Bodyshop, Car Rental, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales and Words
ARC360 has revealed the first insight into the agenda for its ‘Gaining Ground Together’ themed event taking place on Thursday 24 November at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry.
Included in the line-up is Andrew Eade, Head of AD Strategy & Fulfilment at First Central; Nick Sweetman, Head of Vehicle Repair & Service Operations for UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings; and Chris Weeks, Executive Director of the NBRA.
The day will include a host of ‘quickfire’ sessions focused on providing greater insight and context to current market conditions. It will provide 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 discuss the importance and impact of ESG on the supply chain.
Mark Hadaway, co-founder of ARC360 said, “The Gaining Ground Together mantra of ARC360 is, arguably, even more pertinent for this event.
“We’re all acutely aware of the many challenges currently faced by the sector. By late November we may have greater insight into how they are evolving, what the true impact is on businesses throughout the supply chain and how we can try to support positive outcomes for all.”
ARC360 is supported by Corporate Partners: Solera Audatex; BASF; BMS; CAPS; Copart; EMACS; Entegral; Enterprise; Innovation Group; Mirka; Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance; S&G; and Sherwin Williams; along with Partners: Repairify; The Green Parts Specialists; Indasa; and Prasco UK; and Associate Partners: Gemini ARC; Trend Tracker; and Thatcham Research.
More details of the event, along with further names on the agenda will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Tickets, sponsorship and exhibition spaces are all now available for the event.
Included in the line-up is Andrew Eade, Head of AD Strategy & Fulfilment at First Central; Nick Sweetman, Head of Vehicle Repair & Service Operations for UK & Ireland, Enterprise Holdings; and Chris Weeks, Executive Director of the NBRA.
It found that 56% of respondents believe AI could increase estimating efficiency, 51% said it could improve customer service and half thought it could also streamline and accelerate the parts ordering process.
Meanwhile, the survey also revealed that recruitment remains the biggest challenge for two thirds of bodyshops, with parts ordering (54%), assessment times (46%) and waiting for insurer approval (45%) the main factors slowing cycle times.
Copart continues Scottish investment
Copart UK is creating a raft of new jobs in Scotland after announcing its sister company, CashForCars, is opening new headquarters in the Fife area.
CashForCars buys vehicles directly from customers and re-sells them through Copart’s patented online auction platform.
It achieved 98% in the Safety Assist category, the highest score ever, and 97% in Adult Occupant Protection.
Meanwhile, Chinese models the ORA Funky Cat and WEY Coffee 01 scored 93% and 94% in Safety Assist respectively.
EV uptake leaves training lagging
The IMI has warned that the EV skills gap will hit the UK in 2027, a year earlier than anticipated. This is despite more technicians becoming eligible for IMI TechSafe recognition in the first half of the year since its introduction in 2016.
It reports there are now 32,900 technicians qualified to work safely on electric vehicles – the equivalent of 15% of in the UK.
However EV uptake is accelerating even quicker with nine million zero emissions vehicles expected to be on UK roads by 2030.
PPP Consultancy works with the automotive industry to improve performance, process and people throughout the claims journey, while Plastrepair aims to significantly reduce automotive’s CO2 footprint and plastic waste.
Of the 1,004 motorists surveyed, 36% said they’d call their insurance company first compared to 30% who said they would call a family member, 28% who would call the police, and nine per cent who would call a friend.
Audatex and AutoFlow announce deeper collaboration
Solera Audatex and AutoFlow have announced a new collaboration to develop a two-way data feed intended to enhance integration between the two estimating platforms.
By ensuring a transparent data exchange between AudaEnterpriseGold and Qapter Intelligent Estimating, users will benefit from a real-time view of the status of the repair across all systems.
Exclusive Motor Claims Conference reveals leading agenda
Themed ‘Future Focus’, the event will delve into some of the most pressing issues currently impacting the sector as well as provide a host of market intelligence, keynote insights and future inspiration via a host of key speakers and sessions.
Bodyshop, Environment, Insurance, People, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
A new survey by Audatex has revealed a growing appetite among bodyshops for the greater use of artificial intelligence solutions.
Conducted between July and August, the survey examined the attitude towards AI in estimating among the Audatex repairer community.
