AW Repair Group has announced plans to open its 12th site.
Based in Sheffield, the 13,000 sqft repair centre will take green operations to the next level by pioneering new electricity harness and storage technology, as it works towards using its solar generated power to support the operation of electric spraybooths.
Founder and CEO Andrew Walsh said: “The storage technology is almost there and it is very exciting to be developing a new bodyshop with solar powered booths in our sights. The availability of components unfortunately means we cannot have the electric booth ready for the opening but we will have everything in place to make the switch as soon as the parts become available.”
He added, “The spraybooth is the largest consumer of power in the bodyshop so reducing carbon footprint on this piece of equipment is vital as we continue on our journey to net zero. We will also continue to use UV drying technologies and air-dry products to keep our carbon footprint to a minimum.”
The purpose-built repair centre will also include multiple electric charging points and dedicated TecKnowlogyRepair Booths within a multi-material repair cabin for electric and multi-material repairs.
Environment, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales and Words
Research carried out by Trend Tracker and Consumer Intelligence has uncovered a change in consumer habits and attitudes as a result of rising fuel costs.
Based on a survey of more than 1,000 motorists, the research found that more than half (54%) are using their vehicles less to offset steepling prices at the pumps. For a third of drivers, the increase in fuel costs has added more than £250 to their monthly bills.
The additional expense is also making many think of switching to an electric vehicle.
Nearly a third (30%) said they are now in considering an EV to reduce costs, while a further 27% are interested in making their next purchase a hybrid.
Of those not considering a change, 74% said the price of EVs was the largest obstacle, while charging infrastructure and range were also cited as off-putting factors.
The research also asked consumers about motor insurance, with 47% saying they would change provider at renewal.
Only seven per cent had made a claim recently, with more than half (58%) still waiting to get their vehicles back. Of those, a staggering 92% said they would change insurance providers at renewal even if their claim had not yet been settled.
This detailed insight is available on a monthly basis to Trend Tracker subscribers within the monthly snapshot reports produced.
Fix Auto Cheltenham has invested £400,000 in a new 15,000sqft state-of-the-art site that it hopes will increase repair capacity from 50 jobs a month to more than 200.
The expansion by owners Kieran Humphries and Andew Emery comes just six weeks after Fix Auto Chelmsford owner Danny Ashwell announced plans to develop four sites in Essex in as many years.
The new Fix Auto Cheltenham centre will increase workspace four-fold, creating 25 workbays as well as the introduction of a MOT service station and two new spraybooths.
Emery said: “This is truly an exciting time for the business. We joined Fix Auto UK in July 2018 with the sole ambition of taking the business to a whole new level. Here we are, four years on, fulfilling that goal. We would not be embarking on this if it were not for the help and operational support we have received along with the confidence being part of the network brings.
“While we were ambitious four years ago, that’s nothing compared to how we are today having witnessed first-hand from other sites within the network just what can be achieved. It made complete commercial and business sense to invest in the right building that will help us achieve our ambitions.”
Ian Pugh, Managing Director for Fix Auto UK, said: “Fix Auto Cheltenham’s story is truly inspiring. Here we have a business that joined the network with such potential and a great local reputation but needed that extra something, call it a missing ingredient, to fulfil its true potential. They have simply outgrown their existing site and so they’re investing heavily and developing a brand new site to enable them to continue their growth and development. I am proud to say that we have provided that support and guidance to help their journey.
“It’s phenomenal to hear just how their progressing and the new site will undoubtedly be another flagship repair centre for our network.”
Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
The changing face of automotive repair both in terms of technology and materials is having a wider impact on the tooling and equipment required to handle modern vehicles. Furthermore, wider objectives around light weighting and sustainability have in many ways changed the focus of product development.
Mirka has been leading the way in the abrasives sector for almost 80 years, with a history of innovation that has helped to keep its customers at the cutting edge of technological progress.
Here, we speak to Steve Smith, National Sales Manager, ART, Mirka, about new products, trends, and the evolution of customer service post Covid-19.
Can you give us a few insights into the latest product innovations from Mirka?
