Ben reveals wellness watchlist

Automotive charity Ben has responded to the rise in mental health issues by compiling a check-list of warning signs that employers can look out for.

The list has been put together to help companies better support the wellness of colleagues who may not always feel comfortable admitting to managers that they are struggling.

The first sign of trouble can be changes in mood. Stress can often lead to irritation and anger, while extroverts may suddenly shy away from social interaction.

A noticeable increase in sick days or poor time-keeping may also be a sign that your employee is struggling, while employees suffering with mental health issues may find it harder to concentrate and start making uncharacteristic errors.

A sudden change in eating habits could also be a warning sign, while employees arriving for work tired and lethargic may be an indication of poor sleep as a result of stress or anxiety.

Other warning signs to look out for may include a change in appearance or hygiene.

Ben offers a range of support services, from an out-of-hours text line (text BEN to 85258), to mental health support and tips about good wellbeing.

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Known-unknowns of EVs set to test sector

ARC360’s specialist electric vehicle (EV) event is set to discuss the known-unknowns for the vehicle incident repair sector as the vehicle parc transitions to an electric future.

FNOL, repair capabilities, cost inflation, skillset requirements, health & safety, repairability and end-of-life vehicle management will be just some of the key topics to come under the spotlight on Tuesday 4 July at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry.

The event – which features experts from across the vehicle incident repair supply chain and beyond including data providers, engineers, insurers, repairers, recovery operators, recyclers, training providers and VMs – bids to join the dots and understand just what implications EVs will have on the well-established operations across the sector and, ultimately, the customer.

Not only will the event provide an up-to-the minute insight into the growing pool of evidence and experience gleaned within the sector – including input from all in attendance via audience interaction – but so too will it touch upon the future to understand just where the industry might be in five to 10 years’ time.

Mark Hadaway, co-founder of ARC360 and Managing Director of ILC, said, “Although EV repair volumes are still relatively low, everyone is only too aware of the direction of travel and with this comes an array of challenges and opportunities for the sector.

“Already we are seeing various moves across the sector to cater for the pending changes and sharing experiences and knowledge of learnings is very much what sits at the heart of ARC360’s core philosophy of Gaining Ground Together.”

To reserve a ticket click here or to find out more about the opportunities available to get involved in the event and place your brand at the heart of the industry’s evolution, contact nic@iloveclaims.com or mark@iloveclaims.com.

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ARC360 News – Friday 12 May 2023

Key claims topics to shape specialist EV event

Vehicle recovery, repair and recycling are just some of the topics set to be explored at ARC360’s specialist EV event.

Taking place on Tuesday 4 July at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, ARC360’s specialist electric vehicle (EV) event will provide a rounded view of how the sector is advancing towards an electric future, with attendees hearing from insurers, vehicle manufacturers, repairers and others throughout the supply chain to understand more of how and why the sector needs to prepare.

Prasco announces manufacturing step-change

Prasco Group has increased its manufacturing and distribution footprint to more than a million square metres with the acquisition of a new site in Turin.

It will now embark on a programme of accelerated investment to become Europe’s leading manufacturer of independently certified non-OEM vehicle replacement parts. 

Fix Auto UK names network winners

Fix Auto UK has announced its annual winners at its ‘Next Gen’ 2023 National Conference, held at The Vox, near Birmingham, with Fix Auto Weston-super-Mare being named as the network’s ‘Bodyshop of the Year’.

Somerset business owners Tony Atkins and Carl Prosser received the award shortly after collecting the prize for being the best performing repair centre within the network’s Region Five.

Policy premiums continue upwards trend

The ABI’s latest Motor Insurance Premium Tracker has found that the overall average premium paid for private comprehensive motor insurance was £478 in the first quarter of the year, 16% higher than the same period in 2022.

The average price paid for renewals rose by £8 to £436 while the average premium for a new policy was up £14 to £545.

Audatex enhances Bodynet integration

Audatex has enhanced its integration with Bodynet to enable seamless exchange of repair data.

Images of damaged vehicles can now be seamlessly passed between Audatex and Bodynet, improving on the existing reliable integration between Bodynet and AudaEnterpriseGold.

Used car market rallies

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has reported a 4.1% growth in the used car market in the first three months of 2023, with rises recorded in January (3.6%), February (4.4%) and March (4.3%) respectively.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were the fastest growing powertrain, with transactions rising 56.5% to 26,257 units, representing 1.4% of the market.

