Rising BTCC star joins over 20 major insurance brands for repairer event in May 

Toyota Gazoo Racing UK rising star Ronan Pearson will make a special guest appearance at ARC360’s ‘A new era – the changing dynamics of a sector’ conference in May. 

The team’s first driver for the 2025 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship campaign, Ronan is one of the most highly-rated of the BTCC’s current crop of young guns. The Scot was a multiple race-winner and title contender in the fiercely disputed MINI Challenge prior to joining the touring car grid in 2023, and took his maiden BTCC victory at Brands Hatch last season. 

Ronan will compete in the Speedworks Motorsport-run outfit in a Corolla GR Sport with the season curtain-raiser taking place on 26/27 April at Donington Park.  

He said, “I feel really proud to be representing the world’s number one car brand on the biggest stage in British motorsport – it’s a dream for any young driver.” 

Christian Dick, Team Principal, Toyota Gazoo Racing UK, said: “We are fortunate to have worked with some of the very best drivers in the business during our time in the BTCC so far, and in the space of just two seasons, Ronan has already made a significant impact in the championship and marked himself out as a star of the future.” 

Taking place on 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon ARC360’s event already has confirmed attendance from more than 20 major insurance brands and over 60 of the sector’s leading repairers.  

The event will provide attendees with an understanding of the current market dynamics, the impacts they are having and what it means for the future of business; an insight into what is top of insurer priorities and what solutions you can offer; chance to contribute to how we all have a role to play in making the industry ‘future fit’; interaction with industry experts on how their specific sectors are evolving and the opportunities it is creating; and the ability to align with the opportunities the future industry will bring. 

Mark Hadaway, Co-Founder of ARC360 said, “We are really excited to have Ronan join us in May for ARC360’s 2025 conference. His achievements to date and future potential match perfectly with the ‘new era’ theme of the event but so too align with ILC’s broader focus on encouraging ‘new generation’ talent into the insurance claims sector. 

“We’re very much looking forward to welcoming Ronan to the community, following his journey and working closely with him in future.” 

The event is supported by ARC360 Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Entegral, Enterprise, NWVA, Mirka, S&G Response and Solera Audatex, along with Partners e2e, Prasco and Repairify, and Vehicle Manufacturer Partner Stellantis. Event sponsors include Activate Group and Thatcham Research.  

To find out more about the event – including the sponsorship opportunities available and how to purchase tickets – contact Liane on liane@iloveclaims.com.  

For a full insight into last year’s occasion, click here to read the Better Tomorrow post-event publication.  

Ronan would welcome the opportunity to speak with any ARC360 community members about exclusive ILC sponsorship packages for the forthcoming season. For more information, contact Ben Taylor on +44 (0)7908 188060.  

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Survey unveils key barriers to employing apprentices

A recent survey conducted by Apprenticeship Central has highlighted the primary obstacles businesses face when considering apprenticeships with the most common being a lack of time for training, concerns about cost and difficulty finding suitable candidates.

The findings reveal that the top concern is a lack of time for training, scoring 31%. With increasing pressures around profit margins, KPIs and key to key times, dedicating time for teaching can be a challenge.

In close second, concerns about cost registered 28%. Businesses seem wary of the upfront and ongoing investments required but it has been proven that apprentices, when well-managed, can become profitable within the first year.

The difficulty in finding suitable candidates received 25% of the responses, indicating that many companies experience challenges in recruiting the right skills for their operational needs.

Meanwhile, uncertainty about the overall apprenticeship process scored 13%. This suggests that while process related hesitations exist, they are less prominent than time and cost concerns.

Apprenticeship Central is committed to supporting businesses to overcome the challenges that hold them back from investing in the next generation of talent.

Through the RECRUIT service, it offers a Pre-Employment Programme which identifies only the best candidates and connects businesses with local, motivated young talent—streamlining the entire candidate search and onboarding process.

Complementing this, RETAIN service offers ongoing support, safeguarding expertise and proactive retention strategies to ensure apprentices remain engaged.

Their tailored solutions tackle resource constraints, manage all administrative tasks and handle the necessary legwork, allowing businesses to focus on the technical elements of an apprenticeship.

