Bodyshop, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services at Thatcham Research, will provide a keynote address at the forthcoming Motor Claims Showcase Event highlighting the changes technology is having on the sector.
The session, ‘Automotive technology – influences and trends,’ will explore the technology and complexity of modern-day vehicles, highlighting how these advancements will reshape the motor claims supply chain both from a technical and strategic perspective.
In an interview with ARC360 Dean said, “I feel there is an inevitable path to a more automated claims process using vehicle-integrated Artificial Intelligence. It’s conceivable that, not so far into the future, the car will become incumbent in making a claim, using onboard analytics to define the operation and functionality of systems post-accident, and determining the most appropriate steps to take as a result.”
Mark Hadaway, Managing Director of ILC, said, “Having Dean and Thatcham Research onboard to provide a keynote address focusing on vehicle technology and its anticipated impacts helps support the entire motor claims supply chain – the very essence of the Motor Claims Showcase Event.”
The ILC/ARC360 Motor Claims Showcase Event also includes keynote sessions featuring names such as ElectriX – powered by LV= General Insurance; Enterprise; Gemini ARC; Tesla; The AA; The Vella Group; and Trustpilot; a fully immersive exhibition arena; and a Partner Showcase stage with sessions hosted by Enterprise, Innovation Group and Solera Audatex amongst others.
The Motor Showcase Event allows visitors to spend the day as they wish with networking opportunities in plentiful supply.
The event will host more than 400 key persons of influence from across the claims sector representing insurers, claims management companies, repairers, along with a host of product, equipment and service suppliers.
Bodyshop, Covid 19, Finance, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words
Cash flow has been a growing concern for a number of organisations in the automotive aftermarket, with fluctuating volumes, inflation and the ramifications of Covid-19 all putting a strain on resources.
Accident Credit Group has been established with the specific aim of supporting businesses in the insurance claims industry, with bespoke funding options to suit all circumstances.
Here, we speak to Sales Director Peter Bass about the ACG proposition and what makes ACG it stand out from the crowd.
Can you briefly explain ACG services?
Accident Credit Group is assisting hundreds of bodyshops restructure and rethink how they deal with credit control, invoice recovery and cashflow management, and are currently funding thousands of repairs a month. Escalating costs of parts, courtesy cars and utility bills are increasing the pressure on bodyshop cashflow. Some insurers and work providers do appear to be reaching out and helping their network partners, however, many are not, which can leave the bodyshop in a difficult situation regarding their ability to fund work.
How do you differ from your competitors?
Our experience within the repair sector started 11 years ago when we pioneered credit repair on a large scale. During that time we have gained a tremendous understanding of the sector and in doing so developed some unique financial solutions, such as our 40% advanced funding. Along the way we also pioneered funding repair invoices within 24 hours and paying work providers their repair rebates once the repair has completed – in short, ensuring everyone is paid faster. But we’re not complacent and won’t stop there; our experienced and well-connected management and investment team is constantly looking for new ideas and opportunities to work with the industry.
What is your latest product offering?
We recently launched our 40% advance funding solution, which allows bodyshops to draw down 40% of the repair value before the repair commences. This provision gives them more financial stability and enables them to take additional capacity from their work providers. The balance of the repair invoice is then paid within 24 hours of repair completion.
Why is ACG invaluable to the market?
When a bodyshop is offered more work or an opportunity to join a work provider’s network, the increase in volume and costs can compromise cashflow. Where parts are delayed and work can’t commence, even more costs are incurred and credit lines are stretched.
Our unique funding solution not only alleviates the financial pressure but also takes the stress and time out of chasing for payment.
Once we have paid an invoice to the bodyshop, usually within 24 hours, they can forget any further action, we chase the authorising party for payment. The bodyshop doesn’t have to do a thing because they have already been paid.
How are you helping to elevate standards in the bodyshop sector?
Accident Credit Group works with many well-known names within the sector. We listen and learn from those partnerships and look to implement services and products that are relevant and add value. We aim to provide a fast and efficient funding solution that allows bodyshop owners to reduce time spent chasing payment and spend more time working on their business, perhaps looking at renegotiating supplier terms and contracts, reviewing the profitability of their work providers, improving staff training and development and being more selective on which partners they want to work with.
Can you give us an insight in the growth expectations for ACG?
We are constantly looking at ways to make dealing with Accident Credit Group easier and faster. Our understanding of the sector combined with our partner relationships will enable us to develop new industry-centric products and services.
We have seen a sharp increase in demand for our services over the past few months, no doubt fueled by the constantly changing world we live in. We fully expect this to continue. Slicker processes, new products, collaborating more closely with our partners to understand what they want and how we can help will all fuel our ambitious growth plans.
