The BVRLA now has more than 200 leasing broker members, who are providing vital support to SMEs requiring finance and committed to delivering professional service by working with BVRLA leasing companies to ensure high standards at all customer interactions.

But we can never rest on our laurels. The Financial Conduct Authority has introduced its new consumer credit regime, with which we must not only adhere to, but demonstrate our compliance as well.

At the request of the Leasing Broker Committee, the BVRLA is also introducing an audit regime, which is about more than just compliance. The BVRLA audit regime will help brokers by suggesting areas where we can improve, become more efficient and deliver even greater customer satisfaction.

I believe that having a fresh pair of eyes objectively looking at the way we do business isn’t a burden, but an opportunity.

These audits will allow us to improve and build on our strengths. This is even more important as the BVRLA introduces its new Leasing Broker Code of Conduct, which sets out specific standards that members must adhere to when dealing with customers.

Demonstrating that we comply with these regimes and offer high standards will enable our sector to go from strength to strength. Leasing brokers are playing an increasingly prominent role in the overall leasing market.

The BVRLA’s latest research revealed that combined broker volumes for car and van leasing grew to 179,935 units in the first six months of 2015 – up 10% from the end of 2014. Car contract volumes were up 7%, and van contracts grew 16%.

There has also been significant growth in personal contract hire, which now accounts for 43,270 vehicles – 33% of the total broker fleet.

This growth and these figures were the hot topic at our last leasing Broker Committee meeting, where we also discussed the impact of the new Consumer Rights legislation, and the effects of the VW emissions crisis.

These issues have highlighted the importance of clear communication with customers, funders and suppliers. The BVRLA has created a Guide to the Consumer Rights Act, and leasing brokers are reminding customers that the BVRLA now operates a Government-approved Conciliation Service.

It’s clear that we can continue to be proud of our actions and continue to thrive, regardless of how challenging the environment becomes.

• Mike Potter is chairman of the BVRLA Leasing Broker Committee, and MD of FleetDrive Management