ARC360 news round up – Friday 26 August 

Talent spotting within automotive 

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. 

Trend Tracker surveys sector  

The Trend Tracker survey, supported by ARC360 and NBRA, is available to complete now: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/TTracker2022  

The survey which forms part of Trend Tracker’s key accident repair market report is more in depth than ever this year to better reflect and understand the challenges and trends affecting the sector during these unprecedented times. 

Feature interview: Dave Sargeant, Managing Director, Gemini ARC 

According to the Institute of the Motor Industry, the automotive industry could face a 160,000 shortfall in skilled labour by 2031.  

Here, we speak to Managing Director Dave Sargeant, who is also Chairman of AutoRaise, about the company’s commitment to developing the next generation, and how the industry can appeal to a wider demographi

U-Pol answers AutoRaise Rallying cry 

AutoRaise has announced that U-Pol has signed up to support the AutoRaise Rally 2022 as headline sponsor

After sitting in the pit lane throughout the pandemic, the rally returns with a 370-mile journey through the Midlands and Wales from 21-23 September. 

Fix Network World confirms GCC expansion 

Fix Network World is continuing its international expansion with a new partnership with Gulf Motor Company in Saudi Arabia and the GCC countries.  

As part of the collaboration, it will open six collision centres and six quick services centres in the region with the collision repair service named Fix Auto Collision, and the mechanical service and repair centres named Fix Auto Service. 

Fairlight secures BSI certification 

Fairlight Coachworks has secured its Vehicle Damage Repair Kitemark, after successfully undergoing a BSI audit.  

The Peacehaven-based repairer is also PAS 2060 certified and approved by a list of manufacturers including Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall. 

Backing for BEN 

Enterprise Holdings and North West-based retailer Halliwell Jones have backed automotive charity BEN to the tune of £2,000. 

Chris Brown, Head of Replacement Sales, Enterprise, said, “It was great to handover an Enterprise Holdings Foundation cheque to BEN on behalf of Enterprise and Halliwell Jones. It will go towards supporting anyone who works or has worked in the automotive industry.” 

Commercial role for Rickelle 

Innovative Repair Group (iRG) has appointed Rickelle Woodbridge as Group Commercial Manager.  

She joined the company from ERS in 2017 and has held roles as Head of Customer Service and Quality Assurance Manager. 

AW Repair Group names new GM 

Anthony Fuller has been appointed as General Manager at AW Repair Group

He has more than a decade in the industry, having previously worked as Operations Director at XPress Centres and Head of Production Operations at ABL 1 Touch Group. 

More than a Fife dream 

Scotland-based repair group Elder and Paton has welcomed on board the first technicians it has recruited from Africa. Accommodation has been provided for them near the company’s R B Bruce Coachworks site in Fife, where they will work.  

New IMI-approved EV course launched 

RWC Training is introducing a new electric vehicle course that it believes is more suited to technicians than the current Level Four Qualification. 

Its new IMI-approved Electric Vehicle Technician Accreditation is a two-day course is a step up from Level Three Qualification and covers battery technology and the safe handling of high voltage components. 

Top marks for Birmingham repairer 

Birmingham-based independent repairer Clarke & Evans Accident Repair Specialists has achieved a 100% score in its Volkswagen audit. 

Sherwood lands top job 

Avant Consult has named Micah Sherwood as new Network Operations Manager. 

She has previously worked at Innovation Group, Nationwide Crash Repair Centres and Foray Motor Group. 

Automotive output on the up 

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has reported that car manufacturing rose by 8.6% in July to 58,043 units, with production of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles surging by 24.7%. 

Meanwhile, UK commercial vehicle production rose 43.9% to 8,097 units in the best July since 2016 and 11th consecutive month of growth.

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Gemini goes ‘all-in’ for AutoRaise Rally

Gemini Accident Repair Group is supporting the AutoRaise Rally by entering 29 cars, which will travel 370 miles through the Midlands and Wales from 21-23 September.

