CEO of Copart UK & Ireland Jane Pocock has been recognised in the 2022 Autocar Great Women in the British Car Industry Top 100.
She was a finalist in the Executive Category of the event, which celebrates the most influential women in the British car industry across categories including marketing, sales, vehicle development, and manufacturing.
Pocock joined Copart in 2019 and heads up an organisation employing 1,200 people across 19 locations. Since taking the helm she has led the company through a period of continued growth and transformation, with key investments in automation and AI technology leading to significant improvements in efficiency and service.
Jeff Liaw, President of Copart Inc, said, “Jane is a key member of our global leadership team and has been instrumental in Copart’s continued growth and success in the UK. Jane is held in extremely high regard for delivering outstanding results for our customers, championing equality, diversity, and inclusion within the automotive industry, and for her strong focus on achieving our vision of a more sustainable and greener future.”
Bodyshop, Insurance, People, Supplier, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
The second public consultation of proposed updates to BS10125 is available until 30 June.
Industry stakeholders are now being invited to view the proposed draft and consider the amendments that have been made after the first public consultation.
BS10125 is the British Standards for Bodyshop. This is its first review since 2014, steered by the Institute of the Motor Industry, and is intended to update the standard in line with developments in vehicle design and manufacture, as well as new technologies impacting the sector such as ADAS.
Critically, the IMI has also added a new Continuous Professional Development (CPD) framework to ensure technicians continue to achieve the professional standards expected.
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Training, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words
Ben, the automotive industry charity, is encouraging everyone in the automotive community, to take a personal MOT test to give their body and mind a health check.
Ben has prepared a quick and easy MOT test which you can take here, with questions designed to give you an overview of how your mental and physical health are functioning and providing top tips on how to improve your wellbeing to ensure you can keep running smoothly and overcome any bumps in the road.
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “We all know how important it is to put our cars through a regular MOT, but very few of us take the time to do the same for our bodies and minds. We’re naturally going to suffer some wear and tear and need some maintenance and repairs in life, so our test will give you the chance to find out where you are in your health and wellbeing journey and whether you need to change direction.”
To take the test, click here or for more tips on how to keep your body and mind in good working order, click here.
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
The full agenda has been revealed for the ILC/ARC360 Motor Claims Showcase Event providing a full day of highly engaging and interactive elements for attendees.
Headline sponsored by Enterprise, along with sponsors EDAM Group, and supported by ILC and ARC360 corporate partners, the event takes place on Wednesday 29 June at the CBS Arena, Coventry and will feature an exhibition arena of over 30 key sector suppliers; four keynote sessions on the main stage; four partner showcase sessions in the designated showcase area; a next generation ‘meet and greet’ event; and much networking time.
All aspects of the day are ‘free to choose’ allowing delegates to enjoy and plan the day as they wish using the new ILC event app (available soon).
Amongst the showcase session line-up which includes CAPS, e2e, Enterprise and Innovation Group, e2e CEO, Jim Loughran will look at how insurers, repairers, and salvage and recycling agents can reduce costs and improve efficiency through system integration to enable real time information on availability and cost of reclaimed parts to be factored into the claims process at the front end, supporting claims assessment and repairer estimates.
Exhibitors at the Motor Claims Showcase Event include:
Bodyshop, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Repairify UK Ltd has been awarded the ISO 9001 quality management standard, consolidating its position following Red EU’s award earlier this year.
The recognition reinforces Repairify’s continued investment to accelerate its scale and growth in response to the needs of the marketplace in the UK and across Europe.
Overseen by team leader Steven Mullen, the company’s quality management process aligns with the ISO 9001 standards ensuring Repairify is constantly monitoring, managing and improving the skills and quality of its people, products and services to meet customers’ expectations and regulatory requirements.
The ISO 9001 auditors praised the company’s strong, process-driven system, designed to deliver a robust infrastructure founded on continuous professional development for all staff and a transparent, reliable business environment.
Phil Peace, managing director (SVP) International for Repairify, said, “This latest certification for the business supports Repairify in achieving our growth and expansion ambitions. As a customer-driven organisation, the accreditation reinforces our commitment to deliver best-in-class services and technology solutions and processes that enable our customers to carry out high-quality, safe and compliant ADAS-related automotive repairs to expand their business opportunities and enhance their customer experience.”
