Leasing broker members of the BVRLA were responsible for 208,006 vehicles on contract at the end of 2015 – with growth accelerating in the second half of the year.

The latest BVRLA data shows that leasing brokers’ combined car and van volumes grew by 27% over the course of 2015.

Leasing brokers’ total car volumes increased by 24% to 148,819 units.

Much of this growth was driven by personal contract hire, which has seen its share of leasing broker business rise to 39% in 2015 from 22% back in 2012. Looking at 2015 in isolation, personal contract hire accounted for 48% of all new agreements signed by leasing brokers.

Meanwhile brokers’ total van leasing volumes increased by 36% to 59,187 units. In this sector, growth was seen across the board, with business contract hire enjoying 61% share of leasing brokers’ business, while finance lease was responsible for 34%.

Chairman of the BVRLA’s leasing broker committee Mike Potter said: “This growth shows the prominent role brokers are playing in the fleet industry. Whether it’s cars for personal customers or vans for businesses, brokers are increasingly being called upon to provide access to affordable vehicle finance.”