SYNETIQ wins Carbon Literacy Gold

SYNETIQ has been awarded Gold Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO) status from the Carbon Literacy Project.

Gold status recognises that more than 50% of colleagues have completed industry-specific Carbon Literacy training and are certified as Carbon Literate.

Tom Rumboll, UK Managing Director for IAA and CEO of SYNETIQ, said, “Being awarded Gold status is a reflection of our commitment to cultivating a climate-conscious culture and emphasises our efforts to create a positive change.

“Carbon Literacy Gold is a powerful catalyst for transformation. It has given us the knowledge and confidence to educate our colleagues, our clients and our neighbours, and inspired us to make ambitious and meaningful commitments.”

Elisa Caton, SYNETIQ’s Sustainability Manager, said, “Carbon Literacy has proven itself as a platform to drive positive change, not only across our business, but also our wider industry. Whilst it will take a collective effort over many years to achieve global sustainability goals, we will use this accreditation to drive further progress and continue to share best practice with our clients and other businesses in the industry.”

The Carbon Literacy Project training course involves learning about greenhouse gases and their impact, how the climate is changing and what that means for individuals and society. It goes on to challenge participants to think about the changes they can make as part of their everyday lives to help tackle the climate crisis.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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

25-04-2025

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

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

16-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

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

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

NWVA scores with West Ham United stars

Nationwide Vehicle Assistance has recorded a promotional video with stars of the West Ham United FC first team.

The video is hosted by The Apprentice star Tom Skinner, who asks the three players a series of questions while they safely strap a vehicle to one of NWVA’s recovery trucks.

Questions revolve around the club’s history, stadium and individual player records, and each question they get right knocks five seconds off their overall time. The winner was the player who secured the vehicle to the bed of the truck in the quickest time.

Nationwide Vehicle Assistance, an official partner of West Ham United, provides vehicle collision recovery solutions throughout the UK and Europe.

It also delivers an ongoing training programme for colleagues and the wider industry to promote safe vehicle handling, including hybrid and electric vehicles.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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

25-04-2025

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

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

16-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

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

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Government report calls for ‘urgent’ EV roadmap

A new government report on electric vehicles has called for ‘urgent changes’ if the UK is to meet its net zero emissions targets.

Published by the House of Lords Committee, the Environment and Climate Change Committee’s EV strategy: rapid recharge needed report revealed that EVs make up just three per cent of all cars now on UK roads.

Despite the introduction of the ZEV Mandate and a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035, the report highlighted that barriers still exist around cost and public charging.

It has urged the government to publish a roadmap revealing a clear strategy to 2035 to provide clarity for both customers and automotive manufacturers in order to ‘seize the opportunity it has given itself.’

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Many of the recommendations have already been highlighted by industry, such as chargepoint rollout ahead of need, equalising VAT on public charging to home charging and the importance of purchase incentives, which could be delivered by a VAT cut. The report also notes the need for clear, consistent communication of the UK’s ambition.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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

25-04-2025

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

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

16-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

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

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Rybrook secures Lotus approval

Rybrook Lotus Bristol has announced that bodyshop partner S J Curtis has achieved Lotus approval.

Accreditation underlines the repairer’s dedication to precision, attention to detail, and excellence.

Darren Ferguson, (Rybrook) Lotus Bristol, said, “S J Curtis is very pleased to announce our success in achieving Lotus Bodyshop Approval. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and quality.

“This accolade is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team, and we would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey.

“We look forward to working with the iconic Lotus brand and supporting our dealership partner Rybrook Lotus Bristol.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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

25-04-2025

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

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

16-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

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

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Copart announces Peterlee expansion

Online vehicle remarketing and recycling specialist is expanding its Operation Centre in Peterlee, County Durham.

The expansion will increase the site to 30 acres with a capacity for handling upwards of 38,000 vehicles a year.

It will also include enlarged areas for vehicles that may require specialist handling like EVs, HEVs, and flood and fire damaged vehicles, while new vehicle preparation and valeting areas using state-of-the-art technology to inspect and image vehicles are also being planned.

