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ARC360 news round up – Friday 11 November

11 November 2022

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, People, Technology, Training, wellbeing and Words

ARC360 reveals full event agenda

ARC360 has revealed the full agenda for its forthcoming Gaining Ground Together 2022 event taking place at The Manufacturing Technology Centre on Thursday 24 November.

Revised repair standard now live

The revised automotive services and repair standard BS10125:2022 is now live.

Created to replace PAS 125, the standard has been designed after consultation with industry experts and stakeholders to help bodyshops adopt best practice in the repair of vehicles up to 5 tonnes.

CAPS unveils major platform upgrade

CAPS has launched a new and improved platform for the collision repair industry in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

BASF celebrates sustainability triumph

BASF’s commitment to the environment has been recognised with a prestigious sustainability award.

Its UK Automotive Refinish team was awarded the 2022 British Coatings Federation (BCF) Sustainable Innovation Manufacturer Award for its waterborne basecoat system AGILIS by R-M, BASF’s premium refinish brand.

Research reveals fleet fears

Research from Solera has revealed that most motorists feel unsafe driving alongside trucks. A survey of 1,000 motorists in the US found that 56% said they felt threatened driving near a commercial truck, with 64% saying they had witnessed bad driving behaviours.

Solera has emphasised how video-based safety and AI technology can help to overcome negative perceptions by identifying poor, aggressive or distracted driving and encouraging good habits.

BASF backs WorldSkills

BASF was a proud sponsor of the WorldSkills Car Painting Competition, which took place over four days in Denmark last month.

All competitors used products and colour matching tools provided by BASF’s premium brand Glasurit, while the Sustainable Practice Awards also highlighted Glasurit’s eco-effectiveness.

Roar Solberg, Vice President BASF Automotive Refinish Coatings Solutions Europe Middle East, and Africa, said, “Glasurit is proud to be part of the WorldSkills Special Edition in Denmark. Our training programmes ensure young painters can deliver outstanding results in the most sustainable way.”

Repairify unveils new training programme

Repairify will launch a new comprehensive technical training programme intended to raise standards and skills among automotive technicians.

Gold for Gemini

Gemini Accident Repair Centres has been awarded Gold Membership by The 5% Club for a second straight year.

The 5% Club recognises those companies with at least five per cent of their workforce in ‘earn and learn’ positions, such as apprenticeships.

DLG results in line with expectations

DLG has published its trading update for the third quarter of the year, announcing results broadly in line with expectations with a combined operating ratio for the year predicted at 98%.

In motor, adjusted gross written premiums shrunk by 8.9% in the first nine month of 2022 compared to the same period last year. It reported that motor inflation continues to track at about 10%, with claims taking longer to settle, particularly large bodily injury claims.

WorldSkills announces new members

WorldSkills has invited a raft of education institutions to become part of its Centre of Excellence, an initiative was set up in 2020 to guarantee a high level of training and improve skills across the UK.

The latest to join are: Bridgend College; Coleg Sir Gar & Coleg Ceredigion; Hopwood Hall; Loughborough College; New City College; Newcastle College Group; Reaseheath College; Salford City College; South Staffordshire College; The Bedford College Group; and The TEC Partnership.

Autonomous expectation exceeding reality

A new study by Thatcham Research has revealed that more than half of UK drivers think they can buy a fully autonomous car today.

It found that 77% of those surveyed between the ages of 17 and 24 believe fully self-driving cars are now available, while 41% of those aged 55 and over also believe this.

Top marks for MG Cannon

MG Cannon Accident Repair Centre, Westbury received a 100% pass rate in its latest audit by Volkswagen Group.

The site provides quality repairs across west, mid and north Wiltshire, south, mid and east Somerset and west Berkshire.

Home workers making classic choice

Home working is contributing to a rise in the sales of classic cars, as people have more time to invest in repairs and revamps.

This is according to specialist insurer ERS, which has also identified a trend among younger drivers to invest in the classic market.

Express announces LV= approval

Express Bodyworks has announced that it has become an approved repairer for LV=.

Brett Archer, Director of Sales, said, “We have already welcomed our first customer’s direct from LV- and continue to develop our relationship with one of the UK’s biggest insurers.”

Inflation remains number one concern

The World Economic Forum has revealed that inflation remains the greatest risk to business within G20 countries.