Galaxy is a multi-purpose, film-backed abrasive that has been designed to stay sharp from the first cut to the last. It also provides users with dust-free sanding, efficient performance, and a high-quality consistent finish, while decreasing sanding time and helping to reduce key to key times.
It is also the first abrasive to use Mirka’s innovative Multifit hole configuration. The Multifit technology is the result of extensive research from the development team in Finland that utilises optimal hole placement to allow the largest amount of dust extraction without sacrificing sanding performance.
In addition, its specially mixed blue ceramic grains have been engineered to form abrasive edges that break down during the sanding process and present fresh grain. This allows Galaxy to cut quickly and efficiently from edge to edge, which further increases the lifespan of the abrasive. The cut is so clean that scratch patterns in finer grits are especially easy to polish out and there are no loose grains left behind in the substrate.
It is available in discs covering the range from 40 through to 2000 grit and in Multifit perforated rolls from 40 to 400 grit.
When it comes to tooling, we are constantly pushing the boundaries, and the ANGOS is our first battery-powered grinding tool as part of our cordless line-up. This tool can be used for multiple applications including metal grinding, paint removal, surface conditioning, cutting and deburring.
When we design a tool, we always think of the end user, and ANGOS is no different. Its ergonomic design with a variable speed control trigger ensures the user has optimal control over the tool, no matter the application it is being used on.
The battery reduces the user’s need to access pneumatic air hoses or electrical outlets to get the job done, which, in turn, leads to a tidier workspace. In addition, the tool comes with Bluetooth technology, which allows it to be paired with a variety of devices and enables the use of the myMirka app. The app provides several features that allow users to measure vibrations and track their daily vibration exposure, while also ensuring the tool performs at an optimal level.
There are also several accessories, which are sold separately, that enable the technician to change the attachment quickly depending on the job. They include 50mm Quick lock discs, Abranet Max flap discs, deburring tools, and other tools that fit a 6mm collett.
What challenges are posed by light weighting and the wider use of composite materials?
There are going to be challenges as vehicle technology evolves and lighter weight composite-based materials are used.
To meet this challenge head on, we feel that it is important to work closely with manufacturers and the repair network to ensure suitable sustainable products and tooling are available for their needs. We are also in constant communication with the customer and the information we receive is fed back to the R&D team, which develops products and tools that ensure all sanding applications can be met with confidence.
How is Mirka working closer with customers to support them post-Covid-19?
Our national commercial and technical support team has a wealth of industry knowledge and is ATA certified, which enables us to understand what the customers require based on the jobs they are carrying out on a day-to-day basis.
When it comes to the level support our technical team offers, it is dependent on the needs and requirements of the customer. To ensure the customer gets the most out of the support we offer, we work closely with them and map out a timeline on how we achieve their goals.
Post-Covid, the one thing we have noticed is that the amount of support required has increased as there is now a higher demand for training due to the skills shortage currently being experienced in the refinish sector. For the training itself, we can offer programmes on site or at our training centre in Milton Keynes.
How do your products/services help customers meet their own sustainability objectives?
Mirka has always been focused on sustainability and this is highlighted by our Clean Commitments strategy.
These commitments mean that we strive to manage all parts of our operations and manufacturing with as little impact on the environment as possible and ensure that using our products improves ergonomics and facilitates a healthier work environment.
In addition, we look to conserve energy and raw materials, reduce waste, increase recycling, and decrease the use of persistent chemicals. We are also committed to developing healthier, safer, and more efficient products and processes for our customers and employees.
We are also seeing a move away from pneumatic tools to electric options as businesses look to reduce their carbon footprint alongside reducing energy costs. An example of this is the move to mobile dust extraction units over central vacuum systems.
What are the major trends impacting the abrasives sectors – and in which areas do you foresee the greatest innovations coming?
One of the major trends is dust-free sanding, and the combination of Mirka’s tools and abrasives solution ensures that the end-user benefits from a dust-free work environment.
he reason it is so important is because it protects the health and wellbeing of the technicians, which is paramount in any business, and leads to a more productive workshop, while also reducing costs and enhancing profitability.