Jane Pocock, CEO of Copart UK & Ireland, said: “This expansion at Peterlee will enable us to handle around 38,000 vehicles per annum, supporting Copart’s continued growth and industry leading services in the Northeast alongside our Operation Centres in Sandtoft and York.

“The additional storage capacity will enable us to offer unique contingency land to our customers following extreme weather events and support further the national growth of our onsite Contact Centre which provides vital first response and policy holder management services.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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

25-04-2025

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

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

16-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

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

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

ARC360 News Round-Up – Friday 9 February 2024

Bodyshop briefs

  • KC Autos Northwich has achieved the BS10125:2022 standard.
  • Komoo Sheffield is celebrating after passing its BSI Kitemark audit.
  • Witham-based Nova Automotive Group is now open, handling both passenger and commercial vehicles.

Industry News

EU considers limiting repairs to old cars

A number of news sources have reported that the European Union is considering restricting repairs to cars over 15 years old as part of a plan to phase out older, more polluting vehicles.

The proposal, which has not been ratified, would form part of the Fit for 55 initiative, which aims to reduce net emissions by 55% by 2030.

It’s understood that older vehicles with significant damage to engines, transmissions, brakes or steering would fall under a ‘residual vehicle’ category, which would bar them from repair.

Trend Tracker report now live

Trend Tracker has published its comprehensive UK Motor Claims and Body Repair Report 2023-24.

The 266-page report includes the latest data, trends and analysis from across the motor claims and body repair sector.

Industry targets new talent during National Apprenticeship Week

The automotive industry has rallied to support National Apprenticeship Week, with businesses from all sectors promoting the sector to the next generation through a range of initiatives and events.

At the Nottingham College Apprenticeship evening, both Michael Golding, Network Manager at LV, and Managing Director of Gemini Accident Repair Centres Dave Sargeant were on the AutoRaise stand discussing automotive career opportunities to students and parents.

Elsewhere, Autocraft Group apprentices are on respected manufacturer programmes such as Volvo and VWG, Steer Automotive Group has recently unveiled its first ever Apprentice Skills Competition, which will continue throughout February, while The Vella Group has recognised the 29 apprentices on its books.

EY forecasts further growth for UK automotive

EY UK is predicting another strong year of growth in the new car market, after the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that sales grew a further 8.2% in January to 142,876 registrations.

David Borland, EY UK & Ireland Automotive Leader, said, “While the new year will undoubtedly present economic and regulatory challenges, the market is showing robust momentum as it heads into 2024 with further volume increases forecast for the year.

Repairify offer proves a huge hit

Repairify’s offer of free remote services for three months has saved bodyshops thousands of pounds since it was announced at the end of December, with hundreds of free jobs already undertaken.

The offer was introduced to support repairers amidst rising operational costs.

Sustainability a key focus for 2024

Solera APAC Managing Director Chris Iacovou has highlighted the key challenges facing the sector this year.

Talking to Digital Nation alongside other industry leaders, he said consumer demand and regulatory pressure would ramp up the focus on sustainability. Other issues addressed included enhanced cyber security, ethical use of AI, and digital skills.

TGSS formed after management buyout

Key figures in the sector have come together to launch telematics solutions provider Trak Global Security Solutions (TGSS).

TGSS has been created following a management buyout of the IMS stolen vehicle recovery division by former commercial director Dave Turnock and entrepreneur Andy Christopher.

Dave Shepherd has been appointed Chairman, while Alan Cottrill and Mark Ward have joined as non-executive directors.

Pricing tool dedicated to dealers released

cap hpi had developed a new tool to support dealers price optional extras on used vehicles. Its Options Value tool is available free to subscribers in the Valuation Anywhere product.

Silverlake supports Ukraine with first aid kits

Silverlake is partnering with charity UK Sunflower Aid to support refugees in Ukraine.

It is sending recycled vehicle first aid kits to the country as well as fuelling all the vans needed to transport them there.

To date it has collected and shipped over 1,500 first aid kits from its Sheffield site.

Strong start to 2024 for car sales

New car registrations grew for the 18th month in a row in January, rising 8.2% to 142,876 units.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders also reported that the month saw the one millionth electric vehicle sold in the UK, with 20,935 BEVs registered, a rise of 21%, taking the overall total since records began to 1,001,677.

