Paul Bulloch exits broker sector after Concept sale to Rivervale

CONGRATULATIONS to Paul Bulloch and Rivervale for concluding the acquisition of Concept Vehicle Leasing. For Paul it’s the beginning of the end, but also the start of a new chapter in his life guiding his Boom business club enterprise.

I’m sad to see Paul leave broking (although obviously pleased that he’s managed a successful exit).

When I originally stumbled on the leasing broker sector back in the mid-2000s Paul was the first leasing broker I visited at his then Surbiton office in Surrey.

And he was everything I have come to admire about the broker sector: a resolute focus on customer service, great marketing and always thoughtful commentary on automotive events in brokerland.

So, good luck Paul – I’m sure you’ll make a great success of your new venture.

Government gives big push for electrification – but in the right places?

The plug-in grant for vans has been extended once more. It’s timely as we start to see more product coming onto the market that’s more suitable for van operators. It offers leasing brokers a greater opportunity in the electrification arena.

It joins the recently announced Electric Car Grant, although whether this has the same effect on the market is debatable. It appears to have unleashed a barrage of discounts – but will we see these in lower rentals? Probably not as RVs are slashed in response.

Was there consultation before this was launched? I don’t know. It looks well meaning, but the unintended consequences look very messy.