Euro NCAP has awarded all six of the vehicles in its latest round of testing either four or five stars for safety.
The fully electric Kia EV6 received a five-star rating with a strong 90% result in the Adult Occupant Protection category. It also scored maximum points in Euro NCAP’s challenging side barrier and pole impact assessments.
Also achieving a five-star rating were the Volvo C40 Recharge and Volkswagen Multivan, with both achieving the highest Child Occupant Protection score (89%) seen so far in 2022, and both also including a centre-console airbag.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class scored 93% in Adult Occupant Protection to also secure five stars. It also offers Reverse Autonomous Emergency Braking as an optional extra option.
Completing a positive set of test results, the Peugeot 308 and Vauxhall Astra each received four stars.
Matthew Avery, Director of Research, said, “These latest results show that the vast majority of carmakers are working in partnership with Euro NCAP and continuing to increase safety for the benefit of the drivers and other road users, resulting in four and five-star cars across a spectrum of price points, sizes and styles.”
Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services at Thatcham Research, will provide a keynote address at the forthcoming Motor Claims Showcase Event highlighting the changes technology is having on the sector.
The session, ‘Automotive technology – influences and trends,’ will explore the technology and complexity of modern-day vehicles, highlighting how these advancements will reshape the motor claims supply chain both from a technical and strategic perspective.
While the data gathered in April can be considered something of an anomaly due to school holidays and Bank Holidays, the report found that the issues faced by the entire motor eco-system were deeper than expected.
He has more than 35 years’ experience in the sector at both operational and management level, with extensive expertise in running prestige, manufacturer-approved bodyshops.
Managing Director Leon Coupland said, “Having worked with Brian for a number of years, we knew he was an excellent fit for Shorade UK. Brian will be an integral part of the business as it grows, his experience and expertise have already proved invaluable.”
Bradley Rankin of FMG Gloucester was named Apprentice of the Year while father Lee, also of FMG Gloucester, ensured it was a double celebration for the family by collecting the Mentor’s award.
In total, it uncovered more than 11,000 instances of claims fraud last year – an average of more than 30 every day – worth an accumulated total of £122m.
The insurer is still investigating a further 16,700 potentially fraudulent claims.
It has extended the one-week initiative to ensure that all colleagues have the opportunity to make the most of the training activities on offer, which focus on three key areas: uncovering learning potential, uncovering hidden powers, and uncovering new dimensions.
The site now occupies more than 400sqm of floor space and is equipped with the latest technology to support the development customer-centric innovations.
Patrick Zhao, Senior Vice President, BASF Coatings Solutions Asia Pacific, said, “This investment is a significant milestone in our effort to further strengthen our R&D footprint in Asia Pacific, as well as improve our proximity to customers in one of the fastest growing regions for our automotive coatings solutions.”
Its Insurance Behaviour Tracker, which records consumer action through the renewal process, found that Aviva increased its market share by 1.7%, nearly twice as much as the second-placed insurer, RAC.
The research identified price comparison website distribution as a key driver behind Aviva growth, with more than half of customers taking out polices through an aggregator compared to just 30% who bought online or over the phone.
The Task Force was set up to understand how the sector can become more attractive to a wider demographic.
The industry body is also developing qualifications to support the sector which it hopes will, in time, lead to more diverse role models.
Car production suffers April stutter
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has reported that production fell 11.3% to 60,554 units during April. It attributed the decline to the global shortage of semi-conductors coupled with the impact of the war in Ukraine.
However, the drive towards electrification continued with 26.4% of new cars produced during the month battery-powered, with pure EVs taking a 9.9% market share.
During his 14 years with the company he has overseen growth from a small privately owned group in East Anglia with revenues of £300m to a publicly listed national retailer operating in 37 counties with revenues heading towards £4bn, while headcount has increased 10-fold to more than 5,000 colleagues.
He said, “What’s been achieved with the team has been amazing, however from a personal perspective, I feel the time is now right for me to explore new opportunities.”