It found that 56% of respondents believe AI could increase estimating efficiency, 51% said it could improve customer service and half thought it could also streamline and accelerate the parts ordering process.
Meanwhile, the survey also asked respondents what their biggest challenge was at the moment, with two thirds citing recruitment. In terms of reducing cycle times, parts ordering was the single greatest issue for 54%, 45% said it was waiting for insurer approval with 46% saying it was the time taken to do assessments.
Delving deeper into the numbers, the report found that the average estimating time for a lightly damaged vehicle was 16-30 minutes, 31-60 minutes for vehicles with medium damage and anything from an hour upwards for heavily-damaged vehicles.
Audatex said, “There is no denying that there is an appetite for AI to support the industry. To tackle the challenges of the ongoing skills shortage we need to build trust in AI and see it as an enabler to do more with a smaller, highly skilled workforce.”
Insurance, Supplier, Technology, Vehicle Repair and Words
Electric vehicles dominated the latest round of Euro NCAP testing, with all but one of the models assessed achieving a five-star safety rating.
Setting the benchmark was the Tesla Model Y, which achieved the highest score ever (98%) in the Safety Assist category. It also scored 97% in Adult Occupant Protection.
Matthew Avery, Chief Research Strategy Officer, Thatcham Research, said, “The Tesla Model Y has aced testing, securing outstanding all-round safety ratings. However, it’s a shame that unresolved issues remain with regard to the safe operation of its Autopilot system.”
Meanwhile, Chinese models the ORA Funky Cat and WEY Coffee 01 scored 93% and 94% in Safety Assist respectively, falling short of the Model Y only in crash-avoidance capability.
Matthew added, “All the cars tested in this group are EVs, as electrified powertrains continue to dominate the market, and it’s reassuring to see that EVs are continuing to match, if not exceed, the safety performance of their petrol-powered counterparts.
“Also of note are the five-star Euro NCAP ratings awarded to two new entrants from China. This is comforting news for those who were concerned that an influx of new market entrants from China might bring the safety standard down.”
Executive Director Chris Weeks said, “We are pleased to see the government taking action to support business with the increasing energy costs prices. However, we are still extremely worried for our members, who will still need support after the six-month timeframe.”
The collection includes masks, glasses and overalls and has been launched to offer repairers a complete choice of high volume, good quality consumables at a competitive price.
It will now offer colleagues full pay for 18 weeks maternity leave followed by half pay for a further 18 weeks, with remaining leave paid at statutory rates. The company has also introduced two weeks full paternity leave.
He said, “In Europe many OEMs are rolling out the agency model for their dealers. The agency model is not allowed in the US, however, some of the OEMs are going down the vertically integrated retail route and buying out their dealers. Is this the opportunity for the OEMs to go one step further and own their own dealer network?”
As a Volvo-approved bodyshop, Frosts guarantees customers that its technicians are fully trained and that equipment, facilities and repair methods comply with Volvo’s own competence standards.
NBRA welcomes Synetiq as part of green parts push
UK salvage, dismantling and vehicle recycling company Synetiq has joined the NBRA in a bid to raise awareness and uptake of green parts.
Research has found that nearly 30% of bodyshops do not use green parts in repairs, although most say this is down to resistance among customers and work providers.
It also scored 97% in Adult Occupant Protection, while Chinese models the ORA Funky Cat and WEY Coffee 01 scored 93% and 94% in Safety Assist respectively.
The collaboration will offer students the opportunity to learn new skills and experience cutting-edge technology now being used in recycling end-of-life vehicles.
Club members pledge to ensure that 30% of senior positions within their organisation are held by women by 2030.
Jonathan said, “Through Thatcham Research’s membership of the Automotive 30% Club, we are demonstrating our support for change across the industry. I am excited to see where this new chapter takes us on our journey to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation.”
It says 15% of UK technicians (32,900) are now EV qualified, but with up to nine million EVs on the road by 2030 it believes the gap between qualified technicians and customer demand will hit in 2027.
Major independent falls into admin
East Yorkshire-based Broach Hill Garage has fallen into administration, citing the pandemic, supply disruption caused by the microchip shortage, and falling sales of used vehicles as the primary factors.