Copart expands Plan-Net-Zero strategy

Copart has invested upwards of £80m in an ongoing replacement and expansion programme as part of its Plan-Net-Zero commitment.

It has invested heavily in Euro VI compliant DAF and Volvo multi-car transporters, deployed the latest connected telematics to lower fuel consumption and emissions, and fitted its entire fleet with a fuel pick-up system which ensures that only clean fuel enters the fuel lines, reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by five per cent. 

Meanwhile, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally found that Copart’s acquisition of Hills Motors could reduce competition in the market for the supply of salvage services in the UK.

Apollo wins prestigious Culture award

Apollo Motor Group has been awarded The Solent 250 Business Culture of The Year Award.

The awards celebrate the achievements of the region’s top privately-owned businesses by sales turnover.

LV= uncovers ‘worrying’ trend

New research from LV= has found that motorists are cutting back on vehicle maintenance to help offset the cost-of-living crisis, with worn tyres among the most common issues.

Meanwhile, its breakdown providerBritannia Rescue recorded a 78% rise in vehicles without MOTs during call-outs in January 2023 compared to March 2022.

The findings were published in The Independent.

Core V2 set for ITAS release

ITAS has announced that its Core V2 software solution is due for imminent release, providing users with one place to manage, view, update and collate data.

It has been developed in the same environment as ITAS Capture which means that it functions and looks the same, offering a streamlined consistent end-user experience, making it easier to carry out daily business functions.

NCR secures Toyota certification

NCR Bodyshops has announced that it has been certified as an approved Toyota repairer, meaning repair methods, parts and facilities all meet manufacturer standards.

Park Lodge unveils new bespoke AFV training

Park Lodge International has formed a working consortium with Jeff Mack Consultancy and RWC Training to develop a comprehensive training programme around the safe assessment, recovery, transportation, storage and repair of alternatively-fueled vehicles

Tailored to specific groups, the IMI-approved courses have been developed with the support of manufacturers and dealers, and are both theoretical and practical, covering a range of topics from vehicle identification, approach, risk assessment, how to make the vehicle safe, and equipment.

People

Natalie Wong has been promoted to Marketing & Portfolio Management Lead for BASF Automotive Refinish UK & Ireland.

Vertu Motors has named Phil Wong as Vertu Accident Repair Centre Manager.

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Fix Auto UK names network winners

Fix Auto UK has announced its annual winners at its ‘Next Gen’ 2023 National Conference, held at The Vox, near Birmingham, with Fix Auto Weston-super-Mare being named as the network’s ‘Bodyshop of the Year’.

Somerset business owners Tony Atkins and Carl Prosser received the award shortly after collecting the prize for being the best performing repair centre within the network’s Region Five.

Fix Auto Manchester East were also double award winners, with Directors Brian Kerrison and Ed and James Gore presented with the Admiral Insurance Bodyshop of the Year and also receiving the network’s Outstanding Customer Service Award.

Fix Auto Mid Devon was named as the Allianz Bodyshop of the Year, Fix Auto Kings Norton received the Covéa Insurance Bodyshop of the Year prize and Fix Auto Stevenage scooped the RSA Insurance Bodyshop Of The Year prize.

Meanwhile, Region Three, led by Regional Business Manager Steve Lawrence, was named as the network’s Region of the Year and Calum Gillet from Fix Auto Mid Devon and Newton Abbot, was named Apprentice of the Year.

Fix Auto Felixstowe received the inaugural Fix Auto Green Bodyshop of the Year Award and Fix Auto Atherstone was named Newcomer of the Year award.

Managing Director Ian Pugh, said: “Once again our awards evening highlighted the breadth of talent throughout the organisation and the total commitment to our customers our Franchise Partners pay to ensure we continually provide an industry-leading service.”

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Policy premiums continue upwards trend 

The ABI’s latest Motor Insurance Premium Tracker has found that the overall average premium paid for private comprehensive motor insurance was £478 in the first quarter of the year, 16% higher than the same period in 2022.

The average price paid for renewals rose by £8 to £436 while the average premium for a new policy was up £14 to £545. 

The rise reflects increased cost pressures motor insurers face, such as energy inflation, higher paint and material costs (16%), and the rising price of courtesy car (30%). 