This is the first AutoRaise rally to be held since Covid-19, and will raise valuable funds for the charity set up to support apprentices hoping to join the industry as well as businesses seeking to offer apprenticeships.

Gemini’s cars will be prepared by its own apprentices across its sites, giving them an opportunity to highlight their skills while at the same time raising funds for the charity.

Meanwhile, the group has recently been named among the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.

It finished 70th on the prestigious list, and Technical Training and Development Manager John Henderson will now represent the company at the House of Lords Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer lunch on 7 September.

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Talent spotting within automotive

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.

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U-Pol answers AutoRaise Rallying cry

AutoRaise has announced that U-Pol has signed up to support the AutoRaise Rally 2022 as headline sponsor.

After sitting in the pit lane throughout the pandemic, the rally returns with a 370-mile journey through the Midlands and Wales from 21-23 September.

Recognised as a world leader in automotive refinishing products, U-Pol has been serving customers in more than 100 countries for the last 75 years.

Group CEO Guy Williams said, “U-Pol is delighted to be the headline sponsor of the AutoRaise Rally. The work the AutoRaise charity does is critically important in supporting getting our young people into work to learn the skills to develop the next generation of repair industry specialists. At U-Pol we are committed to building the capabilities of our people, and this is why we view AutoRaise as the perfect partnership for us. We look forward to seeing all of our industry colleagues at the rally, and raising a lot of money, to continue this important work.”  

Steve Thompson, Vice Chair of AutoRaise said, “It is fantastic to have the support of a key industry supplier supporting the 2022 AutoRaise Rally. U-Pol have been involved in our industry for a long time and the fact that they have become our headline sponsor is a great testament to their commitment to this industry.

“The 2022 AutoRaise Rally now has just a few remaining sponsorship opportunities; this is a great way to support the AutoRaise charity, assist in addressing market challenges and positively raising profile of your business in the largest AutoRaise Rally to date.” 

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Feature interview: Dave Sargeant, Managing Director, Gemini ARC

According to the Institute of the Motor Industry, the automotive industry could face a 160,000 shortfall in skilled labour by 2031. Although the total number of jobs in the sector may decrease, the changing skill sets and growing exodus of talent could put the industry under even greater strain than ever.

ARC360 partner Gemini Accident Repairs has been a long-time advocate of apprentices, recognised again this year as one of the top 100 companies in the UK for developing new talent.

Here, we speak to Managing Director Dave Sargeant, who is also Chairman of AutoRaise, about the company’s commitment to developing the next generation, and how the industry can appeal to a wider demographic.

Can you briefly explain how Gemini is securing a pipeline of new talent?

Gemini uses several methods of sourcing strategies to secure new talent. From partnering with the AutoRaise charity, the UK industry charity that aims to solve the skills crisis by finding and recruiting new apprentices into the industry, to connecting with Nottingham College, using an in-house recruiter team to build a talent pool in addition to joining with some of the best recruitment agencies in the industry, we have a strong recruitment strategy.

From an apprenticeship perspective, Gemini ARC partners with Nottingham College, EMTEC, to source talent and recruit apprentices. EMTEC will carry out pre-screening assessments for applicants, and then suitable candidates are passed forward to Gemini ARC to interview.

Gemini also advertises at recruitment fayres, schools, and colleges to gain as much reach as possible as well as encouraging our current apprentices to speak with their friends.

What are your company’s long-term goals?

Gemini ARC’s long-term goal involves evolving and growing with new site locations, thus increasing our repair capacity and staff focus. We are currently recruiting 73 apprentices throughout the group, which equals 11.5% of the workforce. The goal is to always keep above 10% of the workforce on an apprenticeship or training programme to ensure we keep bringing in new talent and upskilling the workforce. We are very fond of ‘promotion from within.’

We back-fill Vehicle Damage Assessor and Multiskilled technician positions at all sites for when an apprentice is fully qualified and progresses to a permanent role. Similarly, when we open new sites we take on a minimum of three further apprentices to add to the programme. Some are looking at future training on our pathway to VDA courses.

We are also widening our training and development team capabilities by adding additional courses and investing in our people.

