Lex Autolease’s Steve Cocks receives top honour at BVRLA dinner

Steve Cocks of Lex Autolease was named as the latest recipient of the Freddie Aldous Outstanding Contribution Award at the BVRLA annual dinner.

The award recognises an individual leading the way in their support for the industry.

Each year, and in memory of the BVRLA Honorary Life President who passed away in 2017, the Freddie Aldous Outstanding Contribution award goes to a true advocate that is helping to drive the BVRLA and its members forward.

Presenting the award to Cocks, BVRLA chief executive, Gerry Keaney, said: “Steve’s voice is consistently heard in the right places and his opinions are valued by all. None more so than in the BVRLA’s leasing broker committee, where Steve has been an active participant for over a decade. Such a long, consistent, powerful contribution cannot go unrecognised.

“Beyond that, his leadership in the sector has enabled significant BVRLA initiatives and programmes to come to life. Without Steve, the leasing broker governance programme and industry-leading e-learning platform would not be the healthy positions they are today.”

The 2024 dinner was a sell out, welcoming 850 delegates from across BVRLA membership, with Industry Hero Awards also awarded.

Nominated by industry peers and colleagues, the awards recognise the outstanding efforts of employees and teams that could otherwise go unnoticed.

The three winners named on the night were: Decarbonisation Driver award, Rachel Barrett, Athlon UK; Business Builder award, Robyn Adams, Radius Vehicle Solutions; and Service Specialists award, Alphabet's vehicle administrations team.

Alphabet's desire to make a positive difference for drivers was highlighted through their approach to local authority-issued fines, which were on an upward trend for its customers.

Looking to safeguard drivers from incurring further costs, the team took action to identify the main reasons behind the penalties and provided a guide to highlight their findings and raise awareness.

This resulted in a 20% reduction of fines charged in the following months – the equivalent of approximately 2,000 fines.

Keaney said: “So often, delivering great service is the result of strong collaboration, cooperation and camaraderie. Alphabet’s vehicle administration team demonstrates this and more.

"By consistently delivering exemplary service in a compliant, outcomes-based manner, they truly embrace what is means to be customer driven and go the extra mile every day.”

Miles Tetlow, head of service management at Alphabet (GB), added: “We are immensely proud of our vehicle administration team for their ability to adapt and deliver exceptional customer service. This award is a culmination of the hard work from an incredibly dedicated team who execute Alphabet’s mission of being a customer-centric organisation.

“To be recognised as a BVRLA Industry Hero for the fifth time in recent years is a testament to our expert teams, consultancy and services, all of which would not be possible without the brilliant people who work to provide this, day in and day out. We’re thrilled that the team has been rewarded for their remarkable work and achievements.”

Opening the event, Jon Lawes, BVRLA chair, said: “Tonight, we celebrate another record-breaking year of membership, with the highest number of vehicles operated by BVRLA members in over six years.

“Our market is forever moving. Despite facing daunting obstacles like parts and labour shortages and an impending General Election, BVRLA members you have shown strength and resilience.

“In the last year alone, we have seen regulatory changes impacting every single member, from Consumer Duty through to the ZEV Mandate. That is why the BVRLA is here for you, to provide the support and guidance to keep members and our industry ahead.

“Building on strong foundations, our association will continue to power our industry, delivering more training, bigger events, and stronger guidance.”