Raising the bar of customer care
The challenges facing the sector are well known, but instead of being an excuse for a dip in customer service they should actually be a motivation to raise the bar even higher.
That was the message delivered by Sharna Thomson, Head of Customer – UK Claims, Zurich, who was speaking at ARC360’s Gaining Ground Together event, held at The Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry.
Supply chain sustainability a shared challenge
Automotive businesses have been challenged to set aside their competitive instincts and adopt a more collegiate approach to tackling the environmental challenges.
Speaking during ARC360’s Gaining Ground Together event held at The Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry last month, Andrew Hooker, Head of Technical, Solus Accident Repair Services, said that sustainability was a shared challenge and only by working together can real difference be achieved.
‘Why’ defines the ‘what’ and ‘how’
Chartwell Director Chris Brightmore has encouraged repairers to ask themselves why they are doing the things they do instead of simply taking direction from others.
He said that only by understanding the ‘why’ can businesses begin to understand the ‘what’ and the ‘how’.
Going places: First Central set for growth spurt
First Central is on the brink of a major breakthrough in the UK motor insurance sector.
It has emerged from the pandemic stronger and more agile than ever, and its innovative technology and dynamic partnership-building is now about to pay dividends.
Speaking at ARC360’s Gaining Ground Together, Andrew Eade, Head of AD Strategy and Fulfilment, First Central, said, “First Central is pretty ambitious. We’ve operated under the radar for a long time but have grown progressively and are now starting to get noticed.”
AutoRaise Rally dates announced
AutoRaise has announced that next year’s Rally will take place from 7-9 September.
The Rally raises valuable funds for the charity that has been established to support apprenticeships within the automotive aftermarket.
Carcomm achieves new VBRA standard
Carcomm Coachworks has achieved the new VBRA Elite Truck and Van Body Repair Standard.
The standard was introduced earlier this year to provide consistently high repair standards for large commercial vehicles.
Thomas Hudd, National Technical Manager at VBRA and NBRA, said, “For too long the commercial vehicles accident repair industry has been unregulated by any means of auditing the accident repairs of large commercial vehicles. We are very proud to award Carcomm Coachworks with the second Structural Elite Truck & Van Body Repair Standard of 2022.”
Miles Better celebrates audit success
Miles Better Vehicle Solutions has passed an unannounced BSI audit.
Jamie Miles, Director, said, “That’s our fourth audit in a row with no minor non-conformities. I’m so proud of my fantastic, dedicated colleagues, whom I rely on to make my business the best it can be.”
ILC partners lead EV research project
Thatcham Research and LV= will work together on a long-term project focused on electric vehicle repair and salvage processes, and their impact on claims.
Joined by salvage experts Synetiq, they will consider the risks associated with handling EVs, from recovery to repair, particularly when the battery or high voltage system has been damaged.
Grove Group enhances services with EV charging solution
Grove Group has added the installation of internal or external electric vehicle charging systems to its portfolio of services.
Steer welcomes latest cohort
Steer Academy has welcomed 10 more apprentices to its academy.
They have now started a three-year accident repair technician apprenticeship in partnership with Emtec Colleges.
AA launches digital claims solution
AA has launched a new digital claims platform for its Roadside members and Insurance Customers. Claims can now be made online or via the AA app.
Tim Rankin, Managing Director of Accident Assist, said, “We know that customers increasingly expect a digital experience, and we’re delighted to now offer a simple and easy to use online journey.”
Huge automotive downturn since 2018 revealed
Cox Automotive has revealed that 6.5 million fewer vehicles were registered in the top five European markets in 2020 and 2021 compared to the previous two years. The downturn has continued into 2022 with a further shortfall of 1.1 million in the first quarter.
Across the globe, 31 million fewer vehicles have been manufactured since 2018.
Ben Ball raises £120,000 for struggling colleagues
The Ben Ball raised more than £120,000 to support colleagues struggling or in a crisis.
More than 600 guests attended the event, which was held at Old Billingsgate Market, London, on 7 December, when Ben revealed the sharp rise in demand for its services amidst the current cost-of-living crisis.
Podcast: Anthony Hughes, Credit Hire Organisation
In this episode, we speak with Anthony Hughes, CEO of The Credit Hire Organisation – the trade body representing the credit hire sector.
Recorded back in October, we caught up with Anthony – only appointed a few months earlier in August 2022 – to find out his plans for the organisation and what we can expect in the coming months.