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ARC360 News – Friday 21 February 2025

ARC360 conference set to unlock the future of vehicle repair

With the motor claims, vehicle repair and mobility sectors continuing to undergo significant change, ARC360’s 2025 conference is set to offer a unique opportunity to stay ahead of the curve.

Taking place on Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, the event is already set to bring together over 25 leading insurer brands, more than 75 key repairers and in excess of 10 vehicle manufacturers, along with some of the industry’s most influential supply chain voices. Full story

Leading voices in the UK automotive repair industry came together at Oulton Park for the AutoRaise Power Panel, a discussion on the future of apprenticeships, industry perception, and breaking down barriers to entry.

Solus, an Aviva company, has announced that Managing Director Simon Smith has become a gold member of the Automotive 30% Club.

Fix Auto UK has appointed Fix Auto Bedford to its network. Formerly known as Quality Repair Centre or QRC for short, the business is owned by Marcin Macioszek and serial entrepreneur Ali Khan.

As an NBRA partner, ILC attended the Ageas Group and NBRA/VBRA Equipment EXPO in Wolverhampton this week, which explored the latest innovations.

Elder and Paton’s Angus Site is now officially a Tesla Approved Bodyshop.

Karen Jakes from Thatcham Research and Martyn Rowley from the NBRA have passed the £25,000 fundraising barrier. They are Trekking the Sahara Desert to raise funds for BEN.

Bolton-based Perfect Finish has passed its latest BSI Kitemark BS10125:2022 audit with 100% compliance.

Perfect Paint is now an official approved Genesis Select Accident Repairer for the Milton Keynes area.

Gillbrand Accident Repair has announced it will offset the costs of installing nine EV Chargers with solar roof panels that will generate 70KWH per hour.

SprayStyle Body Masters has announced it will unveil a new bodyshop in Newcastle-Under-Lyme this summer. To support the development it has appointed automotive Director Dave Willet.

On 7-8 June Lloyds Motor Group Bodyshop Manager Tim Parkinson will take on the Cateran Yomp in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund.

Fix Auto Basingstoke is now PAS2060 certified, meaning its vehicle repair services are fully carbon neutral.

Liam Kenny Motor Body Repairs has successfully passed its latest Mercedes-Benz audit.

Stellantis unveils STLA AutoDrive, hands-free and eyes-off autonomous technology

Stellantis has unveiled STLA AutoDrive 1.0, the Company’s first in-house-developed automated driving system, delivering Hands-Free and Eyes-Off (SAE Level 3) functionality. STLA AutoDrive is a key pillar of Stellantis’ technology stragety, alongside STLA Brain and STLA Smart Cockpit, advancing vehicle intelligence, automation and user experience. Full story

Polestar adds car keys in Apple Wallet, enabling users to lock, unlock, and start their vehicle with iPhone and Apple Watch

Thanks to an over-the-air (OTA) software update, Polestar 3 customers can now enjoy the convenience and added benefits of their car keys in Apple Wallet. Drivers can automatically unlock or lock, and start their vehicle while leaving their iPhone in their pocket or by simply wearing their Apple Watch. Full story

Fireman Access, an exclusive innovation by Renault Group, is now available with a free licence

Renault Group has decided to make the Fireman Access patents freely available to the entire automotive industry. Car manufacturers and parts suppliers can now obtain a free licence for this innovation through the open collaborative platform at www.renault.fr/universalpatent. In return, as part of this collaborative principle, licensees agree that any upgrades will be made available to other members of the community. Full story

Toyota develops new fuel cell system, contributing towards a future hydrogen society

Toyota has announced development of a third generation fuel cell (FC) system as part of its continuing efforts towards realising a hydrogen society. The all-new system is designed to meet the particular needs of the commercial sector, offering the same durability as conventional diesel-powered engines. Full story

Kia February’s front runner as UK’s hottest used car

Auto Trader has revealed the hottest used cars in February, with Kia models taking the top two spots. Both the Kia Ceed (petrol, up to a year old) and the Kia Carens (5-10 years old) are currently taking an average of just 11 days to sell, which is significantly faster than the overall market average of 29 days. Full story

