August 2024 - ARC360

ARC360 News – Friday, 30 August 2024

30 August 2024

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words

Bodyshop Briefs

The NBRA has announced the finalists for this year’s Greener Bodyshop Awards. The ceremony takes place on 10 September at The Coventry Building Society Arena. Read more
Fix Auto Reading is the latest franchise partner from within the Fix Auto UK network to successfully gain its PAS 2060 accreditation. Meanwhile, Kent-based RS Dawe has joined the network. Read more
Liam Kenny Motor Body Repairs in Eynsham has successfully transitioned to BS10125:2022 during a recent audit.
The Steer Automotive VIP Awards is celebrating its second birthday this month. The ‘Value in Practice’ awards were introduced in August 2022 to recognise colleagues showing integrity, excellence or innovation, with winners announced every three months. Read more

Industry News

Getting in shape to win more business

In an era of consolidation within the automotive aftermarket repair sector, there are still opportunities for growth for businesses not interested in acquisition. That was the message of a panel debate, ‘Getting in shape to win more business’, which took place at ARC360’sFuture Vehicle Technology themed conference. Read more

Vacancy Rate Tracker: Automotive vacancies heading in the wrong direction

Despite some success at cutting vacancy numbers earlier in the year, July 2024 saw the automotive sector return to top spot in the ‘Vacancies by Sector’ chart, overtaking hospitality. Read more

IMI announces changes to executive board

The Institute of the Motor Industry has announced the strategic transition of its executive team. During this period of transition, the board has appointed Kevin Finn, who has been chair of the IMI since 2020, in the newly created role of Executive Chair. Azlina Bulmer has been appointed as Managing Director with responsibility for the overall management, organisation and staffing of the IMI. Read more

BASF Performance Materials co-creates the sustainable future with its customers

BASF’s Performance Materials division has revealed its strategic roadmap towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and highlighted key milestones on the way to a circular economy. Read more

Automotive charity Ben celebrates successes

Automotive charity Ben has highlighted its successes and current campaigns in its latest newsletter. It has revealed that since April 2023 it has supported 5,040 individuals, which is a two per cent increase on the previous year, with 2,829 interventions delivered, a 17% rise on the previous year. Read more

NWVA fundraiser for DEBRA

NWVA will be taking to the pitch against Morelli Group with industry leaders and customers and a few football legends from the past, for an 11-a-side football match on 15 October 2024 at London Stadium. Read more

Drivers told to prepare for rise in fuel duty

Drivers across the UK are being warned to expect a rise in fuel duty in the Government’s upcoming Autumn Budget. Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer has already stated that there is a £22 billion ‘black hole’ in public finances. It will be down to Chancellor Rachel Reeves to tell the country how this will be achieved, but there is guaranteed to be an announcement on the future of fuel duty. Read more

PartsXchange partners Vehicle Image Assessors

PartsXchange has announced a new partnership with Vehicle Image Assessors, which specialises in providing meticulous and accurate vehicle damage assessment services. Read more

Time to deliver for UK Automotive

In little more than a week the UK Parliament returns with a busy legislative agenda. High amongst its priorities will be measures to stimulate economic growth and the automotive sector can be the driver of that change. The SMMT has said it will work with the government to ensure delivery matches ambition. Read more

Nearly a third of young drivers admit to filming themselves behind the wheel for social media likes

Nearly a third of young drivers admit to taking pictures or video footage at the wheel to upload and show off on social media while driving. Research of 1,000 18 to 26-year-olds with a full driving licence revealed some of the riskiest things they’ve done behind the wheel, including texting and racing friends on public roads. Read more

VM News

Car production dips while CV output soars

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has reported that UK car production decreased by 14% in July, while commercial vehicle output soared 71.7%. Read more

SMMT figures revealed that 65,478 vehicles were produced in the month, with electric vehicle output down 18.6%. However, after four months of decline, production of commercial vehicles climbed to 15,252 units. Read more