Jonathan Fong, Senior Policy Adviser, Motor Insurance, said, “With households battling the rising cost of living, the last thing anyone wants is a higher motor insurance bill. Naturally, every motorist wants the best insurance deal, and insurers are doing all they can to keep motor insurance as competitively priced as possible. Yet, like many other sectors, insurers continue to face higher costs. The price of certain raw materials and energy costs are rising at rates well above general inflation, and these costs are becoming increasingly challenging to absorb.”

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Park Lodge unveils new bespoke AFV training

Park Lodge International has formed a working consortium with Jeff Mack Consultancy and RWC Training to develop a comprehensive training programme around the safe assessment, recovery, transportation, storage and repair of alternatively fuelled vehicles. 

This follows an extensive five-year study into the impact of alternative-fuelled vehicles on the wider industry, from first responders and recovery agents to repairers and salvage experts.

As a result, Park Lodge has introduced new training courses looking at best practice in the event of a road traffic accident involving an alternative fuelled vehicle.

The courses consider how to assess risk in worst-case scenarios, such as traction battery thermal runaway, and what steps to take and avoid.

Tailored to specific groups, the IMI-approved courses have been developed with the support of manufacturers and dealers, and are both theoretical and practical, covering a range of topics from vehicle identification, approach, risk assessment, how to make the vehicle safe, and equipment.

Delegates are then supported post-training with access to a DropBox with course information and regularly updated guidance, monthly update newsletter, handouts and a road or bayside checklist.

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Audatex enhances Bodynet integration

Audatex has enhanced its integration with Bodynet to enable seamless exchange of repair data.

Images of damaged vehicles can now be seamlessly passed between Audatex and Bodynet, improving on the existing reliable integration between Bodynet and AudaEnterpriseGold.

Neil Garrett, Sales Director, Solera Audatex, said: “The claims ecosystem has always required a collaborative approach and even more so with the advancement of digitalisation in the claims and repair process. We are constantly looking for new ways to work with our partners to reduce manual interventions for our customers. This latest update ensures critical information is shared between two vital tools for a body shop — their management system and estimating platform — to reduce double keying.”

Steve Miller, Product Director, Bodynet, added: “A key focus for Bodynet this year is connectivity and integration with key systems such as AudaEnterpriseGold that enhance our products to make life easier for our customers when managing the lifecycle of a claim. This enhancement will ensure we have seamless connectivity with Audatex for image capture to be passed between both systems and is the first of many collaborations we are working on.”

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Used car market rallies

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has reported a 4.1% growth in the used car market in the first three months of 2023.

The upturn follows three successive quarters of decline with rises recorded in January (3.6%), February (4.4%) and March (4.3%) respectively.

In total, 1,847,149 transactions took place, a 72,798 increase on with the same period in 2022, although that number is still 8.6% below pre-pandemic levels.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were the fastest growing powertrain, with transactions rising 56.5% to 26,257 units, representing 1.4% of the market.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Easing supply chain challenges have reenergised new car registrations, unlocking availability in the used market and, importantly, delivering more zero emission capable vehicles to second and third owners. Sustaining that growth is vital for our environmental goals, which means bolstering the new car market to drive supply to the used sector. Infrastructure rollout must also improve – and at speed – with affordable and reliable charging essential if more used buyers are to switch to the latest and cleanest available vehicles.”

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Prasco announces manufacturing step-change

Prasco Group has increased its manufacturing and distribution footprint to more than a million square metres with the acquisition of a new site in Turin.

The manufacturing plant is adjoined to Prasco’s existing distribution centre and means the company now owns and operates the entire facility.

Prasco, which will maintain its close links with the manufacturer and continue to purchase products from it Taiwan-based plants, will now embark on a programme of accelerated investment to become Europe’s leading manufacturer of independently certified non-OEM vehicle replacement parts. 

Prasco Group President Franco D’Amato, said, “We will now invest heavily in the manufacturing plant, particularly in new machines and tooling that enable us to react instantly to the demands of our customers by being able to produce the latest products or items for popular European models.”

Kelvyn Waugh, Managing Director for Prasco UK, added, “This effectively elevates the group to a manufacturer of replacement parts rather than an importer and exporter.”

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ARC360 news round-up – Friday 05 May 2023

Specialist EV event gearing up for July

ARC360’s specialist EV event is gearing up with new names being added to the agenda, a swell of interest from market and tickets now available via the ILC website.