NBRA challenge to non-payment of repairers by EDAM administrators

It has been reported that at least 93 bodyshops are unlikely to receive any payouts on the money owing since EDAM went into administration. The NBRA suggests the number of bodyshops who will not get paid is even higher than the number reported, but is working to challenge to the non-payment. Full story

AutoRaise Power Panel sparks industry action at Oulton Park

Leading figures from the UK’s automotive repair sector gathered at Oulton Park for the AutoRaise Power Panel, a landmark event designed to tackle the pressing issues facing the industry. Chaired by outgoing Dave Sargeant and incoming Simon Smith, the discussion focused on shaping the future of apprenticeships, changing industry perceptions, and removing barriers to entry for new talent. Full story

Enterprise Car Club announced as the new provider for Newcastle City Council

Enterprise Car Club has been announced as the new provider for Newcastle City Council, offering Newcastle businesses and residents access to pay-as-you-go vehicle hire from a wide range of locations across the city. Vehicles are provided by Enterprise Car Club from designated parking bays in the city centre and in residential areas. Full story

Thatcham Research partners with Elixirr to deliver more value for its insurance members

Elixirr, the established, global award-winning challenger consultancy, has partnered with Thatcham Research, the leading provider of automotive risk intelligence. Elixirr will deliver greater value for Thatcham Research’s members through its custom-built Value Optimiser model. Full story

National Windscreens announces new site in Luton

National Windscreens continues to expand its UK network with the opening of a purpose designed, 4,600 sqft fitting and calibration centre in Luton. This new centre is designed to meet that demand, with four fitting and calibration bays, complete with specialist LED lighting that facilitates use of the latest ADAS calibration technology by highly trained technicians. Full story

Annual Press Conference on February 28

On Friday, February 28, 2025, the Annual Press Conference of BASF SE will be held in Ludwigshafen, Germany. At 11am. (CET) BASF’s Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors Dr. Markus Kamieth and CFO Dr. Dirk Elvermann will present the 2024 financial results. Full story

Elevating polishing with the help of the new Mirka AIRP 300

Mirka UK is expanding its robotic polishing tool range with the launch of the new Mirka AIRP 300, a cutting-edge solution designed for high-precision and high-efficiency polishing. This new rotary polisher provides an alternative to traditional oscillating polishers and is suitable for use across a range of industries, including automotive. Full story

International Assistance Group expands NWVA partnership

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Colleges Week 2025: Building brighter futures using WorldSkills UK benchmarking resources

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New Careers Advice Toolkit empowers young people to explore apprenticeship and technical career paths

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VRAC’s Parts Platform will have an estimated 5 million+ parts

In an era where technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, a ground-breaking new Parts Platform led by the Vehicle Recyclers’ Association Certification (VRAC), is setting a new standard for innovation across our industry. Full story

FMG Repair Services launches in-house skills competition across the UK

Accident repair specialist FMG Repair Services continues its support of the next generation of industry talent with the creation of an automotive body repair competition for its apprentices. Full story

Supreme Court allows NFDA to intervene in motor finance case, Treasury bounced out

The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has been given permission to intervene in the motor finance case taking place in the Supreme Court. It emerged that the Treasury had not been given permission to intervene and will now have to watch events from the sidelines. Full story

Government apprentice requirement reduction a ‘bad fit’ for automotive

Government plans to reduce maths and English requirements for apprentices over 19 could increase overall numbers says Easy2Recruit, but the agency helping garages hire overseas talent is urging the automotive sector to instead work to attract higher-qualified candidates who would thrive in the high-tech industry of tomorrow. Full story

Lloyds puts aside a further £700m for compensation over car finance scandal

Lloyds Banking Group has been forced to put aside a further £700m for potential compensation over the ballooning car loan commission scandal, in a move that knocked its annual profits by 20%. The latest provision brings the sum it will hold back for payouts to almost £1.2bn. Full story

Number of supercars in the UK hits new record with more than half Ferraris

New research has revealed that the number of supercars in the UK is up 4% as the total hit 23,323 for the year ending June 30, 2024. The data from accountancy group UHY Hacker Young showed that Ferrari was the most popular supercar brand in the UK, with 14,714 currently on the road. Full story

Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights 2024 Year in Review

Claims frequency for collision-damaged, repairable battery electric vehicles (BEVs) rose to 2.71% in the US and 3.84% in Canada in 2024, a year-over-year increase of 38% and 34% respectively. US total loss frequency for BEVs increased to 10.2% in 2024 (up from 8% in 2023). Full story

Quarter of drivers affected by bright headlights drive less at night as a result

A quarter of drivers (25%) who find vehicle headlights too bright are driving less at night as a result, while 22% say they wish they could, a major new study on headlight glare from the RAC shows. Findings from what is believed to be the most in-depth research into motorists’ views on the issue reveal that three-quarters (75%) of those who drive less do so because intense headlights make the experience uncomfortable or more difficult. Full story

Industry Insights has welcomed Alan Cottrill to the motor claims business consultancy team.

Charlie Holmes, Customer Services Executive at Thatcham Research, is running the Reading Half-Marathon to raise funds for Ben.

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NBRA challenge to non-payment of repairers by EDAM administrators

 It has been reported that at least 93 bodyshops are unlikely to receive any payouts on the money owing since EDAM went into administration.

The NBRA suggests the number of bodyshops who will not get paid is even higher than the number reported, but is working to challenge to the non-payment.

It said, “Following EDAM’s administration, well over £750,000 is owed to repairers, and the group’s administrators have stated that they don’t intend to pay.

“As the repairer’s trade body, NBRA feel it’s their duty to challenge this and do as much as possible to ensure that bodyshops are paid. Because this is an ongoing administration, there are some complex legal issues to overcome, but NBRA have sought external advice to improve their chances of securing payments. They’re confident that there will be constructive discussions with the administrators in the near future, and this confidence is based on a solid legal foundation.

“To help secure a positive outcome, it’s important that NBRA’s case isn’t undermined by sharing any further details of which companies are affected, or financial details of how much is owed. A united repair industry will be much better placed to support affected companies and secure a settlement for every repairer involved.

“As part of this united front, NBRA would encourage any affected repairers to get in touch via the survey link, so that we can all work together to find the right legal advice and reach the best possible resolution.”

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AutoRaise Power Panel sparks industry action at Oulton Park

Leading figures from the UK’s automotive repair sector gathered at Oulton Park for the AutoRaise Power Panel, a landmark event designed to tackle the pressing issues facing the industry.

Chaired by outgoing Dave Sargeant and incoming Simon Smith, the discussion focused on shaping the future of apprenticeships, changing industry perceptions, and removing barriers to entry for new talent.

A key theme of the discussion was the need to rebrand the automotive repair sector to attract new talent. With the industry often perceived as dirty or outdated, there was broad agreement that a modern, professional image must be promoted to bring in a more diverse workforce – including more women.

Simon highlighted the urgent need for inclusivity, noting that even basic facilities, such as female toilets in workshops, are still missing in many bodyshops.

The panel agreed that the industry must take active steps to create welcoming environments that encourage talent from all backgrounds.

TV personality and bodyshop owner Richard Hammond joined the event via live feed, offering his perspective as both a public figure and business owner.

He reinforced the need for practical training, better support systems, and a stronger industry push to attract and retain skilled technicians.

He said, “We need to open the doors to all types of people in the automotive sector—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because we need every possible mind working on the industry’s future. This is about more than just apprenticeships—it’s about making sure everyone sees a place for themselves in automotive repair, engineering, and beyond.”

Meanwhile, former apprentice Rosie provided a powerful insight into how many young people view apprenticeships as a fallback option rather than a long-term career.

She stressed the need for clearer career pathways, improved working conditions, and competitive pay to make the trade more attractive to younger candidates. Mentorship also took centre stage, with discussions on how newly qualified apprentices could mentor the next generation.

This approach is set to be formally developed through the new AutoRaise Youth Voice Committee, ensuring apprentices are actively involved in shaping the future of training.

The event also highlighted the AutoRaise Bursary Fund, which provides financial assistance for small bodyshops to take on apprentices.

Attendees highlighted the need for further collaboration with education providers to expand funding opportunities and ensure apprentices get the support they need, and one of the most pressing takeaways from the event was the need for government reform of the Apprenticeship Levy.

The panel discussed how adjustments could make training more accessible and financially viable for bodyshops and education providers alike.

