THE British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association has made its former secretary general John Allen an honorary member of the association. The distinction is reserved for people who have made an outstanding contribution to the BVRLA, and the association currently has just 12 honorary members.

Allen was instrumental in raising the profile of the BVRLA, particularly with the Government, and led the successful campaign to change the VAT regulations for leasing, which came into effect in August 1995.

He was also responsible for the VAT roadshows to explain the impact of the tax changes to members and fleets; oversaw the introduction of the Vehicle Mileage Check database for recording the mileages of vehicles which belonged to BVRLA members; and the implementation of the VE103 scheme which covers lease and rental vehicles going abroad.