Bentley first car manufacturer to join global body for responsibly-sourced leather

Bentley Motors has become the first automotive member of Leather Naturally, the global voice of the sustainable leather industry. The international, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is dedicated to promoting the use of certified, properly-sourced leather as a natural by-product of a responsible circular economy. Read more

Hyundai Motor Unveils New ‘Hyundai Way’ Strategy

Hyundai Motor Company hosted its 2024 CEO Investor Day, unveiling its new mid- to long-term strategy, the ‘Hyundai Way’.At the event, the company disclosed its commitment to enhancing its electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid competitiveness, advancing its battery and autonomous vehicle technologies, and expanding its vision as an energy mobilizer. Read more

smart #5 World Premiere: The First-Ever Premium Mid-Size SUV from smart

smart, the all-electric automotive brand, has unveiled the all-new smart #5 at the world premiere event in Byron Bay, Australia. With a super-charging function delivering 70% of battery capacity in 15 minutes, the model offers a range of around 500 miles and full ADAS technologies. Read more

Five wins for Volkswagen in What Car? Electric Car Awards

Volkswagen is celebrating after taking five What Car? Electric Car wins, including the Golf 1.5 TSI eHybrid winning Best Hybrid Family Car, the Passat 1.5 TSI eHybrid winning Best Hybrid Estate Car, the Golf GTE being named Best Used Hybrid Family Car, the Passat GTE named Best Used Hybrid Estate Car, and the ID.3 58 kWh winning Best Used Electric Family Car. Read more

People

Chloe Porter is leaving Zurich UK after 14 years to join Hastings Direct as Head of Total Loss and Engineering.
Ted Williams has started a new position as Global Director of Business Services at Sherwin-Williams.
Michael Massey has announced he will be returning as a judge at the National Paint Championships during Automechanika UK 2025.
Kevern Thompson is joining the senior leadership team of Thao Group to oversee its growing bodyshop portfolio.

More Insights

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Repair sector urged to act now to secure apprenticeship talents

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Corporate Partners

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NBRA announces Greener Bodyshop Awards finalists

30 August 2024

Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words

The NBRA has announced the finalists for this year’s Greener Bodyshop Awards.

The ceremony takes place on 10 September at The Coventry Building Society Arena.

The nominations are:

Greener Bodyshop Award: A1 Motorist Centre, ABL1Touch, Autocraft Telford, C&P Panelcraft, CarComm Coachworks, CRG Bicester, Crash Care Centre Hitchin, Custom Coachworks, D.Gawthorpe ARC, David Payne & Son Coachbuilder, Devonshire Motors, Fix Auto Manchester East, Fix Auto Mid Deveon, Fix Auto Penzance, Fix Auto Redhill, Fix Auto Rochester, Fleetline & Crash Repairs Croydon, Flyde Coast ARC, Gemini ARC, Jame Alpe, Jenkins & Pain, M&S Accident Repairs, Mackins ARC, Motofix ARC, Phoenix Enhancement Services, Saga Truck & Van, Summer Motors, SW Vehicle Body Repair, The Vella Group, UK Carbody, UK Select ARC, Vehicle Crash Repairs, and Zeus ARC

Bob Linwood Greener Apprentice Award: Vitalisj Simonenko – Gemini Accident Repair Centres, Lauren Noyce – Gemini Accident Repair Centres, Miguel Harvey – Steer Automotive Group, Rosie Smith – Steer Automotive Group, Nathan Hoe – Steer Automotive Group, and Nikki Simmonette – M&L Coachbuilders

Carbon Footprint Year-On-Year Improver Award: CarComm Coachworks, Motofix Accident Repair Centres, Autocraft Telford, James Alpe, M&S Accident Repairs, and Drive Motor Retail

Industry Innovation Award – formerly, Environmental Innovation Award: Plastrepair EU, Charles Trent, Autocraft Telford, and Vehicle Crash Repairs