SYNETIQ set for BTCC grid

SYNETIQ has entered a new team to compete in the British Touring Cars Championship.

Called ‘LKQ Euro Car Parts with SYNETIQ,’ the team will consist of two additional cars racing alongside the Toyota Gazoo Racing UK effort under the Speedworks banner, with two-time Independents’ laurel winner Josh Cook confirmed as one of the drivers.

Used car sales enjoy robust sales year

More than seven million used cars were sold in the UK last year as the market increased by 5.1%, or 351,915 units, from 2022.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also reported that used EV sales nearly doubled through the year, rising by 90.9% to a record 118,973.

A year in review

Research carried out by sopp+sopp has found that 41% of bodyshops said staffing was among their biggest challenges last year.

It also found that repair times had risen to an average of 42 days on average by September, while 40% of repairers said that delays in parts sourcing had impacted one in five jobs.

GLASS provides transparency

BASF has unveiled a new tool which enables businesses to measure the carbon footprint and associated costs of their paintshops.

GLASS, which stands for Global Life Cycle Assessment of Automotive Surface Solutions, covers the entire value chain from raw material extraction via pre-treatment to clearcoat as the final step of the coating process, enabling customers to optimise costs and performance, and ecological footprint. 

Thatcham Research renews call for EV battery collaboration

Thatcham Research has welcomed the House of Lords report, ‘EV strategy: rapid recharge needed,’ which has called for “the introduction of a cross-industry battery health testing standard… to provide clarity around the condition of an old or damaged battery.”

Thatcham Research has now renewed calls for the industry to work together to reduce the cost of battery repair or replacement.

A1 ADAS Solutions set for ADAS growth

A1 ADAS Solutions is gearing up for further growth in mobile ADAS calibration, diagnostics, and programming, after demand for services from its fully-equipped fleet of vans rose substantially last year.

Iain Molloy, Managing Director, said, “By 2030 it’s also estimated 44% of cars will have level 2 autonomy. This makes ADAS is a real growth area, not just for us, but for our bodyshop customers too.”

ITAS introduces updated Honda training

ITAS has updated its two-day Honda Body Structure collision repair course.

The updated course addresses changes in construction, vehicle technology and subsequent collision repair and panel replacement procedures.

Headlight partnership shines the way forward

General Motors is partnering with Llink Technologies to produce and sell remanufactured headlights. The collaboration will offer dealers and customers greater choice in headlamp replacement.

AutoCommercial unveils online platform

A new online platform for buying and selling automotive businesses and properties has gone live. AutoCommercial has been unveiled by MTBN and offers full buyer and seller confidentiality.

VM news

EV skills in the spotlight

Thatcham Research Chief Executive Jonathan Hewett had addressed the role of insurers in supporting the EV switch.

Speaking with Stephen Linklater, Claims Director at Ageas UK in the first episode of Insured Insights, he stressed the importance of having specialist staff able to repair EVs safely and the growing need to reuse damaged EV batteries.

BYD Seal U spotted on UK shores

BYD Europe has launched the BYD SEAL U, an electric SUV offering a range of more than 300 miles on a single charge.

BYD sold more than three million units worldwide last year and Thatcham Research helped prepare the UK aftermarket for rising sales from the Chinese manufacturers by hosting a two-day product showcase recently.

People

  • Finance Director at Fix Auto Mid Devon Alena Woolacott has been named 2024 Inspiring Automotive Women Award.
  • Vertu Motors has appointed James Ousby as VDA at its Exeter site.
  • Henry Angus has started a new position as Client Manager at BSI.
  • Matthew Coles has been appointed Group Parts Manager at Komoo.
  • RWC Training has appointed James Haydon as Training Manager.
  • AkzoNobel has appointed Kristy Clyde as Regional Sales Manager – South.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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

25-04-2025

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

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

16-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

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

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Industry targets new talent during National Apprenticeship Week

The automotive industry has rallied to support National Apprenticeship Week, with businesses from all sectors promoting the sector to the next generation through a range of initiatives and events.