Bodyshop, People, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
Thatcham Research emphasised its continued commitment to apprenticeships in the automotive sector by recognising both apprentices and mentors who have shown true dedication in the last year.
Bradley Rankin of FMG Gloucester was named Apprentice of the Year while father Lee, also of FMG Gloucester, ensured it was a double celebration for the family by collecting the Mentor’s award.
Bradley Rankin earned the accolade for displaying a high standard of skill and attention to detail while growing dramatically in both confidence and ability, while Lee was recognised for his continuous encouragement.
Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services, Thatcham Research, said, “It is fantastic to hear of Bradley and Lee’s achievements and even more impressive that these skills must run in the family. Nevertheless, Bradley is a hugely competent apprentice, and any business will be lucky to employ such a brilliant young talent. He is sure to succeed in any future endeavour he chooses. It’s also clear that Lee is a confident, encouraging and knowledgeable mentor who would be a great asset to any apprentice’s learning.”
Chris Pennell, Chief Technical Officer at FMG, added: “Not only did our apprentice and his mentor hit the mark, but they have also set a fantastic standard of what can be accomplished with dedication and know-how. I am very proud to have both Lee and Bradley as employees and look forward to seeing all our apprentices flourish during their time with FMG Repair Services.”
The accolades were handed out during the British Bodyshop Awards.
Sue Whyte, Founder of Clayms Ltd and Chris Payne, Head of Networks and Engineering – Home and Motor at LV= General Insurance are supporting ILC’s new ‘next generation’ meet and greet at the Motor Claims Showcase Event.
Taking place on Wednesday 29 June at the CBS Arena, Coventry the ILC/ARC360 Motor Claims Showcase Event – headline sponsored by Enterprise – includes a ‘next generation’ meet and greet session designed to support demographic diversity across the sector.
The latest NBRA Repairer Market Summary has highlighted capacity, cost and consolidation as the three factors impacting the industry most at the moment.
The report also revealed that parts availability problems are set to continue and, like Covid-19, could usher in a ‘new normal’, with repair times already up from 5-15 days to 15-45, and average mobility costs ballooning from £134pm to £247pm.
Motofix is one of the UK’s largest independent groups, serving the Home Counties and South West, carrying out more than 17,400 repairs each year. Meanwhile, Stellantis comprises a range of leading automotive brands, including Chrysler, Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall.
Solera Audatex supports School of Thought
Solera Audatex has become an official corporate partner of School of Thought, which was founded to promote the industry to school leavers and address the skills crisis within the sector. Neil Garrett, UK Sales Director, will also become a School of Thought ambassador.
He said, “School of Thought are leading the way and I am delighted to be working with them to show the next generation just how exciting our industry can be.”
Vella Group Bradford, which also becomes the group’s third LV=General Insurance sole supply site, will be managed by Andy Pearson, who joins the group with a team of 12 technicians and three office staff.
GT Motive announces new training partnership
ILC partner GT Motive has partnered with School of Thought to help support, train, and attract young people into the automotive industry.
As part of the collaboration, GT Motive will offer students from Chesterfield College, Cardiff Vale College, Sandwell College and Coleg Gwent the opportunity to use its estimating platform as part of their learning.
It has launched a range of customer-facing programmes to enable businesses to deploy its autonomous vehicles.
Bryan Salesky, Founder and CEO, Argo AI, said, “Argo is first to go driverless in two major American cities, safely operating amongst heavy traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists in the busiest of neighborhoods.”
Tom Marley, Chief Executive Officer, said, “An important agreement exists between our customers, both buyer and vendor, therefore that we remain impartial in the transaction. We facilitate it, provide a space for it to exist, and help both parties reach an agreement. We don’t think it appropriate that we compete with our customers. I can affirm that Aston Barclay remains resolutely independent.”
In this webinARC we explore the latest developments in repair products, equipment and services and ask our bodyshop representatives just what makes their businesses ‘tick’.
Featuring some of the UK’s fastest growing and leading bodyshops.
The Vella Group has cut the ribbon on its 10th bodyshop, a 14,000sqft site in Bradford.
Vella Group Bradford, which also becomes the group’s third LV=General Insurance sole supply site, will be managed by Andy Pearson, who joins the group with a team of 12 technicians and three office staff.
Marc Holding, Vella Group Managing Director, said, “Bradford represents a new region for us, and we are really excited to be expanding our footprint and welcoming new colleagues into the team.
“Investing in new sites is a core part of our growth strategy. This is the third new-build bodyshop that we have opened in the last two years, and we are pleased to be able to offer high quality, additional capacity to our customers. We are working on further expansion and will be opening more new sites during the course of the year.”