The drop-off rate of apprenticeships remains high – how does Gemini ensure apprentices remain engaged throughout the journey?

We hear this a lot, but Gemini has very little drop off regarding apprentices. I believe that to be because of the investment we have made into a strong training and development team.

It is well known within the industry that we invest in our apprentices and go the extra mile by hosting awards ceremonies and regular recognition of their achievements. This can make a difference to just offering a job pathway.

Apprentices are also fully aware of their journey. This includes a timeline for when they will reach pay increases and other benefits, when they will qualify and what career paths are open to them after that.

The Gemini programme is so considered and detailed that apprentices are aware of what is coming. They are also offered individual mentoring when they first join the programme.

What more can the wider industry do to appeal to the next generation?

The industry must start somewhere; listening to the likes of AutoRaise and actively taking apprentices and young people on will make all the difference, but you must be prepared to invest, teach, and develop people. I strongly believe the amount of young people that are interested in the industry far outweighs the numbers of actual apprenticeships and bodyshop placements available to them.

Is there too much onus on bodyshops to attract and train – can other stakeholders in the sector do more to future-proof the aftermarket?

I think it is and 80/20 split now; 80% is on the bodyshops because we require the staff and there is an aging workforce that needs replacing, but the other 20% of the industry must support bodyshops with the likes of levy funds.

How do you see the role of the bodyshop technician evolving in the next 2-5 years?

The role of a bodyshop technician will certainly be more technical and electronic based over the years. Over recent years there has been a need for EV training, and this will only evolve. There will be less manual and more automated methods of repair.

For us, the multi skilled technician is the way forward, and our apprentices undertake training on many aspects of repair functions, such as using ADAS technology.

Vehicle technology is evolving, and we must keep up with the times. For example, a painter will now need to understand radar cameras to be aware of the depth of the paint onto a bumper as part of a vehicle repair.

Will the skills of today be the same as tomorrow, and if not, what new skills do you think will become more relevant?

All in all, the skills of today will remain, such as panel alignment, panel repair and the standard paint process which has not changed. The electronics and combustion engines changing will obviously mean that there are mechanical and electronic changes to adapt to.

Also, the extensive accidents will reduce with car technology evolving but will lead to an increase in smaller repairs, but they will be more expensive and complex. However, this industry will always thrive, and car repairs will continually be required.

Are apprenticeships as they are now fit for purpose?

Yes, the multiskilled apprenticeship is most certainly. A multi-skilled apprentice learns all craft aspects of vehicle repair, including Mechanical, Electrical and Trim, Panel Repair and Replacement and Preparation and Paint. If anything, they risk being over skilled, overtaking that of a single skilled technician.

The bodywork has stayed the same for a long time and will remain the same, we’ll still need to be able to repair vehicles, but the technology in cars is massively advancing and that needs to be understood by all repairers.

We often hear experts advising to recruit people over skills – what sort of characteristics/personality traits do you think will suit a future repair centre?

It helps when someone has a real passion for cars, but so long as individuals present a positive attitude and have the willingness to learn they have the characteristics to make it. Like other roles they must show enthusiasm to the role.

What do you think is the sector’s most influential selling point?

There are several selling points. Firstly, the industry offers good pay and packages. The industry also can offer a career for life. I believe our sector can appeal to the younger generation as it offers a recession-proof career.

Not forgetting either that the car is also one of the most important purchases for someone, UK people are precious about them, and there will always be that requirement to ‘fix’ a car.

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Audatex joins grid for AutoRaise Rally

Audatex has announced that it will take part in the AutoRaise Rally.

The Rally is returning this year for the first time since Covid-19 and will raise funds for AutoRaise, which aims to tackle the skills crisis in the sector through more apprenticeships. It will take place from 21-23 September, following a 370-mile route through the Midlands and Wales.

Audatex has bought its own car for the event, and is partnering with Foray Motor Group to get it ready for the starting grid.

Anyone wishing to sponsor ‘Billy’ can visit here, with donations over £100 also securing your company’s name and logo included on the livery for the event. 

