Finance Connect launches Fleet Focus Podcast with BVRLA's Toby Poston

Finance Connect has launched its new Fleet Focus Podcast series, sponsored by Bynx, with Toby Poston, Chief Executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), joining David Betteley, Head of Content (Auto) at Finance Connect, for the inaugural episode.

The new Finance Connect Fleet Focus Podcast is tailored for fleet industry practitioners across the UK and Europe, featuring interviews with leading figures in fleet operations, leasing and finance.

Sponsored by Bynx, the series will explore the opportunities and challenges facing fleet specialists and OEMs, covering industry trends, economic uncertainty, regulation, electrification, technology and the evolving role of the fleet manager.

Listen to the first Fleet Focus Podcast

Autumn Budget 2026: What does it mean for the UK fleet industry?

In the first episode, recorded shortly after the Autumn Budget 2026, David Betteley speaks with Toby Poston about the implications of the Chancellor’s announcements for UK fleet operators, leasing companies and drivers.

Having become Chief Executive of the BVRLA in January 2025, following 18 years with the association, Poston brings extensive experience of representing the vehicle rental and leasing sector through periods of significant economic, regulatory and technological change.

The conversation explores the industry’s initial reaction to the Budget, including the extension of the fuel duty cut, changes to mileage allowances, company car taxation and capital allowances, alongside measures that could affect fleet investment and operational costs.

Poston describes his initial response to the Budget as one of relief, welcoming some decisions while highlighting several areas where the industry had hoped for greater progress.

Electrification, taxation and the challenges ahead

A key focus of the discussion is the transition to electric vehicles and the policy decisions influencing adoption across UK fleets.

Poston and Betteley examine the ongoing review of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, the proposed electric Vehicle Excise Duty (e-VED) system and the continued disparity in VAT between domestic and public EV charging.

They also discuss the importance of salary sacrifice arrangements, the challenges facing the used EV market and whether the Budget provides sufficient certainty for fleet operators planning their investments over the next three to five years.

Looking ahead, Poston highlights the wider uncertainties facing the sector, including residual values, growing competition from Chinese manufacturers and potential changes to international trade rules.

Asked whether the Budget had improved the outlook for fleet planning, Poston said: “I don’t think that yesterday’s Budget has shifted the dial.”

With fleet operators continuing to navigate significant regulatory and market uncertainty, the conversation offers a timely perspective on the priorities facing the UK vehicle rental and leasing industry.

Listen to the full podcast episode below to hear David Betteley and Toby Poston discuss the Autumn Budget 2026, its implications for fleet operators and drivers, the future of EV taxation and regulation, and the challenges and opportunities facing the UK fleet industry.

The Finance Connect Fleet Focus Podcast, sponsored by Bynx, will feature further conversations with leading fleet and finance professionals, offering practical insights into the trends and challenges shaping the UK and European fleet industry.