Administrators from Leonard Curtis are handling the sale of all assets of the business, which has been trading for nearly 50 years.
It says operating on the continent would require too much additional investment and will save up to £100m net by exiting markets in Germany, Spain, France and Italy.
Bodyshop, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words
The National Body Repair Association has welcomed the government’s announcement this week that it will impose a cap on energy prices for businesses, but warned that the six-month time-period may not be long enough.
Executive Director Chris Weeks said, “We are pleased to see the government taking action to support business with the increasing energy costs prices. The announcement was much needed and it will give relief to our members that are facing utility bills that have risen by more than 250% in the past year.
“However, we are still extremely worried for our members, who will still need support after the six-month timeframe.
“The nature of our work means that we are high users of electricity and gas. We estimate that the average body shop uses 160,000kWh/year of electricity and 400,000 kWh/year of gas, which equates to bills of £65k total in the year to June 2022.”
Chris added, “Bodyshops play a vital role for the automotive industry and are crucial to our communities, therefore financial support from government is imperative to keep them in business.”
In line with the sustainability blueprint established at the recently refurbished Bristol Operation Centre, Copart’s Colchester site is following a programme of upgrades that will include state-of-the-art insulation, low energy LED lighting, and new onsite waste treatment facilities to filter and clean water.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, he said, “I have worked closely with Solera over the last few years and when I was offered the opportunity to join the organisation I had no hesitation in accepting.”
He will work with existing clients while building relationships with new ones.
Andrew said, “With repairers facing massive challenges due to supply chain issues, I’m excited to build partnerships with our insurers and bodyshops to promote a greener, more sustainable future in their repair network.”
Introduced by the VBRA in partnership with the IMI, the standard has been developed to measure and monitor the skills required to repair large vehicles safely, in line with modern technologies.
Further registrations to the standard are now being processed.
In his new role he will be responsible for developing new business opportunities from multi-site operators and work providers such as insurers, network managers and insurer clients.
Road Safety Week theme revealed
Road Safety Week will take place from 14-20 November under the theme, ‘Safe roads for all.’ It will raise awareness of new government legislation around vehicle technologies, speeds, safe roads, and the new hierarchy of road users.
Managed by Brake, Road Safety Week is the UK’s largest road safety campaign.
Environment, Insurance, Salvage, Supplier, Technology and Words
Copart is continuing its commitment to its Plan-Net-Zero strategy with major infrastructure upgrades underway at its Colchester Operation Centre.
In line with the sustainability blueprint established at the recently refurbished Bristol Operation Centre, Copart’s Colchester site is following a programme of upgrades that will include state-of-the-art insulation, low energy LED lighting, and new onsite waste treatment facilities to filter and clean water.
As the demand for electric vehicles escalates, the redevelopment at the Colchester site will also introduce dedicated EV areas as well as charging facilities. Plans also include new areas for vehicle preparation and processing, valeting, and 360° imaging.
The company said, “As the partner of choice for most major insurers, alongside our continued efforts to expand and improve our range of customer services, we have a responsibility to operate sustainably and ethically.
“Our programme to upgrade and replace offices at our nationwide Operation Centres will ensure that going forward our offices are always inclusive, energy efficient, and constructed in an environmentally friendly way.”
All upgrades are expected to be completed this year.
Bodyshop, Insurance, Mobility, Supplier, Vehicle Repair and Words
Tesco Underwriting has enhanced its partnership with FMG by appointing the claims management specialists to provide repair and mobility solutions for Tesco Bank Car Insurance customers.
This follows the news last month that FMG had been appointed to deliver a vehicle repair management solution to Tesco Underwriting policyholders.
Dave Thompson, Claims Director at Tesco Underwriting said, “We know that making a claim can be a new experience for many. By partnering with FMG our customers can make a claim quickly and easily, and have any necessary repairs made to their car to ensure they get back on the road as soon as possible.”
FMG boasts a nationwide network of owned and managed repairers that provide one-day, mobile and traditional bodyshop repair. It also offers image capture technology and the option of using green parts to speed up key-to-key times. This new partnership is supported by Auxillis, which will provide a seamless replacement vehicle solution.
Andrew Chandler, Sales Director at FMG, said, “We provide 24/7 access to real-time updates, management information and cost reserving, whilst maintaining the perfect touch of interaction with our claims handling experts to make certain we make a difference for every policyholder.