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Premier Group welcomes new talent

Premier Group has announced it will open its doors to the next generation of talent with an open day at is Cannock site on Saturday, 15 October 2022.

Held in association with School of Thought, the event is aimed at anyone aged 14 to 20 and is intended to showcase the technology, innovation and career opportunities within the sector, banishing any misconceptions that may exist around what working in the automotive aftermarket is like.

Phil Ashley, Director, said, “The traditional views and perceptions of a person working in automotive are outdated and holding back potential new trainees. When people think about a car repair technician many picture mechanics covered in oil, working in dark, cold and dirty environments. This is far from the case today, with so many varied roles in the industry.

“The technicians of today are highly skilled, utilising hi-tech equipment working with cars featuring automated safety systems and complex electronics. Unfortunately, the misconceptions of the automotive industry are limiting the number of people investigating career opportunities.”

According to the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), automotive vacancies are at their highest level for 20 years. With 23,000 jobs unfilled, or four per cent of the entire workforce, automotive has the sixth highest vacancy rate across all industry sectors.

 premiergroupgarages.co.uk/openday

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ARC360 News Round Up – Friday 12 August 

Register Now… 

On Demand webinARC – Next Generation: 1.30pm Wednesday 24 August 

During this ARC360 On Demand webinARC we look at how the industry is working in attracting new demographics, generations and skillsets by catching up with those at the very forefront of the change – the next generation. Featuring Carpenters, Entegral and Gemini ARC. 

ARC360 backs Trend Tracker survey 

ARC360 is lending its support to Trend Tracker to help research its latest Repair Market Survey. 

To better reflect and understand the challenges and trends affecting the sector during these unprecedented times, the survey will be more in depth than ever. 

Alongside the forensic market report, Trend Tracker is also carrying out comprehensive surveys of both customers and businesses within the industry. 

To complete the survey click here.

New premiums rising faster than renewals 

The Association of British Insurers has reported a £5 increase in the average price of motor insurance in the second quarter of the year

Its latest Motor Insurance Premium Tracker saw premiums increase to an average of £419, however, this is still £11 lower than the same quarter in 2021. 

Used car market on downward trend 

The UK used car market slumped 18.8% in the second quarter of 2022, as supply disruption continues to impact vehicle sales. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported that just 1,759,684 transactions took place, representing a 407,820 shortfall compared to the same period last year. 

However, electric vehicle sales rose 57.1% to reach 16,782 units. 

Engines revved up for AutoRaise Rally 

The 2022 AutoRaise Rally of West Midlands and Mid Wales has new sponsorship. 

It has been confirmed that Synetiq, Egertons Recovery Group and Service Certainty are backing the event for the first time, while S&G Response, NWVA, Prasco, 4Elms Group, Motofix, Sherwin Williams, ABP and Thatcham Research have all renewed their sponsorship. 

BASF backs gender diversity with historic build 

BASF promoted gender diversity within the industry by partnering with Volvo and celebrity builder Bogi Lateiner on an all-female build project of a 1961 Volvo PV544. 

More than 150 women from around the world took part in the historic build, which included a week-long takeover by seven BASF women. 

Mirka makes Irish move 

Mirka UK will continue its focus on growth within the Irish market when it showcases a range of its tools at the Auto Trade Expo, taking place in Dublin from 15-16 October. 

Alongside a range of innovative electric tools, it will debut its new Galaxy and Iridium SR abrasive ranges.   

Premier Group opens its doors 

Premier Group has announced it will open its doors to the next generation of talent with an open day at is Cannock site on Saturday, 15 October 2022. 

Held in association with School of Thought, the event is aimed at anyone aged 14 to 20 and is intended to showcase the technology, innovation and career opportunities within the sector. 

It’s good to talk

Gemini has reintroduced face-to-face regional meetings, giving its operations and finance teams the opportunity to discuss future strategy and best practice with site managers across the group.  

While remote technology will continue to support group-wide communications, Gemini also appreciates the value of getting colleagues together in the same room for the first time following Covid-19. 