Taking place on Tuesday 4 July at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, ARC360’s specialist electric vehicle (EV) event will provide a rounded view of how the sector is advancing towards an electric future, with attendees hearing from insurers, vehicle manufacturers, repairers and many others throughout the supply chain to understand more of how and why the sector needs to prepare.

ILC tackles talent conundrum with New Generation event

More than 120 HR insurance claims professionals gathered at etc.venues Manchester on 26 April for the inaugural ILC New Generation in Claims event, which addressed the lack of new talent entering the industry and discussed strategies for attracting more skills to the sector.

Industry experts shared insights during a full schedule of presentations, with panel discussions focusing on key issues such as equality, engagement and empowerment.

Feature interview: Kevern Thompson, CAPS

In this exclusive ARC360 interview, we ask Kevern Thompson, Commercial Manager, CAPS how supply chain partnerships have evolved in recent years and how the platform is helping to develop trust within the sector.

Steer announces NE expansion

Steer Automotive Group has boosted capacity in the North East by welcoming Vertu Accident Repair Centre Newcastle into the group.

Copart voice heard on national stage

Copart was a key contributor to a feature in a national newspaper considering the future of electric vehicles.

Electric cars being written off after minor bumps was published in The Telegraph, with Copart sharing insights on the viability of EV repairs and the growing use of green parts in vehicle repair.

IMI responds to Ofqual action plan

The IMI is requesting a range of information from industry training providers to meet the vocational and technical qualification action plan introduced by Ofqual.

Information required includes the name of the exams officer, a senior point of contact, and students intending to progress to higher education.

Vehicle registrations continue strong start to 2023

The UK new car market recorded its ninth successive month of growth in April, increasing 11.6% to 132,990 registrations.

Meanwhile, battery electric vehicles deliveries were up by more than half to 20,522, plug-in hybrid vehicles were up 33.3% to 8,595 units and hybrid electric vehicles increased 7.7% to 15,026 units.

Bodycare joins VBRA Elite

VBRA has awarded Vehicle Bodycare Centre Ltd with the Elite Truck & Van Body Repairer Certification for Structural classification, including Cab & Chassis Repair capability for trucks up to 44.0 tonne GVM and Panel Vans & Chassis Cabs up to 5.0 tonne capacity.

Battery repairs key to net zero goal

Colleagues from Innovate visited Thatcham Research Centre recently to discuss the challenges to the vehicle repair and motor insurance sectors posed by the uptake of electric vehicles and connectivity and autonomy.

It was suggested that roadside diagnostics and battery repair could be critical to helping the industry achieve its net zero targets.

Fix Auto conference to be the biggest yet

Fix Auto UK’s 2023 National Conference, themed ‘Next Gen’, is set to attract a record number of delegates, senior representatives from the insurance sector, exhibitors and sponsors. The event takes place next week.

MG ARC secures VM approvals

MG Accident Repair Centre is now an approved authorised Toyota and Lexus body repair centre.

Thatcham Research launches technical ‘refresher’ course

Thatcham Research has introduced a new two-day Technical Update course intended to help those in the repair sector stay up to date with new technology and innovations.

Topics covered include new vehicle models, current trends, headlamp technology, ADAS, automated driving, and hydrogen vehicles.

Passport to sustainability

EV batteries will need to be more sustainable from 2027, when the EU introduces a new battery passport that will remain in place for its entire lifecycle.

The directive will include the sourcing and recycling of materials and deliver greater transparency throughout the supply chain.

Date set for Green party

The National Body Repair Association (NBRA) has confirmed that The Greener Bodyshop Awards will take place on 14 September at Alton Towers, Staffordshire.

The awards recognise and celebrate repairers who have made great strides towards achieving greener operations.

Plunky’s charity match on target

Steve Plunkett’s Plunky’s All Stars charity football match is on target to raise upwards of £20,000 for the Norfolk Hospice.

More than £11,000 has so far been raised for the charity, with more expected on the night when a wide selection of football memorabilia will be raffled off.

People

Chris Weeks, Executive Director of the NBRA for the past five years, is set to leave the role in the summer.

Jason Lea has started a new position as Strategic Sales Manager at BASF UK & Ireland.

Bennett Assessors has appointed James Bennett as Management Director.

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