Three more stellar names within the automotive aftermarket industry have been confirmed for the inaugural Motor Claims Showcase Event, which will take place at the CBS Arena on Wednesday, 29 June.
Marc Holding, Managing Director, The Vella Group; Nick Sweetman, Head of Vehicle Repair & Service Operations for UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings; and Rebecca Winterhalder, Vehicle Damage Manager, Ageas Motor Claims are the latest names been added to an already impressive line-up of speakers.
Organiser Steve Plunkett said, “We are still seeing donations come in, but a massive thank you to everyone that has dug deep and supported us. Many of you do so time and time again, and it is greatly appreciated.”
The Wolverhampton-based repairer expects its new centre to be operational within weeks. The expansion comes on the back of a strong period of growth which has seen the company increase it workforce, secure new insurance partners and sign additional supply deals.
160-year-old business returns to its heritage
Gillibrand Accident Repair Centre has announced that it is leaving the Fix Auto UK network and will resume trading under its former name.
The family-run prestige car repair centre based in Blackburn has been trading since 1859 and boasts vehicle approvals for brands including Audi, BMW, Ford, Polestar, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.
IAA opens Bristol site
The IAA and subsidiary Synetiq have opened a new 22-acre, state-of-the-art service facility in Bristol to increase capacity across the country.
Tom Rumboll, UK Managing Director for IAA and CEO of Synetiq, said, “The new branch in Bristol is vital to our ongoing expansion in the UK. It will also contribute significantly to our sustainability goals in the country by increasing efficiency and reducing miles driven.”
Taking part in the on-demand session were two of the UK’s biggest repair operations represented by Peter Randhawa, General Manager at Steer Automotive Group, and Dave Sargeant, Managing Director at Gemini Accident Repair Centres.
Registrations still stymied by supply issues
New UK car registrations fell -20.6% to 124,394 units in the second weakest May since 1992, after the 2020 pandemic-hit market, as supply shortages continued to hamper new purchases and the fulfilment of existing orders, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Carzam collapses just 18 months after launch
Carzam has gone into administration just 18 months after launch, with co-founder Peter Waddell blaming the collapse on a wider lack of faith in the future of online vehicle sales.
Waddell formed the Peterborough-based company with Cox Automotive International President John Bailey in November 2020, investing £50m of their own money and promising a 24-hour nationwide delivery service.
Repairify names new sales head
Repairify UK has appointed Gareth Newbery as National Sales Manager. He will be responsible for strengthening the sales team to drive growth of the asTech and Red Digital ADAS solutions.
Phil Peace, Managing Director (SVP) International of Repairify, said, “Gareth will be structuring a knowledgeable and trained team to ensure we continue to support all our customers effectively and to enable the business to continue to penetrate the market successfully.”
Feature interview: Steve Smith, Mirka
The changing face of automotive repair both in terms of technology and materials is having a wider impact on the tooling and equipment required to handle modern vehicles. Furthermore, wider objectives around light weighting and sustainability have in many ways changed the focus of product development.
Mirka has been leading the way in the abrasives sector for almost 80 years, with a history of innovation that has helped to keep its customers at the cutting edge of technological progress.
Withstanding the strain of supply and skills
While it’s impossible to know for sure, the famous saying that a car is ‘a computer on wheels’ must now be nearly a decade old. The amount of technology within modern vehicles has probably doubled since then, and the evolution is still just getting started with automation, connectivity and electrification all still in infancy.
As such, the products and equipment required to repair the modern vehicle is having to move on too, taking skills and processes on the journey with it.
In this webinARC we explore the latest in vehicle incident repair management strategies and best practices as we speak to some leading names from across the motor claims supply chain and discuss the direction of travel.
Featuring:
– Garry Bloom, senior operations manager, Davies Group
– Neil Marcus, Marketing Director, Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres Ltd
– Ruth Moring-
webinARC – business strategies & best practices
1.30pm Wednesday 15 June
In this webinARC we explore the latest in vehicle incident repair management strategies and best practices as we speak to some leading names from across the motor claims supply chain and discuss the direction of travel.