Apollo welcomes new apprentice 

Apollo Accident Repair Group is continuing its commitment to apprenticeships by welcoming Ben Tomes to the company. He has started his journey as a Vehicle Damage Assessor apprentice at the group’s Swindon site, where he will be mentored by Assistant Manager and ATA-accredited Tom Doig. 

Repairers called on to help customers go green 

eBay Green Parts for business has sought to bust a few myths around green parts to encourage their wider uptake throughout the industry. 

It has highlighted the benefits around cost, availability and sustainability as compelling arguments around their use in repairs, and revealed that if the UK increased the number of recycled parts by just 10% it would avoid 390,000 vehicle parts going to landfill each year, saving nearly 190,000 tonnes in carbon emissions. 

Komoo celebrates hat-trick 

Komoo is expanding is footprint and work capacity in the South West and Wales by opening a third site in Weston-Super-Mare.  

Providing round-the-clock repair services to vehicle rental and fleet businesses, its sustainable Repair Qubes are fitted with the tools, equipment and skilled expertise to carry out rapid repairs on both cars and light commercial vehicles to BS10125 Kitemark accredited standards. 

ARC360 podcast library

Check out ARC360’s back catalogue of podcasts featuring some of the key personalities from across the sector sharing insights into their journey within the claims sector, their perspectives on the industry and how they see the future shaping up. 

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ARC360 backs Trend Tracker survey

ARC360 is lending its support to Trend Tracker to help research its latest Repair Market Survey.

To better reflect and understand the challenges and trends affecting the sector during these unprecedented times, the survey will be more in depth than ever.

Alongside the forensic market report, Trend Tracker is also carrying out comprehensive surveys of both customers and businesses within the industry.

To complete the survey click here.

Backed by both ARC360 and the NBRA, Trend Tracker is now inviting stakeholders to complete a 15-20-minute questionnaire. Completely confidential, the survey offers companies the opportunity to share their views on the state of the market, how they are impacted by current challenges and what they are doing to adapt to ensure their operations remain viable in the future.

Only the data that emerges and relevant, anonymous soundbites will be shared with the wider industry, providing a real insight into health of the market as it is now.

Meanwhile, all respondents will be entered into a draw for a 50% reduction on a Trend Tracker annual subscription.

Mark Hadaway, ILC Managing Director and co-founder of ARC360, said, “Trend Tracker provides an invaluable service to the industry by delivering clear, easy-to-digest data that helps businesses understand both the current challenges in the wider marketplace and those that may be coming.

“We’re delighted to support one of our key partners to continue to serve the industry in this way.” 

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Engines revved up for AutoRaise Rally

The 2022 AutoRaise Rally of West Midlands and Mid Wales has new sponsorship.

It has been confirmed that Synetiq, Egertons Recovery Group and Service Certainty are backing the event for the first time, while S&G Response, NWVA, Prasco, 4Elms Group, Motofix, Sherwin Williams, ABP and Thatcham Research have all renewed their sponsorship.

The Rally will be held for the first time since Covid-19, taking place from 21-23 September over 370 miles and comprising 13 stages. More than 70 cars will take part in the event, which also includes a gala dinner, grid breakfast and entertainment centre.

Jennifer Evans, from AutoRaise said, “I cannot wait for this year’s Rally and with it being my first one, I have definitely felt the pressure, but hopefully my hard work will pay off and this will not only be a record year in terms of the challenging route, but also with regards to the fundraising that our fantastic teams are doing. All the money raised will ensure the hard work we do for the industry will continue at the same pace. In the last 12 months we have helped to place nearly 500 apprentices into our industry which I am extremely proud of.”

Steve Thompson, AutoRaise Vice-Chair, added, “This year’s Rally will be one of the most challenging to date, however I know that it is going to be amazing. There will be some great adventures along the way, and we are taking in some of the UK’s finest scenery. The Festival theme is something that I am really looking forward to and I just want to raise as much money as possible to give back to the industry to ensure we secure young talent for the future of our incredible industry.”

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