At the Nottingham College Apprenticeship evening, both Michael Golding, Network Manager at LV, and Managing Director of Gemini Accident Repair Centres Dave Sargeant were on the AutoRaise stand discussing automotive career opportunities to students and parents.

Meanwhile, Gemini’s reputation for supporting new talent was underlined when it won the ‘Learning and Development’ category at the Insurance CX Awards 2024.

Elsewhere, Autocraft Group emphasised its commitment to developing fresh talent. The group has five apprentices at the moment, with workshop apprentices on respected manufacturer programmes such as Volvo and VWG.

Also nurturing new skills is Steer Automotive Group. Its apprenticeship theme this year is ‘Skills for Life’ and the group has recently unveiled its first ever Apprentice Skills Competition, which will continue throughout February.

Meanwhile, Vella Group Technical Training Manager Allan Wareing has highlighted the opportunities provided by the multi-skilled apprenticeship programme he leads. The Vella Group currently has 29 apprentices on its books.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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

25-04-2025

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

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

16-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

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

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Trend Tracker Report now live

Trend Tracker has published its comprehensive UK Motor Claims and Body Repair Report 2023-24.

The 266-page report includes the latest data, trends and analysis from across the motor claims and body repair sector.

This includes a summary of market developments amidst continued economic challenges, a focus on electric vehicles, detailed insights around trends within the repair market, sustainability within the supply chain, and the latest from the motor insurance market.

The report is a culmination of months of research, and features key contributions from the likes of Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services at Thatcham Research, Lauren Harman, Claims Performance and Reporting Manager at Zurich, Alan Hayes, Legal Director at Carpenters, Derren Martin, Director of Valuations, cap hpi, industry expert David Shepherd, Steve Silverwood, Managing Director at ECA Business Energy & Planet First Energy, Helen Carling, Commercial Director at SYNETIQ, Wayne Mason-Drust, Managing Director at Accident Express Group, Head of Insights at Zapmap Jade Edwards, and Managing Director at Industry Insights Steve Thompson.

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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

25-04-2025

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

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

16-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

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

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

TGSS formed after management buyout

Key figures in the sector have come together to launch telematics solutions provider Trak Global Security Solutions (TGSS).

TGSS has been created following a management buyout of the IMS stolen vehicle recovery division by former commercial director Dave Turnock and entrepreneur Andy Christopher.

Dave Shepherd has been appointed Chairman, while Alan Cottrill and Mark Ward have joined as non-executive directors.

Dave said, “I am proud to say I was an integral member of the senior management team that has steered IMS into being the world’s leading provider of telematic data solutions. I feel privileged to be given the opportunity of taking over the reins of the SVR division. The move enables myself and the new team to be able to dedicate 100% of our time to drive its success to a whole new level.

“The SVR division really was a sleeping giant within the IMS group but one that with the drive and passion we have for its services along with our innovative plans for new tech, we can become the sector leader. Not just here in the UK, but across Europe.”

Andy added: “IMS is a great British success that has long led field with its provision of telematic data and I am delighted the company has given Dave and myself the opportunity to take over its SVR division and entrusted us to take it to that next level. While our core customer base will always be the vehicle rental and lease sectors, our aim is to develop a more consumer-based service, one in which we’ll deliver with the same unrivalled customer journey.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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

25-04-2025

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

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

16-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

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

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners

Repairify offer proves a huge hit

Repairify’s offer of free remote services for three months has saved bodyshops thousands of pounds since it was announced at the end of December, with hundreds of free jobs already undertaken.

The offer was introduced to support repairers amidst rising operational costs.

Toyota topped the vehicle manufacturer brands being worked on, while the average wait time for a Repairify IMI-qualified technician to support the shop was just 1.8 minutes.

Phil Peace, Managing Director, said: “We’ve been delighted with the high number of jobs new customers have been completing as a result of our ‘three months free’ campaign, saving them considerable money. With thousands of jobs being completed quickly every day, customers are benefiting significantly from our remote services and unrivalled technical support.”

More Insights

ARC360 News – Friday 25 April 2025

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

25-04-2025

ARC360 Conference 2025: Unpacking the future of claims and collision repair

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

16-04-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 11 April 2025

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

11-04-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

REPAIRIFY

Associate Partners