The UK vehicle repair industry is mourning the loss of dedicated apprentice pioneer, Bob Linwood who sadly passed away on Wednesday 17 January 2024.
Bob was a driving force behind the founding of industry apprenticeship initiative Autoraise in 2015, a year later securing its recognition from the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Bob was CEO of Autoraise until May 2021.
Early in 2023 Bob launched his own business, in partnership with his wife Morag: Apprenticeship Central Ltd and ABLE TO (support services) “to help businesses with their marketing activities and to help employers develop their apprenticeship strategy”.
Bob had been involved in the vehicle repair industry for over four decades representing a number of well-known names including AkzoNobel, NIBS and RM.
Such has been Bob’s influence and popularity within the sector, there has been an outpouring of tributes with many referencing his ‘larger than life’ demeanour; his ‘true gentleman’ characteristics; his willingness to find time for people; and his truly caring nature.
Dane Loosley, another industry stalwart has also passed this week. Dane spent many years at Cornhill, then Allianz prior to later spending a period with Audatex UK. In more recent years Dane operated his own consultancy and acted as non-exec director at ABP.
ILC and ARC360 would like to wish our condolences to both Bob and Dane’s families.