“The new relationship is great news for all parties, with a real and shared commitment to offering customers an excellent claims service underpinned by the rich history and strength of our combined businesses.”
Bodyshop, Car Rental, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair and Words
With a focus on the next generation of automotive talent, this month’s ARC360 on-demand webinARC met three individuals who are all thriving in very different roles within the sector.
Taking part in this one-off session were Adam Daloub, Operations Manager Credit Hire & Recoveries, Carpenters Group; Elyse Bell, UK & Ireland Account Specialist, Entegral; and Matt Turner, Multi-Skilled Accident Repair Technician, Gemini ARC.
They shared their experiences, early impressions of the industry, and offered telling advice for those coming up behind them.
In their owns words, let’s hear their stories:
Adam Daloub:
“It was purely by luck I ended up in the industry. I studied law at university and applied for various law jobs after qualifying, and just fell into motor, specifically credit hire.
In my first role I used to monitor hire and ensure that period is recoverable. I then progressed to negotiating outstanding payments and then into litigation, where I was a defendant litigator. That meant I was on the side of the insurer and would see what was recoverable and proportionate and then negotiate offers.
I joined Carpenters four years and now I’m on the claimant side, and it definitely helps having worked both sides of the argument.
One thing I’ve learned is that this is a fast-paced industry and quick decision-making is key. No matter how strong your argument is, everything is down to documented evidence so you have to be realistic. You can’t afford to hold on to arguments you can’t win.
I’d also say that being a good communicator is key. It’s probably the most important thing, because you’re in the industry for a long time and you want to build relationships with your opponents. So being able to communicate and find a middle ground is really important.
And you have to be patient with your career. Carpenters provides the right development and training and offers a clear career development path. It also has a policy of promoting from within so the opportunities to progress will come, but that’s only if you have the right attitude.”
Elyse Bell:
“I graduated from university and came through the Enterprise Graduate Management Trainee Scheme. It was great, you learn every aspect of business and even get the opportunity to run your own business. Enterprise also offers a very structured career path after graduation and that was very attractive.
I went from assistant manager to manager, and then about a year ago I moved to Entegral. I’d learned during the scheme that my strengths were in account management and that was something I wanted pursue, and I’m grateful that I’ve had a lot of support and training along the way. I was also given an individual mentor through Enterprise’s Women in Rental, a scheme to support women progress in the workplace.
One of the things I like best about working at Entegral is its focus on young people. It has really embraced the next generation, and the diversity in age and its willingness to put its trust in youth to make big decisions is not something you see everywhere. It’s very empowering.
That’s actually similar to the best piece of advice I was given. When I was facing a challenge, I was asked, ‘what’s the worst that can happen?’. I think that applies to both your personal and professional life, and it give you the confidence to aim high.”
Matt Turner:
“I did an apprenticeship in construction first and it was a bad experience. Apprentices were treated in quite an old-fashioned way so I decided to move to motor, and the Gemini apprenticeship completely eclipsed my previous experience.
It was more flexible with lots of encouragement to progress and make the most of yourself, so you can tell Gemini values their apprentices as future technicians rather than just cheap labour.
It is a three-year apprenticeship but took me five because of Covid-19, and it is very structured with different phases for different disciples – so MET, Panel, Paint and EV – and when you’ve done them all you begin the process again, getting more in-depth and building your skills each time.
You also have block weeks at EMTEC College, where you learn a bit of theory and get the opportunity to practice the skills you might not use every day in the workplace, like repairing aluminium.
I’ve also learned so much from working with technicians who have done the job for 20 years. You have to treat them as a book and read them, because everyone who has helped me has taught me something different.
Looking back, I’d say the best advice I’ve been given is don’t be afraid to push yourself and make mistakes. You learn far more from your mistakes.”
ARC360 would like to thank its Corporate Partners Solera Audatex, BASF, BMS, CAPS, Copart, Emacs, Entegral, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Innovation Group, Mirka, Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance, S&G Response, and Sherwin Williams as well as Partners asTech, The Green Parts Specialist, Indasa and Prasco, and Associate Partners Gemini ARC, Thatcham Research and Trend Tracker.