The AutoRaise Power Panel showcased a shared commitment to tackling the sector’s biggest challenges. Attendees left with a renewed sense of urgency and a clear plan of action to drive positive change.

Emma Speed, MD of Autoraise, said, “This event reinforced that while the challenges are significant, the industry is ready to take them on. Collaboration and action will be key to making apprenticeships more attractive, accessible, and successful.”

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Fix Auto UK begins 2025 with Bedford appointment

Fix Auto UK has appointed Fix Auto Bedford to its network.

Formerly known as Quality Repair Centre or QRC for short, the business is owned by Marcin Macioszek and serial entrepreneur Ali Khan.

The 5,500 sqft repair centre joins the group having been founded in January 2023. Today, the site is BSI10125 certified, boasts a team of 11 including six productives and is currently repairing up to 20 cars a week with scope for more.

Marcin said, “Like so many business owners in the industry, I have worked my way up from the shop floor. In my case, I have been a spraypainter before stepping up to the day-to-day operations. But I have always held the ambition to have my own repair centre and it was a meeting with my partner, Ali, who has provided the platform to make it happen.

“I am extremely proud of what we have achieved in such a short amount of time. But I am realistic and I know my strengths and weaknesses. Running a workshop is my strong point and my ’shop is progressing well, running a business in this industry is different which is why being part of Fix Auto UK and having access to the business support has been a priority of mine from the outset.”

Fix Auto UK’s Operations Director Mark Hutchins, added, “I am delighted to have Marcin, Ali and their team on board. Strategically, Fix Auto Bedford is ideally placed but I am excited to have someone as ambitious as Marcin on board who is so passionate about improving their business. It really is an exciting appointment.”

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ARC360 News – Friday 14 February 2025

ARC360 event continues to raise the bar

More than 25 insurer brands and over 75 of the sector’s leading vehicle repairer entities are already set to join ARC360’s 2025 event in May as it continues to raise the bar across the sector.

The event takes place on Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon. Full story

The NBRA has provided an update on EDAM: “The NBRA continue to work at understanding how best to resolve the repercussions to the industry following EDAM being placed into administration. We are in active dialogue with Interpath and their solicitors and have instructed the team at MILS our NBRA solicitors, and legal counsel to draft a response to correspondence outlining the legal position.”

AutoRaise is calling on UK bodyshops to take urgent action to secure the future of the automotive repair industry. The UK’s vehicle repair sector is facing a severe skills shortage, with over 5,000 vacancies currently unfilled and the gap widening each year.

Fix Auto UK has given its full support to Apprenticeship Central, the unique recruitment organisation dedicated to serving the vehicle repair sector. The endorsement could not have been better timed as across the country businesses are celebrating the 18th annual National Apprentice Week (February 10-16).

James Alpe has announced it is now a Tesla approved bodyshop.

Linda Jones has started a new position as Senior Customer Service at HB Accident Repair Network, while Phil Allman has been appointed Commercial Programme Manager.

Daryll O’Keefe has been promoted to Fix Auto Vice President, Strategic Business Development – North America. 

Honda-Nissan multi-billion dollar merger collapses

Merger talks between Honda and Nissan have collapsed after the firms failed to agree on a multi-billion-dollar tie-up. The Japanese carmakers, along with junior partner Mitsubishi, had aimed to combine their businesses to fight back against competition from rival firms, especially in China. Full story

Driving the next generation of automotive talent through apprenticeships

During this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, Volkswagen Group UK is not only celebrating with a visit to the Houses of Parliament to showcase network skills, but also launching a number of new head office apprenticeship roles, covering data, IT, business and finance. Full story

MINI increases personalisation and usability across MINI family

Following the successful launch of the new MINI family, a range of additions and optional extras are set to further enhance the MINI offering from Spring 2025. Increasing personalisation across the MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Countryman, customers now have a wider choice of exterior colours and trim combinations, alongside new digital features and improved practicality. Full story

Bentley opens doors of new Excellence Centre for Quality & Launch

Bentley Motors has officially opened its new state-of-the-art Excellence Centre for Quality & Launch. The new facility, opened by Gunnar Kilian, Member of the Board of Management at Volkswagen AG, and Bentley’s Board of Management, will be pivotal to the brand’s preparations for the first Bentley BEV. Full story

