
• Best Marketing and Innovation: CARPARISON
• Best Electric Vehicle Leasing Broker: FLEET ALLIANCE

Hollick was joined on the judging panel this year by Steve Kitson, former communications director, Kia UK, Philip Nothard, insight and strategy director, Cox Automotive, Steve Pinchen, overseas corporate partnerships at Ben, Paul Turner, executive chairman of APD Global Research, Nigel Morris, tax director at MHA MacIntyre Hudson, and Martin Phillips, chief operating officer at Athlon UK.

More than 70 Leasing Broker Federation members attended the AGM and awards to hear about the current state of the market, the health of the sector and the federation as well as what the future may hold.

Fleet Alliance was named the Best Large Leasing Broker, Best Large Leasing Broker Customer Service and Best Electric Vehicle Leasing Broker.

Fleet Alliance CEO, Andy Bruce, paid tribute to the outstanding efforts of his team in what still remain tricky market conditions.

“These three awards are a fitting tribute to the superb efforts of our people in delivering outstanding results against a backdrop of very difficult external factors,” he said.

The trio of 2021 LBF awards were accepted by Fleet Alliance commercial director, David Blackmore.

Photo caption: Fleet Alliance's David Blackmore accepts the award for Best Large Leasing Broker from sponsor Moneypenny