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webinARC – people & skills 2022
1.30pm Wednesday 27 April
In this webinARC we look at the latest trends in recruitment, upskilling and wellbeing from a industry undergoing rapid evolution.
Gemini focuses on talent development
Gemini Accident Repair Group has launched a national search for its next cohort of apprentices. The group has a proven record of developing talent, with more than 13% of its workforce on an earn and learn scheme.
It is now hoping to increase that number by recruiting even more technician and vehicle damage assessor apprentices, offering competitive rates of pay, tools and uniforms to successful applicants.
Vella Group joins Climate Pledge reception
The Vella Group marked its commitment to improving sustainability by attending the Climate Pledge’s Spring Reception at The Gherkin in London. The Climate Pledge is an international initiative comprising more than 300 organisations that have committed to achieving net zero by 2040.
The evening was attended by Vella Group Finance Director Brendan Miller and Head of Commercial Tom Hadfield.
The Group said, “Signing the Climate Pledge means we are not focusing on this alone, but also working with some of the world’s biggest companies to create a colossal impact.”
Perfect storm driving up motor claims
Aviva has published a report highlighting the factors that are driving up motor claims inflation, which is now at 7.5%.
The report examines the effects of disruption to the supply chain, Brexit, Covid-19, developing vehicle technology, whiplash reforms, and even climate change, while considering some of the actions that can be taken to subdue the impact.
Car sales stall in March
New car registrations decreased by 14.3% in March, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, with just 243,479 units sold.
However, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) enjoyed a record month with 39,315 sales of zero emission cars. This is an increase of 78.7% on the same month last year and represents a 16.1% market share.
Meanwhile, new light commercial vehicle registration dropped 27.6% to 40,613 units in March.
Inflation raising the risk of underinsurance
Inflation has reached its highest level for 30 years, driven by rising demand, the rising cost of materials and stock, which are now at their highest level in 40 years, and continued supply chain issues.
Nick Hobbs, Chief Distribution and Regions Officer, Allianz, has said this has made index linking critical to avoid the potential for underinsurance.
He said, “Index linking is commonly used in buildings insurance, but is not limited to buildings. Changes and developments in the macroeconomic environment can affect the value of other assets, such as stock, materials and parts.”
Kick-off approaching for charity football match
Steve Plunkett is nearly 70% of the way towards his target of raising £17,000 for Brain Tumour Research through the Plunky’s All Stars football match, which will take place at the home of Peterborough United on 24 May.
He said, “We’re chasing £17,000 to beat last year’s £16,500. Why not? We normally raise anything from £800 to £1,200 on the night, so I’m fairly confident that we will get close.”
Further sponsorship for the event is still required.
Thatcham Research confirms new test centre
Thatcham Research will develop a new centre of excellence at Gamston Airport after acquiring Gamston Aviation Limited.
The UK’s only ‘not-for-profit’ insurer-funded automotive research centre will use the facility for the testing and research necessary to ensure new mobility technology is introduced safely and effectively. This includes active-safety and assisted and automated driving systems.
Fix Chelmsford plans multi-site expansion
Danny Ashwell, Managing Director at Fix Auto Chelmsford, has revealed a programme of expansion that could see his single-site operation quadruple in size within the next four years.
He revealed his intentions after signing the papers to take over a 10,000sqft building which will be transformed into Fix Auto Braintree, a new addition to the Fix Auto UK network.
The new site will be the result of a £230,000 investment but will be the first of two additional developments already in the pipeline.
AW docuseries explores evolution of sector
AW Repair Group’s seventh episode in the AW: A Career for Life docuseries sees Technical Development Executive Steve Hoe share more than 30 years’ experience in the industry and the evolution of vehicle crash repair.
Starting out as a paint technician and now Technical Development Executive Steve explains how AW Repair Group is investing in the future with knowledge, skills, and equipment to be able to repair complex vehicles on a daily basis.
Watch Steve’s story here.
webinARC follow-up with Andrew Hooker
Following on from the recent Vehicle Technology webinARC (see below) – we caught up with panellist Andrew Hooker, Head of Technical at Solus Accident Repair Centres to pose some questions received from those tuned in.
Siemens brings Enterprise mobility to employees
Siemens UK has extended its partnership with Enterprise to offer all its employees 24/7 access to Enterprise Car Club’s 1,400-plus on-street fleet via an automated rental programme.
Enterprise’s car club is available in 200 towns, cities and communities across the UK, while dedicated car club vehicles are also located at Siemens offices in Lincoln, Hull, Aberdeen, Congleton and Manchester. The partnership has already helped Siemens reduce its pool cars in the UK by a third.
Sherwin-Williams completes Sika acquisition
Sherwin-Williams has acquired the European industrial coatings business of Sika AG. Sika, which manufactures and sells corrosion protection coating systems, and its 115 employees will now become part of Sherwin-William’s Performance Coatings Group operating segment.
Sherwin-Williams Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, John Morikis said, “This business brings us unique technology and additional manufacturing and services capabilities in line with our strategy of acquiring complementary, high-quality, differentiated businesses that support our growth and profitability targets.”
Road usage settling into old rhythms
The impacts of Covid-19 on road usage and driver behaviour is waning, although certain shifts that took place during the pandemic are still in effect.
According to data released by ERS, there are now about 10% more HGVs on UK roads than before the pandemic and fewer cars, while rush hour traffic remains staggered due to flexible working hours.
It further warned that fleets are facing challenges in both replacing and repairing vehicles due to a shortage of new models entering the market and lack of repair capacity.
Rewind…
“The industry needs to be educated about the safety implications of EVs so it will allow technicians time to do the right thing.”
Catch up on ARC360’s most recent webinARC focusing on vehicle technology and featured:
Andrew Hooker, Head of Technical, Solus Accident Repair Centres
Franco Iannotta, Bodyshop Development Manager, Volkswagen Group UK
Phil Peace, Managing Director (International), Repairify
