Capita expert joins New Generation line-up
James Lambert, the Global Director of Talent Acquisition at consulting, transformation and digital services business – Capita will provide a keynote session at ILC’s New Generation in Claims event.
The event, headline sponsored by Wiser Academy along with fellow sponsor Enterprise Rent-A-Car, takes place at etc.venues Manchester on Wednesday 26 April and will serve to highlight the importance of talent attraction, retention and upskilling within the rapidly evolving insurance claims sector.
Gemini opens eighth LV= sole site
Gemini Accident Repair Centres has launched a new site in Luton after acquiring Michael G Motors.
The new business will operate from a new 8,500sqft site with the capacity to repair 1,300 vehicles per year and becomes the eighth LV= sole site.
Previously operating under the Fix Auto Luton banner, Michael G Motor is managed by Mo Givian.
Vella Group expansion continues
The Vella Group has taken its number of sites to 12 with the acquisition of Gaskells Motor Bodies. Owners Nick and Louise Gaskell will remain with the business, with Nick becoming Site Manager.
The Vella Group expects to continue its expansion with further acquisitions this year.
Fix franchise set to grow Essex footprint
Three months after opening Fix Auto Braintree, owner Danny Ashwell has confirmed his plans to open a second new site are on course to come to fruition.
This new site, which will replace his existing Fix Auto Chelmsford repair centre, is the second element in his programme of investment and arrives almost a year on from when he revealed plans to grow from a single bodyshop repairer to a four-site operator across Essex before 2024.
IAEA set to celebrate 90th birthday
The IAEA will celebrate its 90th anniversary at the Stratford Manor Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon on 20 May.
Guest speakers include Dr James Carton, Assistant Professor in Sustainable Energy in Dublin City University, NBRA director Chris Weeks, Jeff Mack, National Account Manager of Nationwide Vehicle Recovery Assistance, Kirsty McKno, Managing Director of Cogent Hire, Director of Auto Industry Consulting Andrew Marsh, and IAEA President-elect David Punter.
2030 ICE ban can’t be met
The 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is looking increasingly unlikely to happen, according to Vertu Motors CEO Robert Forrester.
He said, “The ban on ICE vehicles in the UK in 2030 will have to move back five or 10 years. It is a question of when, not if.”
Green demand on the rise
Ageas has reported an increase in customer demand for green parts.
With cost-of-living pressures putting a strain on household finances, Robin Challand, Claims Director, has said that green parts can help overcome challenges in parts supply, accelerate the claims journey and reduce costs.
ITAS updates Core service
ITAS has redesigned ITAS Core, its network and bodyshop management tool to help businesses achieve compliance across manufacturer, insurance, and repair network programmes.
The system includes push notifications, SMS notifications, staff qualifications, audits and approvals, managing standards, repair certification, reporting solutions, key performance indicators, repair capability, data integration, and communication.
Audatex to update paint tables
Audatex has announced that its paint material tables will be updated for the Irish market on or around 24 March.
Based on data supplied by paint manufactures, an average increase of 8.9% is expected for paint and materials.
Conference calling
TPS – for Volkswagen Group Genuine Parts hosted it first conference in three years recently.
TPS is a network supplying parts for Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, CUPRA, Volkswagen passenger cars and Commercial Vehicles to customers in the independent motor trade.
Thatcham Research colleagues rise to the challenge
Thatcham Research colleagues are raising money for automotive charity Ben through a series of Benathlon challenges.
The fundraising initiative challenges automotive colleagues to cover as many miles as possible by any means – foot, bike, rowing machine – to raise at least £75 for the charity.
SMMT urges government action in EV charge
A new report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has warned the government to step up its support for the electric vehicle industry or risk falling behind other countries.
Race to Zero: Powering up Britain’s EV Supply Chain has stressed the need for an urgent response to initiatives such as the $370bn Inflation Reduction Act in America and the EU Green Deal Industrial Plan.
Spring Budget fails to charge EVs
The Spring Budget, delivered by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday, announced that Fuel Duty will be frozen for 12 months while the Energy Price Guarantee has been extended for a further three months.
However, the automotive industry has bemoaned a lack of support for EV transition.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said, “There is little that enables the UK to compete with the massive packages of support to power a green transition that are available elsewhere.”
Ben Ball tickets now on sale
Tickets are now on sale for the Ben Ball, which will take place at Old Billingsgate Market on 6 December.
People
Orbital Repair Solutions has appointed Mark Stuart as Director.
John Gibson has been appointed as Motor Services Director at Kennedys.
The Vella Group has appointed Nick Gaskell as Bodyshop Manager Vella Group Great Harwood.
