Now, while we may not be expected to
pay back the full value of a lease transaction if it goes wrong,
there is an expectation we mitigate risk by undertaking a certain
amount of DD.

So, how do brokers deal with this? Vineesh
Madaan, MD of Bluestone Leasing, said his company has a policy of
obtaining accounts, CCL, Data Protection Licence, a site visit and
a signed ‘Vendor Trading Agreement’.

Tony Hewett, of Lease UK, meanwhile, said his
company always does a site visit.

“A balance sheet alone will not stop a
problem; it is the integrity of the directors that is key,” he
added.

Lease UK also tends not to be involved in the
invoice chain.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“The benefit of the invoice chain does not
outweigh the downside risk associated with reps and warranties,”
Hewett went on to say.

Another broker noted it also asks for a CCL,
VAT details, accounts and a site visit.

“We are always concerned if we get a call out
of the blue. We will want to know what leasing companies they have
dealt with and where they used to work,” he noted.

The general consensus is lessors expect
brokers to carry out DD on the supplier. They can only analyse a
supplier by accounts, hearsay and bad debt. If brokers are to get
through the next few years, it is imperative we improve DD on the
suppliers we work with and the customers they introduce.

Jeremy Hall

The author is founder of Wyse Leasing and CEO
of WestWon Capital.