Davies warns of e-scooter claims surge
Davies has sounded the alarm following the publication by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) of a new report considering the implications of legalising the use of electric scooters on roads and cycle lanes.
Bodyshop, Environment, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Trend Tracker’s Repair Market Snapshot Report for April has revealed the volatility of the market at the moment, with challenges coming through inflation, supply, and labour.
While the data gathered in April can be considered something of an anomaly due to school holidays and Bank Holidays, the report found that the issues faced by the entire motor eco-system were deeper than expected.
A key driver was rising costs, with 12-month inflation rates of 18.8% for electricity and 28.1% for gas in October 2021, which have both risen further since.
Meanwhile, average petrol prices stood at 160.2 pence per litre in March 2022, the highest recorded, while the average price of diesel in March 2022, 170.5 pence per litre, was also the highest on record.
The report said, “Without any doubt, these are extremely testing times for many, but for this industry specifically, reliant on energy and fuel in everyday cost of production, this could be a rise in costs that proves too much to bear for some.”
Elsewhere, the skills shortage experienced by the industry for years has been exacerbated by a rise in vacancies across all sectors; the number of job vacancies in January to March 2022 rose to a new record of 1,288,000.
The cost then, of attracting new employees and keeping existing ones is rising. The report found that growth in average total pay including bonuses was 5.4% from December 2021 to February 2022. However, set against the rising cost of living this is expected to need to rise further through 2023.
The final challenging market dynamic is in the supply chain bottlenecks, which is impacting businesses in all industries. With shipping costs rising by as much as 600%, 84% of CFOs at organisations with annual revenue between $100m to $3bn said they see supply chain disruptions as either a ‘moderate’ or ‘severe’ risk.
For the automotive repair sector specifically, which still operates a ‘just in time’ supply strategy, parts delays have seen overall cycle times exceed 50 days, up from 30 only one year ago, with data from Consumer Intelligence discovering that over 57% of those who had made a claim still waiting for their vehicle to be repaired.
This is set against a drop in total repair estimates during the month of April of almost 30,000 repairs compared to March.
Bodyshop, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services at Thatcham Research, will provide a keynote address at the forthcoming Motor Claims Showcase Event highlighting the changes technology is having on the sector.
The session, ‘Automotive technology – influences and trends,’ will explore the technology and complexity of modern-day vehicles, highlighting how these advancements will reshape the motor claims supply chain both from a technical and strategic perspective.
In an interview with ARC360 Dean said, “I feel there is an inevitable path to a more automated claims process using vehicle-integrated Artificial Intelligence. It’s conceivable that, not so far into the future, the car will become incumbent in making a claim, using onboard analytics to define the operation and functionality of systems post-accident, and determining the most appropriate steps to take as a result.”
Mark Hadaway, Managing Director of ILC, said, “Having Dean and Thatcham Research onboard to provide a keynote address focusing on vehicle technology and its anticipated impacts helps support the entire motor claims supply chain – the very essence of the Motor Claims Showcase Event.”
The ILC/ARC360 Motor Claims Showcase Event also includes keynote sessions featuring names such as ElectriX – powered by LV= General Insurance; Enterprise; Gemini ARC; Tesla; The AA; The Vella Group; and Trustpilot; a fully immersive exhibition arena; and a Partner Showcase stage with sessions hosted by Enterprise, Innovation Group and Solera Audatex amongst others.
The Motor Showcase Event allows visitors to spend the day as they wish with networking opportunities in plentiful supply.
The event will host more than 400 key persons of influence from across the claims sector representing insurers, claims management companies, repairers, along with a host of product, equipment and service suppliers.
Bodyshop, Covid 19, Finance, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words
Cash flow has been a growing concern for a number of organisations in the automotive aftermarket, with fluctuating volumes, inflation and the ramifications of Covid-19 all putting a strain on resources.
Accident Credit Group has been established with the specific aim of supporting businesses in the insurance claims industry, with bespoke funding options to suit all circumstances.
Here, we speak to Sales Director Peter Bass about the ACG proposition and what makes ACG it stand out from the crowd.
