Copart unveils Chelmsford Operation Centre

Copart UK has opened a new Operation Centre in Chelmsford, Essex.

The new 30-acre site, which is part of an ongoing expansion strategy with further announcements to come, will provide additional capacity alongside its existing Operation Centres in Colchester, Rochford, Sandwich, Sandy, and Wisbech.

It will enable Copart to increase vehicle storage capacity in this region by 25%, reducing road miles and increasing online auctions.

Jane Pocock, CEO of Copart UK and Ireland, said, “We’re very excited to announce our plans to develop a new Operation Centre in Chelmsford, which will provide annual storage capacity for 35,000 vehicles.

“The Essex area is growing rapidly with increasing levels of housing development, so Copart Chelmsford will be a key location for us to handle future demand and further strengthen our unrivalled operational capabilities in the southwest.”

More Insights

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Training | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-04-2025

Repair sector urged to act now to secure apprenticeship talents

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Technology | Training | Vehicle Repair | wellbeing | Words

14-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Training | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Steer Automotive Group completes Gemini ARC acquisition

Steer Automotive Group has announced the acquisition of Gemini Accident Repair Centres, furthering its mission to provide unparalleled automotive repair services across the UK.

This acquisition includes all 38 sites of Gemini, expanding Steer’s footprint from Edinburgh to Cornwall.

Founded in 2008 by Tim Hopkins, Gemini has grown from a single-site operation to a semi-national network, renowned for its dedicated customer relationships and innovative training and apprentice programmes.

Its repair process will further enhance Steer’s mutual client relationships and performance, developing and improving client experience delivery across the UK.

Tim Hopkins, CEO, said, “I would like to pass on my deepest gratitude to my incredible Gemini team for their unwavering hard work and loyalty. To our valued customers and insurers, thank you for your continuous support and trust. I am confident that Steer Group is the ideal successor for our business. Their commitment to investment and future-oriented plans ensures that you will all have long-term job security and exciting opportunities ahead.”

Dave Sargeant, Managing Director, and Phil Coleman, Finance Director, will remain with the business and join the Steer Leadership Team which will help to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of service.

Richard Steer, Chief Executive, added, “We are proud to welcome Gemini’s exceptional team into the Steer family. Gemini’s innovative repair proposition and steadfast dedication to outstanding service have set an industry benchmark. Their business model, which consistently delivers top-tier service to their valued clients, will greatly enhance our operational capabilities. This acquisition strengthens our commitment to service excellence across the UK, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the automotive repair sector and continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

More Insights

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Training | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-04-2025

Repair sector urged to act now to secure apprenticeship talents

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Technology | Training | Vehicle Repair | wellbeing | Words

14-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Training | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Stellantis repair network joins NBRA

Stellantis has announced that its entire accident repair network has joined the NBRA.

This significant development brings Stellantis and its accident repair programme, representing nine of the 14 global brands in the UK, into a formal association with the NBRA.

As part of NBRA membership, the network of approved repairers will gain access to extensive resources, support, and industry-leading initiatives designed to enhance their capabilities and service quality.

Chris Downing, Head of Sales and Operations for Stellantis, said, “Bringing our accident repair network into NBRA membership offers added value services that are more diverse and will provide our repairers with a different set of solutions.”

Martyn Rowley, Executive Director of the NBRA, added, “We are delighted to welcome Stellantis into the NBRA and look forward to fostering a productive relationship. This association marks a significant milestone for both organisations, and we are enthusiastic about the potential benefits it offers. We extend a warm welcome to all Stellantis Approved Accident Repairers and anticipate a successful journey ahead.”

More Insights

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Training | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-04-2025

Repair sector urged to act now to secure apprenticeship talents

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Technology | Training | Vehicle Repair | wellbeing | Words

14-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Training | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Fix Auto Coalville celebrates golden anniversary

Fix Auto Coalville has celebrated its 50th anniversary after being founded by Roger Billett in 1974.

Now owned and managed by his son, Carl, the business has grown to a 6,500 sqft operation.

Meanwhile, the business has received its 10th anniversary plaque from Fix Auto UK during the organisation’s National Conference last month.

Carl said, “We are incredibly proud to reach this 50th anniversary milestone. It’s been an incredible journey, one of both lows and, thankfully, many highs. We owe our continued success to our dedicated team, loyal customers and the support of Fix Auto UK.”

Ian Pugh, Managing Director for Fix Auto UK, added, “Celebrating 50 years is an extraordinary achievement, especially in business and particularly in this trade. It’s been an absolute privilege to have Carl and his team within the Fix Auto UK family for the past decade, it seems like only yesterday that we shook hands and welcomed him into the fold. Fix Auto Coalville’s unwavering commitment to delivering not only repairs of the highest quality but a high standard of customer service is a credit to all.”

More Insights

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Training | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

16-04-2025

Repair sector urged to act now to secure apprenticeship talents

Bodyshop | Mobility | People | Supplier | Technology | Training | Vehicle Repair | wellbeing | Words

14-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

Bodyshop | Environment | Finance | Insurance | Mobility | People | Salvage | Supplier | Technology | Training | Vehicle Repair | vehicle sales | Words

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners