Apprenticeship Central gears us for National Apprenticeship Week

Apprenticeship Central is urging bodyshops to tackle the skills crisis in the industry by tapping into the apprenticeship talent pipeline.

The industry recruitment specialists focuses on helping repairers fill the skills gaps in key roles, from Paint Technicians, Panel Technicians, MET Technicians, Multi-Skilled Technicians, Vehicle Damage Assessors, and Business Support Administrators.

To inspire the sector to act, it is celebrating Apprenticeship Week from 10-15 February by offering reduced prices on its two core services – RECRUIT and RETAIN.

RECRUIT is a robust candidate search and employment solution, managing multi-channel recruitment campaigns to attract young, local talent both online and through partnerships with local schools and colleges.

RETAIN delivers support for employers in retaining young apprentices by addressing the unique challenges of managing and mentoring the next generation.

The company said, “With the average age of skilled technicians nearing 50, investing in young talent is no longer optional—it’s essential. This National Apprenticeship Week, businesses have the opportunity to strengthen their commitment to apprentices and demonstrate dedication to nurturing the next generation of skilled workers. Whether you need help recruiting new talent or retaining your current apprentices, reach out to the team to discuss how to take advantage of the savings on offer.”

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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09-05-2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 24 January 2025

Major names revealed for ARC360 conference

Paul Llewellyn, Head of Claims (Motor), Ageas; Peter Randhawa, Director of ESG & Special Projects, Steer Automotive Group; and Victoria Turner, CEO, National Accident Repair Group are three of the major names set for ARC360’s conference agenda in May.

Taking place on Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon – the conference is again set to deliver the most engaging and interactive automotive incident repair/motor insurance claims focused event of the year. Full story

Motofix Exeter is undergoing an £850,000 upgrade with a focus on sustainability. This includes new roofing and cladding to tackle heat loss and improve energy efficiency, LED motion-sensitive lighting and upgraded STL energy-efficient spraybooth technology.

Komoo has announced that the full organisation has achieved carbon neutrality in accordance with PAS 2060.

Mustoe Specialist Vehicle Body Repairs has announced it has become an official Renault/Dacia Approved Accident Repair Centre for the Caldicot, Monmouthshire

Summers Accident Repair Centre has increased its vehicle manufacturer approvals to 12 with Hyundai Motor joining its portfolio.

Gemini ARC has announced thatrecently qualified, Vitaly Simonenko, a past apprentice from Gemini Manchester, has received a Mac Tools toolbox, generously donated by LV= General Insurance through its latest Toolbox Design Competition.

Liam Fussell has started a new position as Group Technical Manager at Page Automotive Group.

ALLDATA Europe will host workshop owners and technicians at Colchester-based Shaikly Motor Company in March to explore repair solutions, share industry expertise and tackle the technical and business challenges shaping the automotive aftermarket.

Volkswagen Passat secures Safety Award victory thanks to well-rounded safety performance

Automotive Risk Intelligence company Thatcham Research is announcing the winner of the What Car? Safety Award 2025. After a rigorous judging process by a panel of experts from Thatcham Research, What Car? and Euro NCAP, the Volkswagen Passat was crowned 2025’s safest car at last night’s What Car? Car of the Year ceremony. Full story

Hyundai Motor Group expands testing and R&D facilities in Europe

Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) is bolstering its leading role as an innovator and driver of change in the automotive industry by expanding its research and development (R&D) facilities in Europe by more than 25,000 sqm. Full story

NIO recognised in Corporate Knights’ 2025 Global 100

On January 22, 2025, Corporate Knights, a renowned independent media and investment research company based in Toronto, Canada, has released its 2025 Global 100, the ranking of the world’s 100 most sustainable corporations. NIO has once again earned a place on this prestigious list, ranking 13th out of 8,359 evaluated companies worldwide. Full story

Suzuki opens doors to new dealership in Cheltenham

Suzuki GB PLC has opened a new dealership in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, operated by Baylis Group. The dealership offers over 500 used cars and has created up to 15 new jobs. Full story

Jaguar Land Rover to axe up to 200 workers in fresh blow for car giant

Up to 200 workers at Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) Halewood site could be set for redundancy before the end of this financial year, as the company has launched a voluntary redundancy scheme. The Merseyside factory is offering eligible employees the chance to leave, which includes an early retirement programme. Full story

Canoo Inc. Announces Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Filing

Canoo Inc, a high-tech advanced mobility and energy company, has filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the US Bankruptcy Code. The filing, made with the US Bankruptcy Court for Delaware, will result in the federal appointment of a Bankruptcy Trustee to oversee the liquidation of the Company’s assets and the distribution of proceeds to creditors. Full story

Trump considers 10% tariff on China from February

US President Donald Trump has said he is considering imposing a 10% tariff on imports of Chinese-made goods as soon as 1 February.Trump said discussions with his administration were “based on the fact that they’re sending fentanyl to Mexico and Canada.” Full story

Richard Hammond and The Smallest Cog Team join AutoRaise as Patrons

AutoRaise has welcomed Richard Hammond and his team at The Smallest Cog as Patrons of the charity. This partnership marks a significant step forward in inspiring and supporting young talent in the vehicle repair industry, reinforcing the value of apprenticeships as a sustainable solution to the sector’s skills shortage. Full story

2024 in Motor Claims, and Projections for 2025

With 2024 now behind us, insurers have their sights set firmly on what 2025 will bring for their motor claims supply chains, repair partnerships, and policyholder expectations. 

With EVs firmly entering the mainstream, repair capacity challenges easing, and premium prices stabilising, the year ahead will likely bring new challenges, and equally opportunities for insurers and their partners to navigate. Full story

Walking the Sahara Desert for BEN

On 26 February Martyn Rowley, Executive Director, NBRA and VBRA, will walk 100km across the Sahara Desert to raise funds for automotive charity Ben. He will join Karen Jakes, Group Product Manager – Automotive & Repair at Thatcham Research, and nine other automotive industry leaders, on the five-day trek in temperatures likely to exceed 35°C. Full story

Apprenticeship Central unveils exclusive National Apprenticeship Week promotion

This National Apprenticeship Week, Apprenticeship Central is stepping up to encourage businesses to make a meaningful investment in the future of their workforce. From 10-15 February, bodyshops will be able to take advantage of reduced prices on Apprenticeship Central’s core services: RECRUIT and RETAIN. Full story

Admiral data reveals pothole claims in the UK rose by 62% in the past two years

The latest data from our UK business, Admiral Car Insurance, reveals that the number of pothole-related claims continued to climb in 2024 and was 14% higher than 2023 – with a whopping 62% rise in the last two years. Admiral’s data shows pothole related claims have increased by 175% since 2016, and 2024 is set to be a record year for them. Full story

50% Increase in drug driver deaths – AA Charitable Trust

There has been a 50% jump in drivers killed in collisions where the driver was under the influence of drugs, according to The AA Charitable Trust. Between 2022 and 2023 drivers killed under the influence of drugs increased from 96 to 144 – the highest for five years. Full story

The IMI celebrates automotive excellence as it announces shortlist for Annual Awards

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced the shortlist for its Annual Awards, with winners to be announced at the IMI Annual Dinner held at the Intercontinental Hotel on Park Lane on 12th March 2025. This highly anticipated industry event celebrates excellence and honours the talented individuals and influential organisations shaping the future of the automotive sector. Full story

Defaqto names Admiral a ‘Trailblazer’ for innovation in electric vehicle cover

With an increasing number of consumers looking to insure electric cars, the insurance market is responding with many providing specific benefits that relate to these vehicles. Now a pioneer of this market has been identified by Defaqto. Full story

German courts dismiss Stellantis appeal around access to vehicle data

Courts in Germany have dismissed an appeal by Stellantis against a ruling that said barriers imposed by vehicle manufacturers on access to vehicle repair data is illegal. The Higher Regional Court of Cologne (HRCC) found in favour of Belron company Carglass last May when it ruled that independent repairers should have access to essential OEM repair data. Full story

Adrian Serjeant has been appointed Commercial Manager at Auto Plas Bumper Recycling.

James Daye has been named CV & LIC Business Development Manager at LKQ Bodyshop Division.