Its Executive Opinion Survey found that 37% of respondents cited inflation as their greatest concern, followed jointly by debt crisis and cost-of-living (21%).

The survey took responses from more than 12,000 business leaders across 122 countries.

Copart unveils new stress awareness initiative

Copart is marking Stress Awareness Week by rolling out ‘The Basics of Managing Stress’ training to all teammates.

Industry tucks into Big Breakfast

Automotive charity Ben is celebrating another successful campaign to raise funds in support of colleagues in the industry.

Ben’s Big Breakfast 2022 saw businesses across the country put on breakfast spreads for colleagues and customers, while also encouraging people to get together and check in with each other’s wellbeing.

SMMT releases new careers guide

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has launched a new Automotive Career Guide to attract new talent to the industry.

This comes after SMMT research found that 49% of UK automotive companies are concerned about the skills gap and their ability to fill key roles.

Kluthe names new paintshop boss

Kluthe UK has appointed Steve Chittim as UK Business Manager of its paintshop division.

Solera strengthens UK team

Jamie Gibbs has been appointed National Account Manager at Solera.

ACIS names new development manager

ACIS has appointed Jez Chapman as business development manager to help deliver profitable growth and expansion for customers and national network of distributors.

Register Now!

webinARC – Business development 2022: 30 November

In this webinARC we offer a host of interviews, comments and insights via recorded interviews focusing on business development opportunities and challenges in 2023 and beyond.

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ARC360 reveals full event agenda

8 November 2022

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

ARC360 has revealed the full agenda for its forthcoming Gaining Ground Together 2022 event taking place at The Manufacturing Technology Centre on Thursday 24 November.

The event – which is free to attend for registered repairers – is sponsored by GT Motive and supported by ARC360 Corporate Partners: Solera Audatex; BASF; BMS; CAPS; Copart; EMACS; Entegral; Enterprise; Innovation Group; Mirka; Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance; and S&G; along with Partners: Repairify; The Green Parts Specialists; Indasa; and Prasco UK; and Associate Partners: Gemini ARC; Trend Tracker; and Thatcham Research.

The day will include a host of topical sessions featuring some of the key persons of influence from across the motor claims sector. Attendees will also be invited to join the conversation via the use of audience engagement technology.

Sessions include a ‘state of the nation’ look at market data and how it actually translates to everyday operations and future planning; a look at how to ensure customer happiness during challenging times; a focus on importance and impact of ESG on the supply chain; and the changing wants and needs across supply chains. The day will also feature an exclusive look at the latest technology to be deployed within the technician training environment.

Tickets, sponsorship and exhibition spaces are all available for the event.

Contact jonathan@iloveclaims.com for details or click here for more.

The full agenda is available below.

Agenda-GGT-ARC360-2022-final

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New report highlights mental health challenges

1 November 2022

Bodyshop, Car Rental, Covid 19, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words

A new report has found that half of workers in the UK have reported worse mental health since the outbreak of Covid-19.

Nearly half (48%) said they were experiencing ‘burn out’ and more than a third (35%) said they felt depressed.

Despite this, only a third of companies have increased wellbeing support since pandemic.

These were the headline findings of a report, Making Mental Health Top of the Agenda, commissioned by leading digital mental health provider SilverCloud.

It also found that those suffering with poor mental health saw their work performance drop, with lower concentration levels (60%), reduced productivity (56%), reduced quality (40%), and a deterioration in working relationships (26%).

Dr Carolyn Lorian, Head of Clinical Transformation at SilverCloud said,“These findings reinforce the crucial role that businesses can play in supporting their workforces to unlock human and business potential; however, just 28% of employees believe employers are doing enough. This gap between employee reality and employer perception and action needs to be addressed.”

The new research also revealed increases in productivity and profitability are being unlocked by companies who invest in their workforce’s mental health. Over half (55%) of employers have seen an increase in staff productivity, plus increases in profitability (40%) and a reduction in absenteeism.

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ARC360 set to explore practical impacts of industry challenges

21 October 2022

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

Customer satisfaction, reshaping supply chain relationships and having the ‘why’ in your business are just some of the key topics set for November’s ARC360 ‘Gaining Ground Together’ event.

Taking place on Thursday 24 November at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Coventry the event will kick-off with a ‘state of the nation’ round-up of the latest data and hot topics of the day, followed by a host of sessions focusing on the implications of the current challenging socio-economic factors.

