Making a Difference – Heritage Matters with the HCVA

Regular readers, as well as those with their fingers firmly on the classic industry pulse, will no doubt remember the inaugural ‘Heritage Matters’ day curated and hosted by the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance that we were involved with and reported on at the back end of last year.

Addressing, discussing and informing those in attendance, it was an incredibly insightful gathering that provided answers to a whole host of important questions, as well as posing a few new ones, and we were excited to hear that earlier this month the HCVA would host its second event, again at Bicester Heritage. Joined by a mix of over 100 HCVA trade members, guests and industry movers and shakers it was another packed event of news updates, networking and strategising, but have there been any significant changes since last year?

Well, one of the key subjects from the first Heritage Matters day, and one that we were all keen to see movement on, is that of sustainable fuel, and Guy Lachlan of the HCVA was on hand to spill the tea, so to speak. With Environment and Sustainability being one of the HCVA’s core pillars it’s a topic that is at the very heart of what they do and hearing news on the progression of its ‘Fuel Sustainability Rating’ scheme announced at the previous event in October 2023 was very welcome.

Guy informed us that the assessment work has been completed for three of the four companies supplying Sustainable Liquid Fuels to the UK Classic Car market, with discussions around the fourth being underway. This rating system will provide much needed clarity on the actual sustainability of each fuel on the market, enabling consumers to make informed decisions as to what is actually going into their classic vehicles, but also the impact that each brand will have on the environment.

With so much unhelpful and incorrect terminology surrounding not only sustainable fuel itself but also the marketing used it was great to hear that a clearer path is being cut through the thicket of miss-information, with the classic car sector leading the way when it comes to the development of these fuels as well as the proliferation of correct, unambiguous information on the subject.

One of the fresh topics of discussion that was brought to the table at this year’s event was that of the quality and pricing of parts, a subject that affects virtually every facet of the classic industry. Presented by Jon Crocker of BCC Car Parts, the challenges of providing parts at an acceptable price to owners, while simultaneously providing first-class quality was debated heavily. Welcoming the HCVA’s new ‘Action on Parts‘ initiative, Jon argued the merits of collaboration between HCVA member companies on both sides of the fence, whether producing and supplying or buying and consuming, in order to improve quality whilst reducing costs in order to achieve greater levels of customer satisfaction.

And it’s that sense of collaboration that underlined the entire day. From the keynote speech by Buckingham MP and Transport Select Committee member Greg Smith that touched upon working together to embrace new technologies and fostering diversity, to a round table panel session with the CEOs of Aston Martin Works, JLR Classic, and Bentley Mulliner, whereby all three panellists – as original equipment manufacturers – expressed an eagerness to continue working alongside their independent counterparts to benefit us all as classic vehicle enthusiasts.

The importance of encouraging and developing new skills in order to not only “pass the torch” but also engage a younger audience was also highlighted. As enthusiasts we need to push back against the stigma that this is an industry or hobby for the more antiquated among us because that is far, far from the case and more and more enthusiasts of all ages are taking their first steps into classic vehicle ownership and maintenance.

All in all it was another incredibly positive event. It’s encouraging to see that things are actually moving forward and that the HCVA really is making a difference when it comes to representing the collective voice of all those involved within the historic and classic vehicle sector and it’s days like this that help us all shout just that little bit louder.

And you too can get involved. It’s a doddle to become a member of the HCVA and the benefits speak for themselves so why not drop them a line and see how you can take a more active roll in ensuring the future and continued prosperity of this wonderful industry of ours? We’ll see you at the next Heritage Matters day, yeah?