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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09-05-2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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02-05-2025

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Apprenticeship Central unveils exclusive National Apprenticeship Week promotion

This National Apprenticeship Week, Apprenticeship Central is stepping up to encourage businesses to make a meaningful investment in the future of their workforce.

From 10-15 February, bodyshops will be able to take advantage of reduced prices on Apprenticeship Central’s core services: RECRUIT and RETAIN.

RECRUIT delivers a robust candidate search and employment solution, managing multi-channel recruitment campaigns to attract young, local talent both online and through partnerships with local schools and colleges. This service is designed to streamline the hiring process and connect businesses with enthusiastic, qualified apprentices ready to contribute to the industry.

RETAIN supports the long term success of apprenticeships by acting as a vital link between apprentices, bodyshop contacts and training providers. It ensures that progress is monitored, challenges are addressed and communication remains open across all stakeholders. Through regular reviews, the service provides apprentices with a trusted outlet to raise personal or workplace concerns and for the team to manage any safeguarding issues. The goal is to develop highly skilled, valued team members who are ready to make meaningful contributions upon completion of their apprenticeship.

This week-long promotion is a prime opportunity for businesses to strengthen their commitment to apprentices and demonstrate dedication to nurturing the next generation of skilled workers.

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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09-05-2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 17 January 2025

Leading repairers set for ARC360 2025

Many of the UK’s leading repairers have already confirmed their support of ARC360’s 2025 conference which takes place on Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Titled ‘A new era – the changing dynamics of a sector’, the event will deliver the most engaging and interactive automotive incident repair/motor insurance claims focused event of the year. Full story

Repairer News 

Gemini ARC has celebrated the loyalty of its team with an impressive 21.5% of its workforce earning long-service awards for over 10 or 20 years of dedication.

Turners Accident Repair has unveiled its seventh site in Chester-Le-Street, Durham. The 16,000 sqft repair centre follows an investment of more than £700,000. Full story

Fix Auto UK has announced that the group has reached a remarkable milestone after recording £1bn in deployed sales into the ever-growing franchised network as it continues its upward trajectory. Full story

Fix Auto Caldicot has officially got Renault/ Dacia to join our manufacturer approvals alongside Stellantis & Suzuki.

Dave Willett has left M&M Vehicle Repairs after 37 years.

Fix Auto UK’s Managing Director Ian Pugh has been appointed as Group Managing Director to the newly formed Advantage Group of Companies. The UK-based group encompasses Fix Auto UK, Advantage Parts Solutions UK, and Fix Auto UK’s division of owned repair centres. Full story

VM News

Implementation of ADAS technology continues to improve, as Thatcham Research announces safest car of the year shortlist

Automotive Risk Intelligence company Thatcham Research has revealed the contenders for the 2025 What Car? Safety Award, with this year’s shortlist representing the safest vehicles available on UK roads. The vehicles were chosen by Thatcham Research, Euro NCAP and What Car? judges based on Euro NCAP safety test scores alongside other criteria such as expected market volume. Full story

Euro NCAP boosts capacity with approval of DEKRA and TRANSPOLIS test centres

Euro NCAP has announced that DEKRA and TRANSPOLIS have been accredited for Euro NCAP active safety testing, formally joining its network of approved testing facilities around Europe. These facilities will build on existing expertise to successfully deliver consumer testing of passenger cars, vans, and trucks. Full story

JLR and Tata Communications to deliver smarter, data-driven connected cars

JLR has announced an enhanced partnership with Tata Communications to improve its connected vehicle ecosystem through the Tata Communications MOVE platform. The collaboration will empower JLR’s next-generation software-defined vehicles with continuous connectivity and access to intelligent services even in the remotest locations across 120 countries. Full story

BMW Group scores circular economy win with high-voltage batteries

The BMW Group has launched a pan-European partnership with SK tes, a leading provider of innovative technology lifecycle solutions. The special recycling process recovers cobalt, nickel and lithium from used batteries before returning them to the value chain to make new batteries. This closed-loop system is set to expand to the US-Mexico-Canada region as early as 2026. Full story

