Search
BVRLA Chief Executive Toby Poston: Happy New Year and welcome to 2026. While many like to see a new year as a new opportunity, it doesn’t mean you have to roll the clock back to zero.
Today’s operating environment is tough and potential risks are everywhere. So, it is vital to acknowledge prior attainments, learn from them and and consolidate the breakthroughs or progress they represent. Together, we achieved some great things in 2025. They give us a springboard for 2026 and we are set up to build on that success.
We engaged with more members than ever last year. Via our events, working groups, committees, visits and phone calls, we met with businesses of all shapes and sizes and have a clearer picture than ever of how we can support you. We are already using that insight and start the new year determined to deliver more value than ever for BVRLA members.
Some decisions and investments have already been made.
We closed 2025 with the confirmation of our partnership with WorkNest, which will give you free access to HR and Health & Safety support and are updating our bank of free contract and agreement templates. We have launched our new website, making it quicker and easier for you to access the information and services you are looking for.
More is coming, kicking off with a new e-learning platform later this month.
Our efforts to represent the sector and provide a voice of influence will increase further. 2025 saw us hit record volumes for interactions with ministers, regulators, decision makers and stakeholders. We continued to put the sector’s case forward regarding the regulations, standards, taxes and policies that could impact how you operate.
This year we will raise the bar higher. Our sector, and its role in keeping people, goods and services moving sustainably, safely and affordably, is firmly in the spotlight. Whichever part of our wonderful industry you work in, we will continue to champion your role.
Our member survey results have told us where we are effective and where members need to see more. It is encouraging to see that the association’s NPS is at a record high (60) and that most members feel we are ‘easy to work with’ (84%) and a ‘trusted source of guidance’ (90%).
But there are clear areas for improvement. We are not engaging with enough members in enough ways. Ensuring every member can fully experience the value that comes with being part of the BVRLA is a key priority of ours this year. Watch this space.
I’ll share more details about our wider plans for 2026 next week and look forward to hearing your feedback and discussing ways for you to get involved. In the meantime, please feel free to share your views with me ([email protected]) or the team ([email protected]).
