Talent spotting within automotive
With a focus on the next generation of automotive talent, this month’s ARC360 on-demand webinARC met three individuals who are all thriving in very different roles within the sector.
Taking part in this one-off session were Adam Daloub, Operations Manager Credit Hire & Recoveries, Carpenters Group; Elyse Bell, UK & Ireland Account Specialist, Entegral; and Matt Turner, Multi-Skilled Accident Repair Technician, Gemini ARC.
Trend Tracker surveys sector
The Trend Tracker survey, supported by ARC360 and NBRA, is available to complete now: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TTracker2022
The survey which forms part of Trend Tracker’s key accident repair market report is more in depth than ever this year to better reflect and understand the challenges and trends affecting the sector during these unprecedented times.
Feature interview: Dave Sargeant, Managing Director, Gemini ARC
According to the Institute of the Motor Industry, the automotive industry could face a 160,000 shortfall in skilled labour by 2031.
Here, we speak to Managing Director Dave Sargeant, who is also Chairman of AutoRaise, about the company’s commitment to developing the next generation, and how the industry can appeal to a wider demographi
U-Pol answers AutoRaise Rallying cry
AutoRaise has announced that U-Pol has signed up to support the AutoRaise Rally 2022 as headline sponsor.
After sitting in the pit lane throughout the pandemic, the rally returns with a 370-mile journey through the Midlands and Wales from 21-23 September.
Fix Network World confirms GCC expansion
Fix Network World is continuing its international expansion with a new partnership with Gulf Motor Company in Saudi Arabia and the GCC countries.
As part of the collaboration, it will open six collision centres and six quick services centres in the region with the collision repair service named Fix Auto Collision, and the mechanical service and repair centres named Fix Auto Service.
Fairlight secures BSI certification
Fairlight Coachworks has secured its Vehicle Damage Repair Kitemark, after successfully undergoing a BSI audit.
The Peacehaven-based repairer is also PAS 2060 certified and approved by a list of manufacturers including Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall.
Backing for BEN
Enterprise Holdings and North West-based retailer Halliwell Jones have backed automotive charity BEN to the tune of £2,000.
Chris Brown, Head of Replacement Sales, Enterprise, said, “It was great to handover an Enterprise Holdings Foundation cheque to BEN on behalf of Enterprise and Halliwell Jones. It will go towards supporting anyone who works or has worked in the automotive industry.”
Commercial role for Rickelle
Innovative Repair Group (iRG) has appointed Rickelle Woodbridge as Group Commercial Manager.
She joined the company from ERS in 2017 and has held roles as Head of Customer Service and Quality Assurance Manager.
AW Repair Group names new GM
Anthony Fuller has been appointed as General Manager at AW Repair Group.
He has more than a decade in the industry, having previously worked as Operations Director at XPress Centres and Head of Production Operations at ABL 1 Touch Group.
More than a Fife dream
Scotland-based repair group Elder and Paton has welcomed on board the first technicians it has recruited from Africa. Accommodation has been provided for them near the company’s R B Bruce Coachworks site in Fife, where they will work.
New IMI-approved EV course launched
RWC Training is introducing a new electric vehicle course that it believes is more suited to technicians than the current Level Four Qualification.
Its new IMI-approved Electric Vehicle Technician Accreditation is a two-day course is a step up from Level Three Qualification and covers battery technology and the safe handling of high voltage components.
Top marks for Birmingham repairer
Birmingham-based independent repairer Clarke & Evans Accident Repair Specialists has achieved a 100% score in its Volkswagen audit.
Sherwood lands top job
Avant Consult has named Micah Sherwood as new Network Operations Manager.
She has previously worked at Innovation Group, Nationwide Crash Repair Centres and Foray Motor Group.
Automotive output on the up
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has reported that car manufacturing rose by 8.6% in July to 58,043 units, with production of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles surging by 24.7%.
Meanwhile, UK commercial vehicle production rose 43.9% to 8,097 units in the best July since 2016 and 11th consecutive month of growth.