Polestar targets profitability in 2025; Polestar 7 will be a premium compact SUV from Europe

Polestar has unveiled an updated strategy, targeting compound annual retail sales volume growth of 30-35% for 2025 to 2027 and a positive adjusted EBITDA in 2025. Gaining commercial and operational momentum, further margin, fixed costs and working capital improvements are expected from 2026 onwards, with a positive free cash flow after investments expected in 2027. Full story

Industry News 

NWVA introduces new Stolen Vehicle Recovery division

ARC360 Corporate Partner, NWVA (Nationwide Assistance Group) has introduced a new Stolen Vehicle Recovery division to tackle the rapidly increasing levels of vehicle theft across the UK. Having successfully supported police forces across the country for a number of years in the recovery of stolen vehicles, NWVA has now introduced its own all-encompassing service. Full story

Drivers neglecting basic vehicle checks

Research from eBay has revealed a significant number of drivers are neglecting basic car maintenance tasks. The data found that one in four (25%) drivers only checked their tyre pressure on a quarterly basis, while 11% admitted to only checking their tyre tread on a yearly basis. Full story

Trend Tracker – trends to look out for in 2025

Following on from the publication of its The UK Motor Claims and Body Repair Report 2024-25, Trend Tracker has been sharing predictions for 2025, a year that will deliver a raft of changes, some challenges but, promisingly, several opportunities for those willing to embrace the changes.  So, what’s on the horizon for 2025 in the vehicle repair and motor claims sector? Full story

Ben shares ways for automotive people to improve wellbeing

With Blue Monday approaching on 20 January, Ben is sharing ways it can help automotive people improve their health and wellbeing in 2025. January is also a time when people consider setting new goals, and Ben’s free Life Coaching service supports automotive people to make positive changes, whether at work or home. Full story

Zenzic and IMI launch CAM skills survey

Zenzic has launched a new Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Skills Survey to better understand the recruitment and skills challenges facing the sector. The survey, which is being run in partnership with the Institute of the Motor Industry, is divided into four categories: current pain points, sources of hiring, activities for skills scouting, and company values and culture. Full story

Apprenticeship Central publishes white paper on apprenticeship reforms

Apprenticeship Central has published a white paper highlighting the reforms taking place within UK apprenticeships, and considering what they mean for automotive employers. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall initiated the reforms last November with the publication of the ‘Get Britain Working’ white paper. Full story

Automotive industry leaders set for Ben’s Sahara Desert Trek

A total of 11 automotive leaders will feel the heat next month in Ben’s Industry Leader Challenge Sahara Desert Trek, which is taking place from 26 February to 5 March. Divided into five teams, they will spend five days trekking across the Sahara Desert in Morocco to raise a minimum of £20,000 per team for Ben. Full story

BASF Coatings enters into a strategic partnership for the aftersales market

BASF’s Coatings division announces that BMW Group has selected the premium refinish brands Glasurit and R-M among their preferred paint brands for its aftersales network. This strategic partnership includes 50 markets where BMW Group is not present with its private label. Full story

IMI launches employment engagement survey to drive automotive talent forward

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has launched a new Employment Engagement Survey to gather critical insights that will help tackle the growing skills gap in the automotive sector. This 15-minute survey invites input from employers, educators, and industry professionals to identify recruitment challenges, highlight essential skills, and improve training and education. Full story

Copart’s 2024 ESG Report highlights sustainability progress

Copart has revealed it has avoided more than 12 million metric tons of CO2e during the past financial year. Its 2024 ESG Report has revealed that the company’s global operations achieved the figure by extending the lifecycle of vehicles and harvesting green parts. Full story

People 

Eddie Longworth, Founder and Director of JEL Consulting Ltd, has been named CEO of e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management.

SYNETIQ, an IAA company and one of the UK’s leading vehicle salvage, dismantling and recycling companies, has appointed Jonathan Pervin as Managing Director.

Stellantis has announced a number of key changes to its UK management team. Nicola Dobson has been appointed as Peugeot Managing Director, Giuseppe Cava as Managing Director for Fiat, Fiat Professional & Abarth, Nick Richards as Pre-Owned Vehicles Director and Tom Ray as B2B Director.