With well-documented challenges around areas such as inflation, parts availability and talent pool the event will bring into focus just what this means for general business practices and processes, and discuss how optimising such areas can provide significant benefit now and into the future.

Taking to the stage to help explore these three key areas are:

Chris Brightmore, CEO, Chartwell
Dawn Marsden, Head of GI Supplier Management, LV= Insurance
Sharna Thomson, Head of Customer – UK Claims, Zurich Insurance

They join the previously announced speakers:

Andrew Eade, Head of AD Strategy & Fulfilment at First Central
Nick Sweetman, Head of Vehicle Repair & Service Operations for UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings
Chris Weeks, Executive Director of the NBRA

More names are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

The day – sponsored by GT Motive and free to attend for registered repairers – will include a host of ‘quickfire’ sessions focused on providing greater insight and context to market conditions. It will deliver a ‘state of the nation’ look at market data and how it actually translates to everyday operations and future planning; explore procurement and battling the challenges of rising claims inflation; and the importance and impact of ESG on the supply chain.

The day will also feature an exclusive look at the latest technology to be deployed within the technician training environment.

ARC360 is supported by Corporate Partners: Solera Audatex; BASF; BMS; CAPS; Copart; EMACS; Entegral; Enterprise; Innovation Group; Mirka; Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance; and S&G; along with Partners: Repairify; The Green Parts Specialists; Indasa; and Prasco UK; and Associate Partners: Gemini ARC; Trend Tracker; and Thatcham Research.

Tickets, sponsorship and exhibition spaces are all now available for the event. Contact jonathan@iloveclaims.com for details or click here.

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CMA urges government to replace MVBER

21 October 2022

Brexit, Finance, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words

The CMA is recommending that the government replace the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption (MVBER) with a UK Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Order (MVBEO).

The existing MVBER, which provides a block exemption for vertical agreements relating to the purchase, sale or resale of spare parts for motor vehicles and to the provision of repair and maintenance services for motor vehicles, expires on 31 May, 2023.

The CMA (Competitions & Market Authority) will now ask the government to replace it with a new order that is more suitable to British businesses and customers, which would be in place until 31 May, 2029.

This follows consultation with the industry, including respected bodies such as the ABI and Thatcham Research, the SMMT, the Independent Garage Association, the RAC and UKAFCAR.

The CMA said, “Given the strong evidence and views in favour of a block exemption for motor vehicle aftermarket agreements, the CMA is recommending that there should continue to be a block exemption and that letting the retained MVBER expire without providing for replacement is not currently appropriate in the UK.

“However, the evidence we have seen also indicates that the retained MVBER regime should be revised in certain respects.”

This includes issues relating to the definition of ‘spare parts’ and access to technical and vehicle information.

The CMA added, “The CMA is conscious that there may be advantages in divergence from the EU in certain circumstances – for example to address features specific to UK markets and better protect UK consumers.

“Equally, the CMA recognises that, all things being equal, there can also be benefits in consistency between the EU and the UK block exemptions, particularly for the various businesses with activities in both the UK and the EU (eg by reducing administrative burdens and compliance costs).

“When deciding about how to best address the various substantive issues at play we have sought to be guided by what is best for UK consumers and businesses when balancing these considerations.”

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Solera updates paint material prices

21 October 2022

Bodyshop, Finance, Insurance, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words

Solera Audatex updated its paint materials table on Thursday, 13 October, for its Irish customers.

The updates were made to bring the table into line with recent paint manufacturer price changes, which shows an indicative average increase of 19% on the calculated paint and materials.

The company said, “These calculations are based upon updated paint material tables represented by the basket of paint brands used in our system. Please note that this is an indicative percentage for guidance purposes only, as the actual increase per job will depend on a number of factors including the specific paint operations (new part, surface, repair), paint type, and the surface to be prepared/painted (metal versus plastic).”

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ARC360 offers free access to repairers

14 October 2022

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words

ARC360 is offering free access for repairers to its forthcoming ‘Gaining Ground Together’ themed event taking place on Thursday 24 November at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry.

The move comes as ARC360 steps up its efforts to bring the repairer and supply chain communities together by providing a platform of collaboration and understanding for all stakeholders.

The day will include a host of ‘quickfire’ sessions focused on providing greater insight and context to market conditions. It will deliver a ‘state of the nation’ look at market data and how it actually translates to everyday operations and future planning; explore procurement and battling the challenges of rising claims inflation; and the importance and impact of ESG on the supply chain.