Pride of Bodyshop Award: Tina Williams, and Patrick Mackin

Bodyshop Staff Wellbeing Award: CarComm Coachworks, Fix Auto Manchester East, Autocraft Telford, D. Gawthrope ACR, Fylde Coast Accident Repair Centre, Mackins Accident Repair Centre, Fix Auto Rochester, James Alpe, Touch Ups Bodyshop, and Steer Automotive Group

Sustainability Award – formerly, Carbon Footprint Award: CarComm Coachworks, Motofix Accident Repair Centres, The Vella Group, Autocraft Telford, D. Gawthrope ACR, Fix Auto Rochester, James Alpe, Devonshire Motors, PJB Accident Repair Centre, and Steer Automotive Group

Diversity & Inclusion Award: The Vella Group, Fylde Coast Accident Repair Centre, Gemini Accident Repair Centres, Mackins Accident Repair Centre, Kudos Bodyworks, Steer Automotive Group, and Accident Express

Outstanding Support for Bodyshops: Ageas Insurance, and Pybus Recruitment

Charity Award: Mark Moring, James Alpe, Steve Silverwood, and Gemini Accident Repair Centres

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Fix Auto UK welcomes RS Dawe to network

30 August 2024

Bodyshop, Mobility, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words

Fix Auto UK has welcomed Kent-based RS Dawe to the network, taking the number of fully-branded bodyshops either within or around the M25 corridor to 15.

Operating as Fix Auto Ebbsfleet, the business is owned by Danny Ruberto and follows relocation to a new 10,000 sqft open plan bodyshop two years ago.

Danny said, “You simply cannot ignore what Fix Auto UK brings to a business. We have built up a small team and an enviable reputation for repairing vehicles to the highest standards, but I know we are capable of far, far more. Being a standalone repairer can be a lonely place in this industry and I am well-aware of the success others who have joined the network have experienced and that success has been achieved by the help and support franchisees receive.

“I know I sound like so many franchisees when I recognise the need for that help and support in order to take my business to that next level.

The business is currently repairing up top 10 vehicles a week though plans to immediately increase staff and create additional workbays, with final negotiations are underway to purchase the building and its surrounding ground.

Ian Pugh, Managing Director for Fix Auto UK, said, “Continuing to build strength and depth to the network, particularly in and around London and the Home Counties, is crucial for our progression. While Danny and his team have a fine reputation for repairing vehicles to the highest standards, for me they also have the final ingredient we look for in a new Franchise Partner and that’s ambition.

“Repairing vehicles to the BSI standard ensures the highest level of repairs are a given. It is that drive and ambition they exude that takes a business to a new level, that and the support and guidance founded from experience which is where our team of Regional Business Managers excel.”

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Getting in shape to win more business

30 August 2024

Bodyshop, Finance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

In an era of consolidation within the automotive aftermarket repair sector, there are still opportunities for growth for businesses not interested in acquisition.

That was the message of a panel debate, ‘Getting in shape to win more business’, which took place at ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry last month.

Taking part in the conversation were Chris Ashworth, Founder, ILC; Dawn Marsden, Head of Claims, Supplier Management and Engineering Services, esure; and Robert Snook, CEO, Business Success Global, who all shared their insights into how bodyshops can continue to thrive going forward.

Resource

Robert said that increasing profitability did not have to be about a broader footprint, but making more of what it already in place.

He said, “Business growth is something we get suckered into and we think to achieve it we have to get bigger. But there is growth around what you do now and you should look at that first. It’s around vision, intent, and culture. They are the sources of the revenue stream and that is where growth and tomorrow’s profit will come from.”

To achieve this, he urged businesses to focus on three things, capability, functionality and capacity.

Without the capability to action a plan, it is doomed to failure. Businesses also need to consider the type of work they do and where they can improve to become ‘world beaters’, while capacity, Robert added, was not about doing more work but ensuring you are gaining the most profit from the work you already do.

