Network, the broker arm of LeasePlan, is to introduce a number of measures to raise standards for its affiliated brokers.

“We can’t focus simply on signing as many intermediaries as possible and pushing through as many sales as we can,” said Tim Hudson, commerical director for LeasePlan.

“Instead, our focus should be on setting and maintaining standards for a select group of elite intermediaries that we want to foster long term mutually beneficial relationships with. “

Mr Hudson said the new measures represented the “biggest change for the business since it was bought by LeasePlan in 1999”.

The company will work with each of its brokers to develop an annual account plan.

Account directors will be introduced and all brokers will be signed up on a long-term three-year basis and have access to a broker training suite.

Network will also launch a web-based one-stop-shop for all its brokers.

In return, Network brokers must commit to a range of quality standards.

These include, amongst other measures, minimum volume thresholds, BVRLA accreditation and the absence of any third-party trading.

“The ultimate aim is to build an industry that has the levels of professionalism and commitment required to secure a long-term future.

"In the past, this part of the market has been dogged by short-termism, but we want to eradicate that mindset once and for all,” said Mr Hudson.

Most of the changes will be live by the start of 2009.