A Brexit briefing is to be provided by the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) in its penultimate 2021 Outlook Seminar.

In the seminar, AM Online 'guest opinion' contributor David Bailey, professor of business economics at the University of Birmingham’s Business School, will be discussing the probably impact of leaving the EU.

Owen Edwards, an associate director and automotive specialist at Grant Thornton, who assisted in the creation of Cox Automotive's recent 2020 Insight Report, will also be providing an overview of the economic outlook for next year.

The webinar is the latest in the series of 30-minute briefings that the VRA have been holding, which are designed to provide an expert summary of next year’s prospects in key areas of used car remarketing.

It is being held online at 10am on December 3. Those who wish to register to attend the 2021 Outlook Seminars should email info@thevra.co.uk. 

Sam Watkins, chair at the Vehicle Remarketing Association, said: “There is a long list of factors that could have a major effect on the remarketing sector in 2021 but Brexit is probably the elephant in the room.

“While things could yet be resolved relatively favourably, we’re still facing the very real possibility of a no-deal exit from the EU and all the very real negatives that would bring. We’re therefore very pleased to have David Bailey on hand to provide an essential briefing and bring a little welcome clarity to the situation. 

“Also, in the wake of the pandemic, the general economic situation remains very unpredictable. Owen Edwards of Grant Thornton is an old friend of the VRA and very highly rated by our members, so we are looking forward to hearing what he has to say about how the picture is likely to develop.”

The Outlook Seminar 2021 events have so far featured Mike Jones of ASE Global, Philip Nothard of Cox Automotive, Steve Freeman at MHA Consulting, Derren Martin of Cap HPI, Rupert Pontin of Cazana and Jayson Whittington of Glass’s.

The Brexit briefing webinar was designed to take the place of the VRA Seminar, which is usually held every November.

Watkins said: “The online format doesn’t create the same degree of buzz as having 200 people in a room, but it has worked well. Not only has the content been informative and stimulating but there has been a very high level of discussion and interaction.

“Despite the pandemic, we wanted to try and deliver something that fulfilled a similar role to the VRA Seminar but were also mindful of the degree of webinar fatigue around. Over the last few months, most of us have spent a lot of time on Zoom.

“The 30-minute format we’ve adopted is designed to pack the maximum amount of information into the minimum time commitment. Anyone who attends all five events should find themselves well briefed about remarketing over the next year.”