The event will also include an exclusive look at the latest technology to be deployed within the technician training environment.

Mark Hadaway, co-founder of ARC360 said, “ARC360 has been developed around the core theme of Gaining Ground Together. Offering access to November’s event, at no cost, to repairers is very much a part of that approach in providing a platform for insight and knowledge sharing to support the long-term sustainability of the sector.”

The event is sponsored by GT Motive.

To secure tickets for the event, click here. Repairer tickets are allocated on a first come, first serve basis and limited to one ticket per site.

Tickets, sponsorship and exhibition spaces are all now available for the event – email jonathan@iloveclaims.com for details.

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Motor Claims Conference provides high-level insights

12 October 2022

Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words

ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference took place last week at London’s tallest event space, providing the perfect opportunity for a high-level overview of developments across the market.

Headline sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and sponsored by EDAM Group and LexisNexis Risk Solutions, the event covered a host of topics from the rise of insurtechs to credit hire, movements within the repair sector and shared opinions on challenges across the sector.

Hosted by ILC MD, Mark Hadaway the day got underway with a fascinating insight into ‘Motor Insurance in a Modern World’ documenting the rise of insurtech Marshmallow courtesy of Insurance Director, Paula (Coulthard) Griffiths.

Paula highlighted how behind the ‘tech’ element of Marshmallow sits “predominantly ‘non-insurance people’ with a relentless focus on customer experience” which combined with an ongoing appetite for research and development has provided solid grounding for the insurers exponential growth.

Panel sessions offering highly candid discussions around credit hire, personal injury and data insights all provided deeply insightful aspects to the agenda and gave the sense the industry was increasingly invested in understanding the internal challenges and opportunities that exist.

An ‘open session’ – using slido audience participation technology – also ensured all attendees had their say on some of the hottest topics of the day – 80% suggesting that the industry was yet to settle into a ‘new normal’.

The day also included two fireside type interviews – one with Richard Steer, CEO of rapidly expanding Steer Automotive Group and another with Geoff Carter, CEO of Sabre Insurance. Both offered highly engaging insights into their respective business operations and views of the sector, as well as hinting at further positive advances in the future.

Concluding the event, Mark said, “There is no doubt with all that is happening economically, politically and geopolitically we find ourselves in very uncertain times yet from what we have heard today the industry is evolving to ensure it is fit for purpose with the agility to cater for future customer needs.”

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Allianz X to acquire Innovation Group

10 October 2022

Finance, Insurance, People, Supplier, Technology and Words

Allianz X, the digital investment arm of Allianz Group, will acquire Innovation Group subject to regulatory approval.

Innovation Group provides claims and technology solutions to the insurance and automotive industries. It says the deal will support further innovations as well as the continued roll-out of Gateway, its digital claims management solution that connects all stakeholders on a single, independent platform.

With more than 1,200 clients across the globe, Innovation Group will maintain its operational independence, brand and culture following the deal.

Tim Griffiths, CEO of Innovation Group, said, “Allianz X’s support will accelerate the roll-out of our industry-leading platform, Gateway, open up new opportunities for growth and enable us to deliver market-leading services for our clients. We are delighted to have the backing of Allianz X as we enter the next phase of our development.”

Dr. Nazim Cetin, CEO of Allianz X, said, “Innovation Group’s digital solutions bring together all the relevant parties and data to facilitate smooth, efficient and transparent claims management, from first notification of loss to repair and settlement, which is what the market is increasingly demanding. It’s a future-ready business with lots of potential and we want to help unleash it.”

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ARC360 news round up – Friday 7 October

7 October 2022

Bodyshop, Finance, Insurance, People, Supplier, Technology, Training and Words

MGA Claims Conference makes instant impact

The inaugural MGA Claims Conference has been hailed a resounding success.

Held in association with the Managing General Agent Association (MGAA) at 155 Bishopsgate, London on 28 September, the event attracted some 300 visitors making it one of the largest claims events of the year.

Got your ticket?

With ARC360 – Gaining Ground Together fast approaching, book your ticket now to not miss out!

The experiential event will aim to continue helping to create an environment for collaboration, interaction and innovative thinking across the incident repair sector.

Admiral announces major new repair network strategy

Admiral Insurance has announced that from 24 October it will only work with certain bodyshops as part of a significant change to its repair network strategy.