He explained, “All work streams are available, you just have to decide which one to target. You need to know who your customer is and, more importantly, who your customer is not. If you target a customer who your business is not set up to serve you will always play second fiddle, so stopping is more important than starting. Don’t just do more work. Understand what you need to stop doing so you can focus more energy on what you can be the best at.”

Efficiency

Meanwhile, Dawn said that the first step to growing profitability is removing wastage and inefficiency from processes. That involves greater collaboration to ensure there is no duplications of work.

Selecting partners who are aligned to your goals is therefore critical. For esure, that is digitalisation.

Dawn said, “We want a repair partner who wants to grow their business, but in line with our own goals. We want to be a leading digital insurer. Repairers are delivering our customer service so if they can’t interact with us and our customer in the way we want it’s not going to work.

“Our reputation depends on them, so goals need to be aligned when selecting a partner. And, of course, we need to know they are sustainable and will still be there in five years.”

Chris agreed that when it comes to achieving growth, repairers need to be astute in which work providers they select as partners. He said that ultimately sales is the key to growth and the work provider will act as the repairer’s sales team, so they need to ensure they are working for networks that will bring in volume.

He said, “If you work for a network, pay attention to the contract. Take more time to understand who you are working for and to really understand the profitability of that account. Pick networks that are going to be winners because they will be your sales team.”

Technology

One of the most critical aspects of a developing a successful partnership in today’s marketplace is technology. Dawn explained that alongside digital capability, esure would seek repair partners able to meet their needs around EVs, while Chris revealed that some dealerships in Germany who still have attached bodyshops are getting 22% of their work via manufacturer apps.

However, he urged the industry to work together to deliver more integration and connectivity so repairers are not asked to operate different systems for each work provider.

He said, “For repairers wanting to work with networks, technological capability is critical. But the biggest challenge they have is being asked to do things seven different ways. As an industry we need to find a common denominator, so technology is not a competitive advantage or disadvantage.”

Robert agreed. He said the temptation for bodyshops is to invest in new technology simply because it is there without fully understanding how it will deliver a return on investment.

“We’re in a digital world and need to be digital,” he said, “but you have to be selective about what you want and why you need it. Don’t be suckered into buying technology just because it’s new; first establish what problem is it going to solve and for whom?”

Future

But greater technology, he continued, is no guarantee of growth. Far more important is the human element of the business.

He encouraged business owners to look at themselves first and assess their own roles, arguing that if they are leading the business well their people will follow.

He said, “People will grow the business for leaders that inspire them. If you want to grow as an organisation, grow the people and they will grow the business for you. And provide them with context, so they understand why they are doing something. You need to provide them with a vision, and then commit to it fully.”

The session concluded with each panellist providing their top three tips for growth:

Chris:

Build a good profitability calculator so you can make the right decisions about who you work with
Be curious, ask a partner what their plans are
Study the form so you pick the right partner

Dawn:

Invest in digital
Invest in people
Build trust with partners

Robert:

Create a vision so you know the end goal
Develop a robust and pressure-tested strategy
Commit to it fully

ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology conference was sponsored by Activate Group, Thatcham Research and Stellantis, and supported by Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Copart, Entegral, Enterprise, Mirka, Nationwide Vehicle Assistance, S&G Response, Solera Audatex; along with Partners: e2e, Gemini ARC, Repairify and Prasco.

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NWVA fundraiser for DEBRA

30 August 2024

Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair, wellbeing and Words

The winning team will be presented with the Bob Linwood Memorial trophy. Bob’s dedication to bringing young talent into the industry and his devotion to charitable causes was unparalleled.

DEBRA is the national charity supporting those directly affected by, and working with, Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) – a potentially fatal skin condition that causes constant pain due to unstoppable internal and external blistering. DEBRA provides lifelong care and support to the entire EB community.

To support the cause, please click here.

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Automotive charity Ben celebrates successes

30 August 2024

Bodyshop, Mobility, People, Vehicle Repair, wellbeing and Words

Automotive charity Ben has highlighted its successes and current campaigns in its latest newsletter.