National Windscreens has appointed James Reynolds as Director of Commercial and Finance for all Cary/National Windscreens sales and revenue interests in the UK.

Auto Windscreens has appointed Mima Rybanska as new Head of Strategic Partnerships.

Garage Hive has announced the appointment of Tom Langridge as Head of Training.

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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09-05-2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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02-05-2025

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Apprenticeship Central publishes white paper on apprenticeship reforms

Apprenticeship Central has published a white paper highlighting the reforms taking place within UK apprenticeships, and considering what they mean for automotive employers.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall initiated the reforms last November with the publication of the ‘Get Britain Working’ white paper.

This introduced what has been described it as ‘the biggest reforms for a generation.’

Key among them is the overhaul of the outdated Jobcentres to create a National Jobs and Careers Service, with the new service emphasising local engagement and skills matching.

The government has also pledged that ‘every 18-to-21-year old in England will have access to an apprenticeship, quality training and education opportunities under a new Youth Guarantee Scheme.’

This is being supported by a new funding scheme, with the Apprenticeship Levy being replaced by a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy, which comes with a £40m investment.

Further, in a bid to empower local communities, eight new youth ‘trailblazer’ areas will be set up across the country, backed by £45m in funding. This initiative will be complimented by £115m allocated to regions to deliver the Connect to Work programme, allowing councils the resources to develop their own, tailored plans.

Eleanor Baker Barnes, Director of Apprenticeship Central, said, “There can be few bigger priorities than ensuring young people get the education and careers they need, but the government doesn’t create jobs – businesses do.”

“The integration of local businesses into these reforms is critical for their success. Bodyshops have suffered from skills shortages for too long and these reforms offer a chance to close that gap by developing stronger connections between businesses, schools, and local communities. Businesses know and understand their local areas.

The Youth Guarantee Scheme means bodyshops now have an opportunity to attract and retain the brightest and best young people, instead of losing them to far flung universities. This will not only help businesses address current skills shortages but also build a sustainable, skilled workforce for the future.”

Reforms-are-coming.-What-do-they-mean-for-apprentices-and-employers

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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02-05-2025

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Zenzic and IMI launch CAM skills survey

Zenzic has launched a new Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Skills Survey to better understand the recruitment and skills challenges facing the sector.

The 15-minutes survey, which is being run in partnership with the Institute of the Motor Industry, is divided into four categories: current pain points, sources of hiring, activities for skills scouting, and company values and culture.

The IMI said, “With the Spring Budget approaching, we’re committed to working with government on issues impacting automotive talent and skills. This includes pressing for details on the proposed Growth and Skills Levy and identifying improvements for the Apprenticeship Levy.

“To support this, we’re running a survey to gather insights from employers, educators, and industry professionals. Your input will help us understand recruitment challenges, highlight essential skills, and shape policies to better prepare learners and apprentices for the future.”

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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09-05-2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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02-05-2025

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Leading repairers set for ARC360 2025   

Many of the UK’s leading repairers have already confirmed their support of ARC360’s 2025 conference which takes place on Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon. 

ILC’s highest rated event of 2024 is again set to deliver the most engaging and interactive automotive incident repair/motor insurance claims focused event of the year. Discussing the business-critical areas to impact the industry, ARC360 will bring together industry leaders to share experience, insight and knowledge to align with ARC360’s ethos of ‘gaining ground together’. 

Some of the leading repairer names set to join the event include: Brian Robson Coachworks, Castle Coachworks (Northampton) Ltd, Chaplane Accident Repair Centre, Devonshire Motors Accident Repair Centre, Drive Motor Retail Ltd, Fix Auto UK, Fylde Coast Accident Repair Centre, Halo Accident Repair Centre Ltd, KC Autos, National Accident Repair Group, Peggs Accident Repair Centre, Rapid Repair Network, Steer Automotive Group Ltd, The Vella Group and Vizion Network Ltd. 

Titled: A new era – the changing dynamics of a sector, 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. 

The event is supported by ARC360 Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Entegral, Enterprise, NWVA, Mirka, S&G Response and Solera Audatex, along with Partners e2e, Gemini ARC, 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 – click here.  

