Leasing brokers are forecasting further growth for the sector as SMEs, corporates and private buyers take advantage of low lease rates, according to a new survey.

Colin Tourick, Professor of Automotive Management, University of Buckingham

Conducted by the Leasing Broker Federation, an independent membership organisation that supports leasing brokers across the UK, the Leasing Broker Attitude Survey finds that 87% of brokers are reporting a buoyant market with demand for leases or other financial products on the up.

Contract hire, personal contract hire and finance lease remain the pervasive products on offer from leasing brokers, but their clients were increasingly looking for a wide range of additional services, such as maintenance, short term lease, fleet management as well as some surprises including risk management solutions, mobility solutions, and even legal services.

While respondents reported healthy levels of demand for financial products, up more than 25% on average in the past year, 86% had seen a growth in personal contract hire, with the same number expecting further growth in the forthcoming 12 months. Contract hire is expected to grow by 71% in the year ahead.

Colin Tourick, Professor of Automotive Management, University of Buckingham and author of the report, said: “Brokers remain optimistic about demand for their services. Almost all believe they have a sound long-term future, especially in their core areas of contract hire and finance leasing but interestingly the recent move towards personal contract hire or purchasing is now making major inroads into this sector.

“However, clearly there is scope for more brokers to broaden the range of services they offer their clients. With nearly 50% reporting that clients already had a good or in-depth working knowledge of leasing – and demanding greater flexibility in product offerings – suggests demand for these products is expected to increase, along with maintenance and more flexible short-term leases.”

Tourick added: “The leasing broker channel is a vibrant sector of the market, and after delivering record returns in 2015, brokers look poised to expand their market presence further by offering enhanced professional services as well as moving into areas that have traditionally been the preserve of leasing companies.”