It has revealed that since April 2023 it has supported 5,040 individuals, which is a two per cent increase on the previous year, with 2,829 interventions delivered, a 17% rise on the previous year.

Meanwhile, to mark World Suicide Prevention Month and Prostate Cancer Awareness month in September, Ben’s latest awareness and support campaigns focus on suicide prevention and prostate cancer.

As part of this, it is delivering suicide awareness and prevention training to employers. The course, which are available on flexible dates, will give participants the confidence to: support those suffering and act immediately if required; have conversations around suicide; and recognise the warning signs.

Meanwhile, Ben has also released a youtube video with Robin Luscombe, Managing Director of Luscombe Motors, who shares his story about battling prostate cancer to help raise awareness and encourage men to get checked.

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Fix Auto Reading achieves PAS 2060 certification

30 August 2024

Bodyshop, Environment, Mobility, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words

Fix Auto Reading is the latest franchise partner from within the Fix Auto UK network to successfully gain its PAS 2060 accreditation.

To achieve their certifications, the Berkshire repairer turned to Purchase Direct, Fix Auto UK’s procurement and cost-reduction partner, who used its ‘Driving Net Zero’ programme to assess their businesses.

Paul Carkett, co-owner with David Benjamin said, “Like so many repairers we continually invest in our business and especially our premises. Converting to energy efficient LED lighting and changing our spraybooth to operate as a ‘direct fire’ powered unit has made it more than 40% efficient.

“Operating a carbon neutral repair centre must be a goal of every repairer in the country. Numerous fellow sites within the Fix Auto UK network are already PAS 2060 certified and are leading the way for the industry with numerous initiatives to ensure their carbon footprints are dramatically reduced year-on-year, I am just delighted to be joining them.”

Matt Woods, Sustainability Lead at Purchase Direct added, “We are really pleased to be working with the team at Fix Auto Reading to help them achieve their environmental goals. I am delighted to say they have successfully achieved carbon neutral verification in accordance with PAS 2060 for their first application period and we we look forward to our ongoing work together to reduce their carbon footprint in line with their current commitments.”

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IMI announces changes to executive board

28 August 2024

Mobility, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

The Institute of the Motor Industry has announced the strategic transition of its executive team.

The new team will provide strategic and day-to-day direction for the organisation’s 118 employees and more than 110,000 members, enabling the IMI board to begin recruiting a permanent executive team within the next 12 months.

During this period of transition, the board has appointed Kevin Finn, who has been chair of the IMI since 2020, in the newly created role of Executive Chair. Azlina Bulmer has been appointed as Managing Director with responsibility for the overall management, organisation and staffing of the IMI.

Simon Barrell has been appointed as Chief Financial Officer.

Steve Nash will remain as CEO, with a revised remit to solely focus on supporting and maintaining IMI’s external influence, before stepping down once a suitable replacement has been recruited.

Kevin Finn said: “As the professional body for people in automotive, the IMI remains committed to our community of over 110,000 members and the future success of the sector. The combination of insight and expertise from outside the industry alongside the wealth of automotive and skills experience already on our Board puts the IMI in the strongest position to help our members and the wider automotive community prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“We would also like to thank Steve Nash for his long-standing commitment, having been directly involved at the Institute for over 22 years, as Chairman, President and, since January 2013, CEO.”

Azlina Bulmer joined the IMI earlier this year as Interim Chief Operating Officer, bringing a wealth of strategic and operational experience in the professional membership space. Recent roles have included Executive Director of Membership & Engagement at the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and Director of International at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). She is also an Associate Non-Executive Director at the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.

Simon Barrell is a qualified chartered accountant and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. He has held various posts as Finance Director and has experience across multiple industries working in both the public and private sectors.