Michael Golding, LV= General Insurance Network Manager, said, “We are delighted to welcome The Vella Group Bradford onto the LV= General Insurance Sole Supply network. This becomes the 27th Sole Site in the LV= Network, and further cements our excellent partnership with The Vella Group. The site is another high-calibre, future-ready operation that will undoubtedly provide first-class service to LV= customers in the Bradford area.”
Psychometric assessments can provide an insight into what goes on under the exterior of a person, providing insights into intelligence, skills and personality.
These insights can help inform people-based decisions such as candidate selection, individual development, succession planning and promotions.
Process
Recruitment, in any sector follows a process of CV submission, interview, technical assessment and decision, with many of the decisions through this process being based on a gut feelby the employer.
This works well but if we look at each part of the recruitment process, psychometric assessments can truly support each stage, going much deeper that what is comprised within a CV.
For example, a CV might reveal a candidate has changed jobs frequently, but it won’t explain why. Perhaps the candidate hasn’t found the right company, ethos, personality, or the job was not as advertised. Having both a CV and a psychometric assessment will show both a candidate’s work history but also a view of their capability, aptitude for the job, personality fit within the organisation and workplace behaviour.
Interview
It can also support the interview process. When meeting a candidate for the first time, do we see someone who will work well with the team and external clients, be an immediate and future asset to the business, or just the solution to an immediate problem?
A psychometric assessment will have provided the employer with these, while providing advice about how interviewers should adapt their approach when interviewing, such as interpersonal and emotional style, motivation, ability and culture fit, along with questions relating to their results. This provides the interviewer with competency-based questions that allow for a consistent and scientific approach rather than just an instinctive interview.
The decision
Let’s be honest, the decision can still be based on that ‘gut feel’, but with your experience and the added results and personality insights provided by the psychometric assessment, this important decision is now based on judgement and good data.
On-Boarding is also a key part of recruitment and the assessment provides suggestions on how to motivate and engage the candidate as they take up their new role.
Talent Connect Group believes that candidate management and experience are integral to every modern business and should be used throughout an employee’s lifecycle. Using psychometric assessments to measure suitable candidates and glean additional detail to develop that individual in their role is essential in today’s candidate-driven market.
Having worked with an accident repair group to develop a specific vehicle technician assessment, we have seen how these personality and preferred behavioural assessments improve a client’s recruitment process and employee retention levels. The assessment for the repairer was based on the company’s values and the role of the technician, and provided a deeper insight into candidates, looking at team strengths, how to best onboard the candidate and importantly how to interview that candidate.
Working with the client we assessed a number of technicians providing the client with a normative group on which to create a psychometric assessment for the recruitment of their technicians.
People
People are the lifeblood of any business and recruitment needs to be prioritised, structured, and planned. A business does not think twice about investing in infrastructure, spraybooths and buildings but paying for recruitment seems to be a taboo and with additional costs of psychometric assessments, it’s easy to see why company’s baulk at the expense.
Great recruitment, incorporating psychometric assessments, providing deep insights into a person’s profile, can improve a time-consuming recruitment process, reduce painful and expensive mis-hires and improve staff retention leading to reduced recruitment costs for your business.
Solera Audatex has become an official corporate partner of School of Thought, which was founded to promote the industry to school leavers and address the skills crisis within the sector.
Neil Garrett, UK Sales Director for Solera Audatex, said, “We are starting this year as we mean to go on at Audatex, looking for ways we can support our industry to bring in and inspire the next generation. School of Thought are leading the way and I am delighted to be working with them to show the next generation just how exciting our industry can be.”
Garrett, who will also become a School of Thought ambassador, further explained that as part of the collaboration Audatex will showcase its groundbreaking AI solution to highlight the technology within the sector and the varied career paths available to new entrants.
Dave Reece, School of Thought Co-founder, added, “We have been tirelessly working on School of Thought since early 2019 and have connected the automotive industry to education reaching over 60,000 young people at hundreds of events with our ambassadors.”
Bodyshop, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
The inaugural ARC360/ILC Motor Claims Showcase Event has secured another big win with the announcement that GYS will unveil what it claims to be a breakthrough in riveting safety.
By introducing two new industry-first functions, the GYPress Connected Riveting system elevates safety in the workshop to the next level.
The first new function is digital traceability, which is based on a concept already established in spot welding and enables the riveting pressure to be recorded as well as the pre-set parameters.
Meanwhile, embedded connectivity improves the speed and accuracy of setting, as GYPress automatically applies the correct pressure when the manufacturer and rivet type is entered.
