The Vehicle Recyclers’ Association’s AGM, held on the 2nd of December, was a turning point rather than a routine formality. With long-serving officers stepping down, a difficult staffing change, and a new structure on the table, the meeting was about resetting how the VRA works and what members can expect in the years ahead.
From the outset, the tone was frank. Members were informed that the VRA’s secretary, Chas Ambrose, had left his role earlier than originally anticipated, having previously indicated an intention to remain until early 2026. As a result of this change, the association does not currently have access to certain information and systems, which meant the minutes of the previous AGM could not be reviewed at the meeting. The situation is being handled through the appropriate channels, including legal advice where necessary, and the update was shared with members in the spirit of transparency.
The financial report painted a picture of an organisation that is stable but under pressure to use its resources more effectively. Turnover is slightly down on the previous year, but the association still holds healthy reserves. The certification arm has grown in activity, though with tighter margins. Overall, the message was that the VRA has the financial strength to modernise, but cannot afford to be complacent or inefficient.
There was also time to recognise long service in a very personal way. Outgoing president Graham Hall was awarded lifetime honorary membership of the VRA and presented with a special gift in appreciation of his many years of guidance and support, while long-standing treasurer Jason Bishop received a trophy to formally acknowledge his dedication and contribution to the association’s treasurer for more than a decade.
Elections confirmed a refreshed leadership team, with Andy Latham, who hosted the event, being elected as the new chair, and Terry Charlton taking on formal responsibility as the ARA’s new president. The treasurer’s role is now shared between two people, Rob Austin and Savo Vavan. The existing committee was retained, with a clear statement that the VRA wants broader representation and will look to bring additional voices into its work. The intention is to move away from reliance on any single individual and towards a wider pool of experience.
The central discussion at the AGM was a proposal often referred to as “VRA 2.0”, a plan to reorganise the association around clearer areas of focus, such as membership, compliance, certification, and commercial activity. These pillars would be overseen by an executive group of officers, supported by a wider management committee and an administrator handling day-to-day enquiries. Roles would be more clearly defined, some responsibilities remunerated, and performance monitored against agreed objectives. In short, the VRA is trying to evolve from a personality-led organisation into a more modern, accountable trade association.
That, in turn, sparked questions from the floor about governance. Members emphasised that the association’s reserves ultimately belong to the membership as a whole, that paid roles and decision-making must be transparent, and that the VRA needs to be more proactive in asking members what they want from their trade body. There was also recognition that previous staff have raised standards across the industry, and that the aim now is to protect and build on that legacy rather than dismantle it. As one practical example of this new way of working, the VRA will outsource its magazine to a publisher so it looks better, reaches more readers and links more closely with the broader industry, while editorial control remains firmly with the VRA.
Andy Latham, Chairman, said:
“The leadership can add value to the VRA, which then adds value to VRA members who then add value to their staff, their customers and their suppliers.”
Taken together, the AGM marked the beginning of a new era for the VRA. By acknowledging recent challenges, renewing its leadership and defining a clearer structure, the association is positioning itself where it needs to be as the industry develops. With stronger governance and sharper focus on key areas of responsibility, the VRA aims to stay ahead of emerging regulatory requirements and seize new commercial opportunities as vehicle recycling moves into new areas and wider responsibilities, so it can better support both its members and the sector as a whole.