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ARC360 News – Friday, 23 August 2024

23 August 2024

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

Bodyshop Briefs

Gemini Accident Repair Centres has welcomed its 10^th cohort of multi-skilled apprentices, in partnership with Emtec Colleges. Meanwhile, seven colleagues have become the first in the group to achieve GOA Qualifications Level 3 ADAS.
Four more major vehicle refinishes businesses, Pennings, Alton Cars, Veetec and Impact are joining AkzoNobel’s Sustainable Repair Network, a programme launched last year to help customers in the EMEA region on their journey to becoming more sustainable and efficient. Read more
Rapid Repair Network (RRN) a leader in same day vehicle mobile repair services, has partnered with leading energy and carbon specialists ECA Business Energy to measure and validate the carbon footprint associated with each repair job conducted by their network of mobile repairers. Read more
Revive! has announced the renewal of their sponsorship with the Coventry Blaze Ice Hockey team for the 2024-25 season.
FMG Repair Services Bristol recently showcased its business to Martin Ward, CEO of parent company ZIGUP.
LD Autovogue achieved a 100% pass in its latest BSI Kitemark Accreditation audit.
Steve’s Smart Repairs, Stoke on Trent has warned drivers of telltale signs to look out of on their vehicles that indicate repairs are needed.

Industry News

Operations suspended at Ford National Distribution Centre

The NBRA has reported that the Ford National Distribution Centre in Daventry has had to suspend its picking and packing operations during a cleaning operation after a low percentage of white asbestos was found during an on-site survey. Read more

The changing landscape of repair operations

As consolidation of the sector continues apace, some of the secrets to a successful strategy of acquisition were revealed during a session entitled ‘The changing landscape of repair operations’, heldat ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference. Sharing the stage were Marc Holding, Managing Director, The Vella Group; and Victoria Turner, Executive Director, Ryemarc Group. Read more

S&G Response marks World Entrepreneurs’ Day

S&G Response celebrated World Entrepreneurs’ Day by interviewing three company directors, Andy Whatmough, Nik Griffiths, and Nick Stone, about their experiences in the industry. Read more

Supply will never be the same again

Millions of lost new car sales as a result of the pandemic and the shift towards electric have forever altered the make-up of cars on the road. Initially impacting the new car market, these dynamics have knock-on implications for the used market and have consequences for the cars sourced, priced and sold by retailers. Read more

Auto Raise new MD visits Emtec

Auto Raise Managing Director Emma Speed has celebrated the partnership with Emtec by visiting the learning provider to see the educational initiatives and innovative work being done there to support the next generation of automotive professionals. Read more

FCA calls for more evidence from insurers

The Financial Conduct Authority has said that although insurers and brokers have improved governance and oversight of how products are designed, managed, reviewed, and distributed, many can still not evidence fair value and good outcomes. Read more

SYNETIQ technicians achieve success in HEVRA training

SYNETIQ, an IAA company and one of the UK’s leading integrated vehicle salvage, dismantling, and recycling companies, has announced that its mechanical vehicle technicians have successfully completed their HEVRA (Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Repair Alliance) training. Read more

Thatcham Research helps fire service handle EVs

Thatcham Research recently welcomed Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) to its Berkshire HQ to enhance its crews’ incident response approach to modern vehicles. The Thatcham Research crash team provided and prepared a modern vehicle, previously used for research projects and safety tests, to simulate real-life emergency scenarios. Read more

1,000 more council insurance claims year-on-year largely driven by pothole claims

Nottinghamshire County Council has reported a significant increase in public liability claims over the past year, largely driven by a surge in complaints related to pothole damage on the county’s roads. Read more

‘In 60 seconds the car was started and stolen’

Drivers have spoken out about the cost of car crime as figures show more than one million motor vehicle theft offences have been recorded in England and Wales in a decade. Read more

HGV sales show modest growth

New heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations rose 2.6% in Q2 2024, reversing the decline recorded in the first quarter of the year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Read more

However, EY has warned of challenges around electrification of the sector, with just 65 zero emissions sold in the second quarter, representing just 0.56% of the overall market. Read more

