FBAA has reported a 32 per cent nett growth for the year, the second consecutive year the association has seen such numbers.

Chief Executive Officer Peter White paid credit to members who “understand the substantial work the association does behind the scenes” and said the year was one of progress in many areas.

“We’ve placed a big emphasis on prioritising the issues that our members really care about; issues that will help them grow their businesses,” he explained.

He said the FBAA has always been a “grass roots” association, and that the membership growth was especially pleasing because there is no mandatory requirement by any aggregator or lender to be an FBAA member.

“We are an association of choice, and our leadership structure has always been run by brokers with extensive industry experience and understanding.”

Mr White pointed to the association’s career path objectives and the recent scholarship announcement as significant steps forward in the area of renewing the industry.

He also labelled the annual conference – which is free to members – as a highlight of the year.

“But I think the most significant role we play is the continued discussion and lobbying with government; working with MPs, regulators and industry representatives. I believe the FBAA is the industry’s key point of contact with government.”

He said the association wasn’t afraid to look at areas that have traditionally been difficult for the industry.

“We moved forward in the area of vendor finance this year, and we even entered into discussions with the consumer action law centre in order to build a stronger relationship. This is beneficial as more open dialogue on industry matters helps us bothunderstand the other’s position.”

Mr White – who has over 35 year’s industry experience – is looking forward to 2015.

“It will be a year of continued building. The challenges facing our members don’t stop and neither will we.”