Neil Pulsford, Managing Director of GYS UK, said, “The dual objectives we seek are to enhance repair safety and deliver efficiencies to the bodyshop, whether it be through speed of use or whole life cost of ownership. The GYSPress achieves both of these objectives.”
Mark Hadaway, ILC Managing Director, said, “We’re delighted to welcome GYS to what is sure to be a fantastic event. Innovation is a bedrock of what we at ILC strive to achieve, and GYS, with this product and its wider portfolio, aligns perfectly with that philosophy.”
The event will also feature a ‘next generation’ meet and greet session designed to support demographic diversity across the sector, as well as partner showcase sessions from Audatex, Enterprise and Innovation Group.
More than 400 key persons of influence from across the claims sector are expected to attend the ILC/ARC360 Motor Claims Showcase, which is headline sponsored by Enterprise and takes place on 29 June at the CBS Arena, Coventry.
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
The latest NBRA Repairer Market Summary has highlighted capacity, cost and consolidation as the three factors impacting the industry most at the moment.
In terms of consolidation, the report found there is more private equity in the sector than ever before, meaning the future of independents is more precarious than ever before.
The report said, “Probably the biggest news of the moment is the growth of one group fuelled by private equity. In time this will only add to the pressures already experienced by many.”
The report also revealed that parts availability remains a dark cloud that is having a significant impact on repair output. It warned that this shortage is set to continue and, like Covid-19, could usher in a ‘new normal’.
“With many raw materials such as lithium, nickel, platinum and even gases used in the production of semi- conductors being largely sourced from either Russia or Ukraine together with logistics problems and plant shutdowns in China, it would seem our parts supply chain issues are set to continue if not worsen for a long time.”
Exacerbating this capacity crisis, the rising value of used cars – up 35% – means many former total losses are now economically repairable; it found that 85% of jobs bodyshops receive are now repairable, up from 75%.
The accumulated effect has seen lead times spiral from 5-15 days to 15-45.
Adding to the pressures experienced by bodyshops, inflation across all areas of business is a growing concern, with wages driving the increases in many cases. It revealed that hourly rates pre and post Covid have escalated by 20% (MET), 12.5% (paint), 17% (panel), VDA (20%), and 18% (office).
“Bodyshops are having daily conversations with technicians leaving for other repairers or industries requiring similar skills.”
To combat this, the NBRA is urging the sector to support its petition to add technician roles to the UK Government Shortage Occupations List.
Mobility is another rising cost (£134pm to £247pm), with parts supply issues resulting in some bodyshops providing mobility for 120 days in some instances.
“This is totally unacceptable and completely flies in the face of what a courtesy car was ever intended to be.”
Meanwhile, mobility costs could rise again if bodyshops are pressed to adopt EV fleets, which many believe is a matter of when not if. This is being driven by a concerted drive towards carbon zero, with the NBRA asking members for their opinion on the introduction of a ‘standard industry approach’ to achieving this. Nearly two thirds (63%) supported the idea, with only 13% against.
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, People, Supplier, Technology and Words
Sue Whyte, Founder of Clayms Ltd and Chris Payne, Head of Networks and Engineering – Home and Motor at LV= General Insurance are supporting ILC’s new ‘next generation’ meet and greet at the Motor Claims Showcase Event.
Taking place on Wednesday 29 June at the CBS Arena, Coventry the ILC/ARC360 Motor Claims Showcase Event – headline sponsored by Enterprise – includes a ‘next generation’ meet and greet session designed to support demographic diversity across the sector.
The informal session will provide attendees with the opportunity to network with peers as well as hear insights from and quiz two highly aspirational figures within the sector.
Sue founded Clayms Ltd management consultancy in 2022 having been a director of Action 365 for the previous 8.5 years, the last three as managing director. Chris has been head of networks and engineering at LV= General Insurance for the past five years, with a career history in insurance supply chain management and engineering.
Mark Hadaway, managing director of ILC said, “We are delighted to have the support of Sue and Chris for our new next generation initiative which aims to support demographic diversity across the sector – something we are extremely keen to encourage.”
The ILC/ARC360 Motor Claims Showcase Event also includes a keynote presentation stage featuring names such as ElectriX – powered by LV= General Insurance, Enterprise, Gemini ARC, Thatcham Research, The AA, The Vella Group, and Trustpilot; a fully immersive exhibition arena; and a Partner Showcase stage with sessions hosted by Enterprise, Innovation Group and Solera Audatex amongst others.
The Motor Showcase Event allows visitors to spend the day as they wish with networking opportunity in plentiful supply.
The event will host more than 400 key persons of influence from across the claims sector representing insurers, claims management companies, repairers, along with a host of product, equipment and service suppliers.