How written-off cars are dangerously resold for profit

A new investigation has revealed that cars written off following accidents are being repaired and resold, but in some cases the repairs have weakened the structure, leaving drivers and passengers vulnerable to serious injury in the event of another incident. Read more

City of Wolverhampton College automotive students land permanent roles

Students who studied for automotive qualifications at City of Wolverhampton College are celebrating after getting jobs with a leading motor vehicle dealer. Read more

Increased car usage provides growth opportunities for independent garages

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has said that new figures from the Department of Transport revealing that car usage has now exceeded pre-pandemic levels highlight the opportunities available to independent garages. Read more

TrustFord charity fishing match raises over £4,000 for Cancer Research UK

TrustFord raised over £4,000 for Cancer Research UK with its annual fishing match at the start of August. The event was held at Messingham Sands Fishery, Scunthorpe. Read more

Researchers collaborate on best practices for automation research

Researchers from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have joined colleagues from academia and the automated vehicle and insurance industries in issuing a set of best practices for future evaluations of highly automated vehicles. Read more

Meet the humanoid robots who could be building the next generation of BMWs

BMW claims to have successfully tested the use of humanoid robots at one its vehicle manufacturing plants in the USA. Read more

NFDA launches industry recruitment drive

The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has launched its latest Drive My Career campaign, #EVolveYourCareer, intended to encourage more people into the sector. Read more

VM News

Stellantis adds grilles to Eurorepar parts range

Following the successful launch of Eurorepar’s own brand front and rear bumpers earlier this year, the range has now been extended to include a number of front bumper grilles for popular models across the Stellantis passenger car and commercial vehicle brands. Read more

Polestar presents Olympic winners with gold models

Polestar has presented gold-painted vehicles to Olympic gold medal winners swimmer Sarah Sjöström and pole vaulter Armand Duplantis. Read more

New Forest National Park & BMW UK enhance partnership

The New Forest National Park Authority and BMW UK have celebrated a milestone in its partnership, as a new twin electric vehicle (EV) charging point officially went live in the National Park. Read more

Golf is crowned ‘Best Car of the Half Century’

The Volkswagen Golf has been voted as ‘Best Car of the Half Century’ as part of the Best Cars of the Year – The New Car World Championships. Read more

People

Auto Raise has announced that Emma Speed has been appointed as new Managing Director.
LKQ UK & Ireland has strengthened its top team with the appointment of Tony Shearer as Chief Operating Officer, Matt Robinson as B2B Trade Director, and Adam Ince as Divisional Director.
Steer Automotive Group apprentice Miguel Harvey has been selected to join Team UK at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 along with David McKeown of James McKeown Accident Repair. Miguel will compete in Car Painting, with David in Autobody Repair.
ACG has appointed Chris Potts as its latest Business Development Manager.
Scott Payne has been appointed as Group Business Development Manager at The Pennings Group.
HB Accident Repair Network has promoted Cathy Taylor to HB Customer Service Manager.

More Insights

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

16-04-2025

Repair sector urged to act now to secure apprenticeship talents

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ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

The changing landscape of repair operations

23 August 2024

Bodyshop, Environment, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words

Sharing the stage were Marc Holding, Managing Director, The Vella Group; and Victoria Turner, Executive Director, Ryemarc Group.

Marc explained how the Vella Group has expanded from five sites to 15 in just three years by shifting focus from new builds back to acquisitions.

He said, “Some repairers have unique operating models that would suit a new-build strategy more than an acquisition strategy. We try to keep our business model simple which allows us to have a two-pronged approach. But often the market dictates which way to go and if you do a new-build you have to attract staff and work. Those things are a bit of challenge at the moment so we looked at acquisitions instead.”

Victoria said that Ryemarc has also gone down the acquisition route, but said expansion is no longer simply about getting bigger.