Can you briefly explain ACG services?
Accident Credit Group is assisting hundreds of bodyshops restructure and rethink how they deal with credit control, invoice recovery and cashflow management, and are currently funding thousands of repairs a month. Escalating costs of parts, courtesy cars and utility bills are increasing the pressure on bodyshop cashflow. Some insurers and work providers do appear to be reaching out and helping their network partners, however, many are not, which can leave the bodyshop in a difficult situation regarding their ability to fund work.
How do you differ from your competitors?
Our experience within the repair sector started 11 years ago when we pioneered credit repair on a large scale. During that time we have gained a tremendous understanding of the sector and in doing so developed some unique financial solutions, such as our 40% advanced funding. Along the way we also pioneered funding repair invoices within 24 hours and paying work providers their repair rebates once the repair has completed – in short, ensuring everyone is paid faster. But we’re not complacent and won’t stop there; our experienced and well-connected management and investment team is constantly looking for new ideas and opportunities to work with the industry.
What is your latest product offering?
We recently launched our 40% advance funding solution, which allows bodyshops to draw down 40% of the repair value before the repair commences. This provision gives them more financial stability and enables them to take additional capacity from their work providers. The balance of the repair invoice is then paid within 24 hours of repair completion.
Why is ACG invaluable to the market?
When a bodyshop is offered more work or an opportunity to join a work provider’s network, the increase in volume and costs can compromise cashflow. Where parts are delayed and work can’t commence, even more costs are incurred and credit lines are stretched.
Our unique funding solution not only alleviates the financial pressure but also takes the stress and time out of chasing for payment.
Once we have paid an invoice to the bodyshop, usually within 24 hours, they can forget any further action, we chase the authorising party for payment. The bodyshop doesn’t have to do a thing because they have already been paid.
How are you helping to elevate standards in the bodyshop sector?
Accident Credit Group works with many well-known names within the sector. We listen and learn from those partnerships and look to implement services and products that are relevant and add value. We aim to provide a fast and efficient funding solution that allows bodyshop owners to reduce time spent chasing payment and spend more time working on their business, perhaps looking at renegotiating supplier terms and contracts, reviewing the profitability of their work providers, improving staff training and development and being more selective on which partners they want to work with.
Can you give us an insight in the growth expectations for ACG?
We are constantly looking at ways to make dealing with Accident Credit Group easier and faster. Our understanding of the sector combined with our partner relationships will enable us to develop new industry-centric products and services.
We have seen a sharp increase in demand for our services over the past few months, no doubt fueled by the constantly changing world we live in. We fully expect this to continue. Slicker processes, new products, collaborating more closely with our partners to understand what they want and how we can help will all fuel our ambitious growth plans.
Bodyshop, People, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Thatcham Research emphasised its continued commitment to apprenticeships in the automotive sector by recognising both apprentices and mentors who have shown true dedication in the last year.
Bradley Rankin of FMG Gloucester was named Apprentice of the Year while father Lee, also of FMG Gloucester, ensured it was a double celebration for the family by collecting the Mentor’s award.
Bradley Rankin earned the accolade for displaying a high standard of skill and attention to detail while growing dramatically in both confidence and ability, while Lee was recognised for his continuous encouragement.
Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services, Thatcham Research, said, “It is fantastic to hear of Bradley and Lee’s achievements and even more impressive that these skills must run in the family. Nevertheless, Bradley is a hugely competent apprentice, and any business will be lucky to employ such a brilliant young talent. He is sure to succeed in any future endeavour he chooses. It’s also clear that Lee is a confident, encouraging and knowledgeable mentor who would be a great asset to any apprentice’s learning.”
Chris Pennell, Chief Technical Officer at FMG, added: “Not only did our apprentice and his mentor hit the mark, but they have also set a fantastic standard of what can be accomplished with dedication and know-how. I am very proud to have both Lee and Bradley as employees and look forward to seeing all our apprentices flourish during their time with FMG Repair Services.”
The accolades were handed out during the British Bodyshop Awards.