Stellantis and Mistral AI strengthen strategic partnership

Stellantis and Mistral AI are deepening their strategic collaboration to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across multiple areas, from vehicle engineering to in-car experiences. This partnership leverages Mistral AI’s expertise in large language models (LLMs) and AI-driven automation to bring AI to many systems and applications across Stellantis enterprise, improving data analysis, streamlining development, and enhancing customer interaction. Full story

BYD expands ‘God’s Eye’ intelligent driving into its entry level cars

BYD threw a bombshell into China’s EV sector with its announcement that its advanced driver assistance system—known as “God’s Eye”—is now available in over 20 models, with the cheapest model, the Seagull, priced at under £8,000. Full story

ID One name seemingly confirmed for VW’s new sub-£20,000 EV

It’s been reported that Volkswagen’s new baby electric car will be called the ID One. The new model will debut in 2027, and has a promised price tag of less than £20,000. Full story

XPENG announces official launch in the UK

XPENG, a Chinese-born global-orientated high-tech automotive company, has announced its official entry to the UK. It will unveil the ultra-smart all-electric mid-size coupe SUV, XPENG G6 in March, with launch price from £39,990. XPENG is partnering with International Motors to open 20 dealerships in the UK this year. Full story

EV transition drives apprentice recruitment as industry skills up for ‘growth decade’

Top employers in the UK automotive sector are investing in a major skills drive to grow apprenticeship numbers by almost a sixth in 2025, according to a new survey by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, as manufacturers embark on a ‘green growth decade’. More than 550 new apprentices already having joined the sector this academic year, with an additional 740 apprenticeships still available. Full story

IMI response to government’s new Apprenticeship Reforms and Skills Strategy

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) cautiously welcomes the government’s announcement on apprenticeship reforms as a step in the right direction. However, it urges that short-term flexibility does not come at the expense of high-quality training and future-proof skills development. Full story

Apprenticeship Central breaks down apprenticeship reforms

In the middle of National Apprentice Week the government announced a wide ranging package of reforms to boost growth of apprenticeship placements. Cutting through the jargon Apprenticeship Central has set out what the announcement means. Full story

Demand for used EVs rises to record levels as second-hand car market grows in 2024

The UK’s used car market grew by 5.5% to 7,643,180 transactions in 2024, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Marking eight quarters of continuous growth, the year saw 400,488 more vehicles change hands than in 2023, with growth in the new car market fuelling availability and wider choice within the used sector. Full story

European auto industry champions policies for future-proof workforce at skills strategic dialogue

Securing quality jobs, delivering on skills and training, and ensuring a thriving, competitive European vehicle industry were all at the top of the agenda at the ACEA’s Strategic Dialogue meeting. Full story

Allianz UK warns motor traders of EV battery fire risks

Allianz UK is warning motor traders to be aware of the risks associated with Electric Vehicle (EV) battery fires, which have caused extensive damage in recent cases and created unique challenges. Full story

ACG has appointed Neil Thomas as its latest Business Development Manager.

Gemma Edwards has been appointed Business Development Manager at Remit Training.

Industry Insights is delighted to welcome Alan Cottrill to the motor claims business consultancy team.

Thatcham Research has announced the appointment of Nick Caplan as Chair of the Board of Directors.

Aviva has announced the appointment of Craig Fazzini-Jones as Group Chief Operating Officer.

Chris Payne has been appointed Head of DLG Auto Services at Direct Line Group.

AutoRaise has also announced that Simon Smith, Managing Director and Aviva Repair lead at Solus, will take over from Dave Sargeant, Managing Director of Gemini, as Chair.

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Apprenticeship Central breaks down apprenticeship reforms

In the middle of National Apprentice Week the government announced a wide ranging package of reforms to boost growth of apprenticeship placements.

Cutting through the jargon Apprenticeship Central has set out what the announcement means.

It said the minimum duration of an apprenticeship will be reduced to eight months from the current minimum of 12 months with the view to make it easier for employers in sectors with urgent skills needs to train and retain talent quickly.

Having said this, Apprenticeship Central does not see this really affecting the duration of technical courses in our highly skilled sector.