She explained, “We have a very fixed, clear operating model and that makes it easy to make an acquisition rather than a build, but we have to find acquisitions we can add value to. It’s not just about footprint growth now. You don’t make acquisitions purely for scale in this environment. Instead they will be driven by skillsets and geographical reasons.”

Valuations

However, this year has posed specific challenges around acquisitions. Many bodyshops enjoyed their best ever year in 2023. This has seen many raise their valuations. In some cases they have priced themselves out of the market and both Marc and Victoria said that for every successful acquisition there are many others that do not get off the ground.

Marc said, “For every one that gets legs, there are eight or nine that fall down. A lot of bodyshops had their best ever year last year and are basing their valuations on that and they’re maybe a little on the high end.”

Victoria agreed, “Last year was a great year for bodyshops and valuations, but this year frequencies have dropped off a cliff. Those numbers aren’t going to come back, so what do you do with those valuations? It’s getting harder and harder to make good acquisitions. We’ve looked at a lot and nine times out of 10 walked away.”

Culture

But while an honest valuation must be the starting point, the most critical area of any successful integration is cultural alignment. Marc and Victoria both agreed that even if everything falls into a place, if the culture does not match the acquisition is doomed to failure.

Victoria said, “One of the biggest walk-aways is culture. If it doesn’t fit culturally with your business then you’re going to lose everything that had value in the first place. But culture and loyalty are the two most important things whether you are looking to sell, acquire or just improve. You need loyalty from your customers and you need loyalty from the people that are working for you. Without those two things, you haven’t got a business.”

Two camps

When an acquisition is successful though, it generally fits into two camps. Either the business was targeted for purchase because it was successful, or because it was struggling and presented an opportunity to add value. In each case the strategy is different.

Marc explained, “The approach is different if you acquire a business that is doing well or if it’s a distress purchase. If it is already successful you don’t want to rock the boat. You can look for some easy wins around integration but you only want to merge that business in slowly and steadily.

“But if it’s a distress purchase, you don’t want to be carrying a loss-making business for very long so you’re going to implement changes quite quickly. You’re looking for excess costs, processes that don’t work, clients that don’t align with your business, and suppliers that haven’t been reviewed for a while.”

Victoria agreed. She said that before acquiring a failing business it is important to identify the areas that need investment and be ready to act immediately. However, if the business is already doing well the process of integration needs to be far more delicate.

She said, “There are two versions of events. One is where you can improve something and that’s where you bring in your blueprint and make investment quickly. The other version is where you’ve got a good business and you bought it for a reason. In that case you’ve got to tread so carefully because if you lose the people, it doesn’t matter how much investment you put into that site, you’ve devalued your acquisition overnight. There are benefits of being part of a group and you can introduce those, but if the business is working don’t tear it apart.”

Independents

But while consolidation continues to dominate the market, there is still a place for independents – although that place may be shrinking.

Both agreed that as the industry evolves at a pace never seen before, understanding and preparing for the future has never been more important. That requires investment, but also insight into the trends impacting the sector and for smaller businesses that can prove a challenge.

Victoria said, “You’ve got to have one eye on five years down the road so you need to be out there networking and finding out what is happening. That is harder for smaller groups. At Ryemarc we hear a lot about Consumer Duty, about emerging technologies and data, and what matters to insurers. If you put all those things together there’s a service layer that sometimes repairers don’t always spend a lot of time looking at. I think we have an opportunity to expand into spaces in the market that have challenges.”

Marc concluded, “Growth isn’t for everyone and there will always be a place for small businesses. For us, it’s about trying to make sure we stay relevant today but also then starting to lay the groundwork for the future because you don’t want to be playing catch-up in this industry.”

ARC360’s Future Vehicle Technology themed conference was held at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, sponsored by Activate Group and Thatcham Research along with vehicle manufacturer – Stellantis, and supported by Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Entegral, Enterprise, Mirka, Nationwide Vehicle Assistance, S&G Response, Solera Audatex; along with Partners: e2e, Gemini ARC, Prasco and Repairify.