The Historic & Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) has appointed communications consultant Richard Gotch to drive its communications strategy and PR. Richard will support journalists by providing authoritative data, comment and stories that illuminate the challenge of ensuring a future for one of the UK’s most popular activities.
“The UK is a world leader in the preservation of fascinating old vehicles,” says Richard. “There are more than 110,000 jobs, many highly skilled, providing the products and expertise that allow us to continue to enjoy everything from motorcycles and cars to military and commercial vehicles. I’m delighted to have this opportunity to fight for our future.”
The HCVA can support journalists, politicians and other relevant professionals with news, information and expert comment in the following areas:
- The economic value of our sector, employment, skills and apprenticeships
- Registration challenges
- The environmental impact of historic and classic vehicles
- The development and use of sustainable synthetic fuels
- An environmental perspective on the electrification of classic cars
- The unintended consequences of proposed anti-tampering legislation
The UK classic and historic vehicle sector typically turns over around £18.3 billion per year and generates £2.9 billion in tax revenue: enough to fund the entire fire services budget. Yet the sector risks being lost as a consequence of increasingly severe pressures, including developing legislation, the unintended consequences of registration policy, public misunderstanding and the increased cost of doing business with Europe.
Since its formation in 2021, the HCVA has campaigned on behalf of businesses and enthusiasts, presenting the facts, informing politicians and working with government agencies. “The word ‘Alliance’ in our title was carefully chosen,” adds HCVA CEO Garry Wilson. “Our industry is stronger if we work together. We have a large round table and invite every relevant organisation to be equal partners in our activities.”
Interesting Fact: An average classic vehicle in typical usage produces around 563kg of CO2 annually. That’s around 20% of the emissions from using a computer and a mobile phone for a year.
About Richard Gotch
Richard is a long-term classic car enthusiast having owned a vast range of vehicles that include British classics (TR6, XJ-S), Italians (Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Ferrari) and Germans (BMW, Porsche). He began his working life as an award-winning engineer before studying marketing strategy and moving to a career in communications with the world’s leading automotive technology suppliers.
About the HCVA
The Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) is an energetic, not-for-profit organisation with a mission to “Protect the Future of our Past”. Working with government, partners, historic and classic vehicle businesses and the enthusiast community, we are leading and supporting initiatives to ensure our industry is protected and that classics can continue to be enjoyed.
In its first year, the HCVA has built a strong membership of industry and enthusiasts, attracted widespread positive publicity and gained support from politicians and other influential figures. It has developed membership benefits, highlighted the importance of our sector to the UK economy, demonstrated the miniscule environmental impact of our vehicles and progressed many initiatives, from mitigating the impact of tampering legislation to supporting international trade and sustainable fuels.
Everyone involved in supporting and enjoying classic cars will benefit from HCVA membership, which is available for trade organisations and for owners and enthusiasts. https://www.hcva.co.uk/