Meanwhile, businesses will now be able to decide whether learners 19-plus will need to complete a level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to GCSE) when they start their apprenticeship course in order to pass it. This is welcome news as it gives the decision making on qualifications back to employers and allows apprentices to focus on job-specific skills and paid work.

Meanwhile a new Skills England body has been launched to oversee national skills strategy and support economic growth.

Apprenticeship Central signalled this change several weeks ago and welcomes the step towards cutting bureaucracy and ensuring skills training aligns with industry needs. Having a single governing body can streamline processes, remove red tape and make it easier for businesses to develop their workforce.

The reform package designed to break the link between background and success. Too many young people leave full time education with little to show for their time there but with the right apprenticeship programme they can develop the skills and confidence to thrive.

The government estimates this package of reforms could provide up to 10,000 more apprentices per year.

Director of Apprenticeship Central, Eleanor Baker Barnes said: “We know that our industry is overwhelmingly receptive to apprenticeships. Removing red tape and beauracracy, especially around core functional skills such as English and maths, is key to further growth. We can see 2025 is going to be a milestone year for apprentices in the collision repair sector.”

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Apprenticeship Central launch a VDA Apprenticeship Programme

Apprenticeship Central has announced its Vehicle Damage Assessor Apprenticeship Programme has completed a successful trial phase and it will soon be able to place VDA apprenticeship candidates into bodyshops.

Eleanor Baker Barnes, Director at Apprenticeship Central, said, “We’re excited to unveil the next phase of our apprenticeship offerings. Through our Recruit and Retain programmes, our mission is to help equip apprentices with the skills and confidence they need to excel in a rapidly evolving industry while contributing to a more sustainable and innovative future.”

This initiative is designed to address critical skills gaps while fostering a culture of innovation among apprentices. Apprenticeship Central is committed to preparing apprentices not just for their roles today, but for a future filled with opportunity and progress.

Eleanor added, “Our apprenticeships are not just about developing skills, they are about shaping the leaders of tomorrow’s bodyshop world. The recent changes to Level 2 English and maths qualifications create new opportunities for a wider talent pool and we look forward to welcoming a new wave of apprentices who will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the industry.”

Anyone interested in joining the programme, which is designed to support both new and current team members, is invited to email enquire@apprenticeship-central.co.uk

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ARC360 event continues to raise the bar 

More than 25 insurer brands and over 75 of the sector’s leading vehicle repairer entities are already set to join ARC360’s 2025 event in May as it continues to raise the bar across the sector. 

The event, which takes place on Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon is supported by ARC360 Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Entegral, Enterprise, NWVA, Mirka, S&G Response and Solera Audatex, along with Partners: e2e, Prasco and Repairify; and Vehicle Manufacturer Partner: Stellantis.  

Event sponsors include Activate Group and Thatcham Research.  

Titled: ‘A new era – the changing dynamics of a sector’, the event will feature a conference, showcase sessions, a significant supplier exhibition area, as well as special guests.  

Already confirmed to join discussions during the event are leading industry figures: 

  • Michael Golding, Network Manager, Allianz 
  • Paul Llewellyn, Head of Claims (Motor), Ageas 
  • Peter Randhawa, Director of ESG & Special Projects, Steer Automotive Group 
  • Martyn Rowley, Chief Executive, NBRA 
  • Victoria Turner, CEO, National Accident Repair Group 
  • Andy Whatmough, Managing Director, S&G Response  

With several new names to be added in the coming weeks. 

The event promises to deliver one of the most engaging, interactive and future focused events in the motor claims/vehicle repair calendar providing: 

  • an understanding of the current market dynamics, the impacts they are having and what it means for the future of business 
  • an insight into what is top of insurer priorities and what solutions you can offer 
  • chance to contribute to how all stakeholders have a role to play in making the industry ‘future fit’ 
  • interaction with industry experts on how their specific sectors are evolving and the opportunities it is creating 
  • the ability to align with the opportunities the future industry will bring 

To find out more about the event – including the sponsorship opportunities available and how to purchase tickets – contact Liane on liane@iloveclaims.com 

For a full insight into last year’s occasion, click here to read the Better Tomorrow post-event publication.

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