The founder and CEO of Synergy Car Leasing, Paul Parkinson, has been named as the new vice-chairman of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) leasing broker committee.

Parkinson has been a BVRLA leasing broker committee member since 2015.

Parkinson’s appointment comes at a time of increased growth at Synergy Car Leasing despite difficult market conditions and disruption to the supply chain.

He said: “I’m delighted and honoured to take up this role. Members of the BVRLA benefit from their collective voice, Government lobbying and sector policy developments that this respected trade association brings together.

“We’ve got some extremely motivated members pooling resources. In my tenure I’m committed to further enhancing engagement with members, as this sector is well positioned to capitalise on the growth of big-ticket item online transactions.

“There are challenges ahead with Brexit and Covid-19 but I believe the BVRLA’s members can navigate the bumpy road ahead more smoothly with the backing of our association, as we work together to support and protect the leasing broker sectors and its customers.”

The committee is comprised of member representatives from a cross-section of large and small organisations, including vehicle leasing brokers and their funders.  

Its remit is to further improve industry standards, particularly around financial compliance. It shares best practice with members and has been instrumental in several industry-leading initiatives including the introduction and roll-out of online training modules for all brokers to ensure Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) standards are met. 

BVRLA leasing broker committee chairman, Alan Carerras, said: “Paul has been a valued contributor to the leasing broker committee for some years and is passionate about protecting the interests of the BVRLA broker community and its customers. I look forward to working alongside him in his new role as vice-chair.”