In a statement, the insurer said, “Our new network model will enable us to focus on strategic partnerships with a select number of industry-leading suppliers. This means we can more closely manage our customer journey and have the optimal performing repair capacity for today, and for future business growth.”

LV= goes live with new support fee

LV= General Insurance has introduced a new Energy and Inflation Support fee to help bodyshops absorb rising inflation.

From 1 October and for a period of six months it will pay bodyshops in its network £75 plus VAT for every repair they carry out on its behalf.

Meanwhile, LV= hosted its first LV= Sole Site Forum since before the pandemic at F1 Williams on 8 September, when representatives from all 28 of its sole sites heard about future network strategies and opportunities to strengthen relationships and collaboration.

FCA praises insurers’ flexibility

The FCA has praised insurers for the flexibility they have shown in handling business interruption claims.

It welcomed the way they reallocated resources to make interim payments quickly, while proactively communicating with policyholders throughout the claim. However, the FCA also raised concerns over delays and the service provided to some vulnerable customers. It has now published its findings, including examples of good and bad practice, to help insurers deliver a fair and consistent service to customers throughout the claims process.

Motor Parts Direct under new ownership

UK-based automotive parts and accessories distributor Motor Parts Direct has been acquired by South African automotive group Motus Holdings for a reported £182m.

Motor Parts Direct delivers vehicle parts to more than 14,000 customers in the passenger and light commercial sector through its network of 175 branches.

Gold Star for Mirka

Mirka has received Gold accreditation from Investors in People (IIP), which recognised its excellent internal and external relationships and strong management team.

IPP also praised the company’s culture for engaging and empower colleagues while also supporting continuous professional development and upskilling.

New car market recovery continues

The millionth electric vehicle joined UK roads in September as the new car market enjoyed its second successive month of growth.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that there were 225,269 new registrations during the month, an increase of 4.6% on September 2021 but still 34.4% below pre-pandemic levels. EVs made up 16.5% with 38,116 units.

Meanwhile, the light commercial vehicle market enjoyed growth for the first time this year, rising 10.8% to 34,950 units.

GT Motive develops imaging solution

GT Motive has collaborated with JDK Technology to enhance its imaging services for bodyshop customers.

JDK’s solution enables photos to be sent directly from the claimant to the repairer, with images now directly integrated into the GT Global estimating platform ensuring everything is visible in a single location.

GTA announces interim rates agreement

Motor Insurers and credit hire companies have signed an interim agreement to increase certain hire rates.

The agreement, which applies to subscribers to industry protocol GTA and will remain in place until 30 June, is expected to ease the financial pressures by seeing credit hire companies accepting lower average hire rates in return for faster payments.

Transport Centre delivering Plan-Net-Zero strategy

Copart has recognised the role its Transportation Control Centre is playing in driving forward its sustainability targets.

One year after joining its Customer Excellence Centre, the Transportation Control Centre now manages a fleet of nearly 500 vehicles, with collections tailored to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.

Meanwhile, by adopting the latest technology the centre is also able to monitor driver behaviour and manage peaks in demand.

Sweet 16

Carcomm Coachwords has received Mercedes-Benz approval for a 16^th consecutive year.

Carcomm is one of the largest commercial vehicle repair specialists in the South East.

Chartwell receives Bentley award

Chartwell has been presented with the Bentley Bodyshop of the Year Award.

Bentley Aftersales Managers Jonathan Morris and Adam Causer visited the company’s Derbyshire site to present the trophy to Chartwell Group Director Chris Brightmore.

The company said, “Chartwell is immensely proud of this title, and we hope it demonstrates our continued commitment to delivering our Gold Standard service.”

Mirka enhances PPE range

Mirka has announced its latest range of PPE is now available to the UK market.

Its Mirka Essentials range includes coveralls (light line or carbon line), safety glasses (with UV and IR protection), and masks (offering protection against solid particles, dust and odours).

GTG achieves ‘good’ Ofsted rating

Training academy GTG has been judged as a ‘Good Provider’ for apprenticeships after its Wolverhampton site underwent a rigorous four-day Ofsted inspection.

Seven inspectors carried out a thorough assessment of the facilities and also conducted a range of interviews before delivering its judgement.

Tools of the Tech-Trade

In this episode, we speak with Phil Peace, Managing Director (International) of Repairify – a leader in advanced technology tooling and remote diagnostic support.