Featuring:
– Garry Bloom, senior operations manager, Davies Group
– Neil Marcus, Marketing Director, Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres Ltd
– Ruth Moring-Beale, national sales director, Morelli
Automotive charity Ben has revealed that one in five people in the industry are now struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living.
It says it has noticed a significant increase in people reaching out for support in managing their finances and also dealing with the impact that financial insecurity has had on their mental health.
Apart from providing advice, information and guidance on managing finances or debt, Ben has also created a dedicated page with the top 10 tips for reducing living costs. This includes everything from weekly meal planning to reducing water wastage.
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said, “While we can’t alter the rising cost of living, there are many ways that Ben can make life easier for those struggling with financial troubles. Whether that’s making sure you know which benefits you may be entitled to or helping you to manage your money in the short or longer term – we’re here to help.
“Many people suffer in silence because financial insecurity carries a lot of feelings of shame and low self-esteem. We often find that people wait until a struggle becomes a crisis before reaching out to Ben for help. But our whole purpose is to help our automotive family to overcome life’s challenges – without judgment or prejudice.”
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Three more stellar names within the automotive aftermarket industry have been confirmed for the inaugural Motor Claims Showcase Event, which will take place at the CBS Arena on Wednesday, 29 June.
Marc Holding, Managing Director, The Vella Group; Nick Sweetman, Head of Vehicle Repair & Service Operations for UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings; and Rebecca Winterhalder, Vehicle Damage Manager, Ageas Motor Claims are the latest names been added to an already impressive line-up of speakers.
They will take part in a panel debate titled, ‘A Sector at a Crossroads’, which will consider current market conditions and the multitude of factors that are now and will shortly impact the motor claims process – and how businesses can best navigate their way through an ever-evolving landscape.
The session is part of a quality line-up of ‘free to choose’ activities throughout the day, which includes four keynote sessions on the main stage, four partner showcase sessions in the designated Showcase Arena, a Next Generation Meet & Greet session, an expo featuring over 30 key sector exhibitors, and plenty of networking opportunities.
Mark Hadaway, Managing Director of ILC and Co-Founder of ARC360, said, “The latest names revealed as part of the agenda add to what is already a stellar line-up of names supporting this all-encompassing event.
“To have brands such as Abacai, Ageas, ElectriX – powered by LV General Insurance, Gemini ARC, Tesla, Thatcham Research, The AA and Trustpilot, amongst others, join the agenda is testament to how vital the evolution of the sector is to a far wider audience.”
Covid 19, Environment, Supplier, vehicle sales and Words
New UK car registrations fell -20.6% to 124,394 units in the second weakest May since 1992, after the 2020 pandemic-hit market, as supply shortages continued to hamper new purchases and the fulfilment of existing orders, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The decline, compared with the first full month of reopened showrooms in May last year, demonstrates the impact of continued global supply chain disruptions, with the market -32.3% below the 2019 pre-pandemic level despite strong order books.
While private consumer purchases fell -10.3%, their market share increased year-on-year by 6.1% to 53.2%, in part due to manufacturers striving to fulfil deliveries – particularly of electric vehicles – to private buyers, with the commensurate effect on the business and large fleet sectors, which now comprise 46.8% of the market.
May saw registrations of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) rise by 17.7%, representing one in eight new cars joining the road last month. Plug-in hybrids declined -25.5%, while hybrids were up 12.0%, meaning deliveries of electrified vehicles accounted for three in 10 new cars.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “In yet another challenging month for the new car market, the industry continues to battle ongoing global parts shortages, with growing battery electric vehicle uptake one of the few bright spots. To continue this momentum and drive a robust mass market for these vehicles, we need to ensure every buyer has the confidence to go electric. This requires an acceleration in the rollout of accessible charging infrastructure to match the increasing number of plug-in vehicles, as well as incentives for the purchase of new, cleaner and greener cars.”
UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations recorded their fifth consecutive month of decline in May, falling -25.1% to 22,000 units.
