About the VRA

The Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) was established in 2010 to represent the interests of businesses involved in all aspects of the used car sector – from valuation to preparation, from transportation to sale, from franchise dealer to car supermarket.

Today, we are one of the most respected voices in the motor industry and represent organisations involved in processing more than 1.5 million used cars, vans and trucks every year.

The key objectives of the VRA are:

To create better awareness of the activities of professional remarketing
To raise standards and generate an accepted best practice across the industry for key disciplines like vehicle inspection
To provide a much-needed voice representing the sector in the trade and consumer media on issues which affect remarketing suppliers and customers
To deliver an effective focal point through which major matters concerning those involved in remarketing can be addressed
To increase the profile and professionalism of the industry to ensure recruiting good quality people becomes much easier
To generate views and opinions of the industry for use in lobbying for the greater good of the remarketing sector
To create a forum where members can network, exchange views, debate key topics and share best practice

Meet the VRA board

Philip Nothard
Cox Automotive and Chair

With a history of more 30 years of success, promotions and career progression, I am a highly successful automotive specialist with a wealth of knowledge gained at the most senior levels whilst working for blue-chip businesses within this sector. I pride myself on being able to deliver a clear, concise and positive corporate message through my established networks and strong media relationships.

Rupert Pontin
Brego and Deputy Chair

A high-profile industry leader and automotive market expert with over 35 years experience spanning the UK and European automotive sectors. Having worked for both blue chip organisations and start-ups, I am adept at business leadership and digital transformation turning ideas to reality and scaling up to maximise commercial return. I also help create innovative and rewarding work environments to develop and empower engaged, productive and happy employees vital to the success of any business.

Board members

Cliff Deller
(Consultant)

My background covers a broad area of the automotive business, having served 35 years with Inchcape Retail with responsibility for used cars, purchasing & remarketing, business development and strategy. I am a founding member of the VRA and now provide a consultancy and advice service to businesses in the UK and Europe.

Gary Xuereb
(DMN Logistics)

I have been in the logistics and remarketing industry since 1984 and held senior roles both as a supplier and buyer of industry services in high volume business operations and sales. I have an in-depth knowledge of the supply chain process and defleet activity. I joined DMN Logistics in 2018 as a business consultant.

Kathy Denyer
(BCA)

My career in the automotive sector spans more than 30 years across the vehicle rental, contract hire and remarketing sectors. Currently, I am head of people change and experience. I have worked across operational, sales, account management and people management disciplines, and am delighted to have the opportunity to support the VRA in its continued growth and success.

Jonathan Butler
(Geldards Automotive)

As a highly experienced lawyer, I have worked in the automotive sector for almost 20 years. I am now joint head of the Geldards Automotive Sector team, handling claims for manufacturers and franchised or independent dealers nationwide. I advise at both Board and business level on a broad range of B2B and B2C disputes including large projects for both manufacturers and dealer groups including the largest franchised retailer in the country.

Melissa Seckington
(Wilsons Auctions)

I moved from banking into the automotive industry over 15 years ago and since have worked for independent auction companies as well as larger corporate businesses with clients across all sectors – fleet, finance, OEM and dealer groups. Experienced in sales, account management and strategy development for the full supply chain from logistics and inspections to physical and online auctions.

Having watched the VRA grow over the last few years I am keen to be given the opportunity to assist in its continued success.

Marcus Blakemore
(MJB Automotive)

Founder of MJB Automotive Solutions. With 30+ years in the automotive industry, working for companies including Gain Solutions Ltd – DEKRA UK, Nissan Motor GB and GRS (Greenhous Remarketing Services). All experience helped me gain comprehensive insight into the inner workings of vehicle remarketing, used vehicle retailing, electric vehicles, vehicle inspection and refurbishment.

Glenn Sturley
(Consultant)

I began my career in the motor industry over 50 years ago working in my father’s Ford dealership. I went on to run my own business selling cars, then returned to the family business and expanded the portfolio to include another Ford dealership, six petrol stations and a car rental business. Today, I use my wealth of knowledge and expertise within the motor industry to help build, reshape and grow businesses whilst offering strategic guidance and expertise on auto retailing and remarketing to companies such as Manheim. I am also a founding member and ex-chair of the Vehicle Remarketing Association.

Chris Plumb
(cap hpi)

I joined cap hpi in 2014 and am now the head of current car valuations, leading a team of five after being promoted in January 2025. I specialise in vehicle valuations, particularly electric vehicles (EVs) and market trends.

Before this promotion, I was a Black Book editor focusing on lower medium and electric vehicles. I have over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, including time at General Motors, with expertise in vehicle remarketing and total cost of ownership analysis.

Nick Press
(Autotrader)

I have worked across the automotive industry, from franchise retailers to leadership roles in leasing. For the past four years, I have been part of Autotrader’s Commercial Partnerships team, partnering with lenders and leasing companies to provide market insights and enhance the way they connect with today’s car buyers

Fran Bleasdale
(BCA)

As UK Sales Director at BCA, the commercial team and I are responsible for driving the customer growth right across BCA’s range of solutions and services.

I have had roles at my local Ford dealer, Pye Motors, at Unipart, Nissan GB & Europe leading the LCV, fleet, and used businesses. Prior to joining BCA in 2019, I was the Fleet and Remarketing Director for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in the UK and a Regional Director across several major European market areas.

Keron Hurlstone
(MTC)

I am a business development manager at automotive website and media specialists mtc and have a track record in the motor industry dating back more than two decades, including positions at G3, iVendi, RAC and Eurotax Glass’s.