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

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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09-05-2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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ARC360 News – Friday 10 January 2025

Major insurers back ARC360 2025

More than 15 major insurance brands have already confirmed their support of ARC360’s 2025 conference, which takes place on Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon. The leading insurers already confirmed to attend include Ageas, Allianz, Arch, Aviva, Collingwood, Covea, esure, First Central, Hastings Direct, Inshur, LV=, NFU Mutual, Sabre, Tesco Underwriting and Zurich Insurance. Full story

Repairer News 

Steer Automotive Group has acquired Accident Repair Centre Group, a trusted collision repair network operating across the South West of England. With well-placed locations across the region, ARC Group provides an excellent foundation for expanding Steer’s service capacity and enhancing customer accessibility. Full story

Following nearly two years of design, planning, and manufacturing, the doors to Parkway Prestige’s new 32,000sqft centre are set to open.

The M&M Group (Fix Auto Stoke on Trent) is now an official Tesla-approved bodyshop.

IM Accident Repair Group has achieved BSI Kitemark approval, as well as aluminium structural repair approval. The business is now planning to secure more manufacturers approvals.

HB Accident Repair Network in Speke has successfully passed its BSI Kitemark audit within 40 days of opening its doors.

ADAS Solutions has become one of the first ADAS calibration and diagnostics companies in the UK to have a positive recommendation from BSI for BS10125 certification.

VM News

Government announces 2030 consultation

The UK government has commenced a consultation on phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030. The consultation is an opportunity to consider stakeholders’ preferences on technology choices and the types of vehicles permitted between 2030 and 2035 alongside ZEVs. Full story

Stellantis partners with dSPACE to accelerate cloud-based development of vehicles

Stellantis and dSPACE have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at accelerating the cloud-based development of Stellantis vehicles. The collaboration will enable faster, scalable development of customer-focused features. Full story

Volkswagen Group stands firm as UK’s leading automotive group

Volkswagen Group UK has confirmed its position as the UK’s leading automotive group, recording total annual sales in 2024 of 472,056, a figure which sees it increase sales by over 9,800 compared with the previous year. Together, the Group’s five car brands accounted for a 22.25% of new car registrations in the UK. Meanwhile, Volkswagen delivered around 4.8 million vehicles to customers worldwide last year, down 1.4% on the previous year. Full story

Hyundai Motor Group partners with NVIDIA to accelerate development of AI solutions

Hyundai Motor Group has announced a strategic partnership with NVIDIA to accelerate the development of advanced AI technologies to drive the future of mobility. The Group aims to further enhance the application of intelligence to its core mobility products, such as software-defined vehicles and robotics, and across its business operations. Full story

Honda presents world premiere of Honda 0 Saloon and Honda 0 SUV Prototypes at CES 2025

Honda has unveiled its new AI-enhanced 0 Series. Models will be equipped with a system that enables the expansion of Level 3 automated driving capabilities, starting with eyes-off technology available in traffic congestion on highways. Meanwhile, Sony Honda Mobility has unveiled the first model to be sold under the AFEELA brand, which pursues an interactive relationship between people and vehicles. Full story

EV batteries at close to 90% capacity, even after 200,000 km

EV batteries lose around five per cent capacity in the first 30,000km, but the trend line remains largely flat from there on in: even beyond 200,000 km, the average battery still maintains around 87% capacity, according to a new study. Full story

Industry News 

Direct Line Group launches industry-leading program to boost vehicle repair standards

Direct Line Group (DLG) has unveiled an innovative Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) accreditation programme. Recognised by the esteemed Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), this initiative underscores DLG’s commitment to advancing vehicle repair standards and ensuring customer safety. Full story

Embracing the future: How ADAS technology is transforming workshops and driving the automotive industry forward

The automotive industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, with ADAS leading the charge. Today, nearly all new vehicle launches and registrations feature ADAS as standard, underscoring its growing prominence. In light of this shift, Phil Peace, Repairify’s International Managing Director, highlights key trends that workshops of all sizes should embrace to remain competitive and future-ready. Full story

Motor premiums see record reductions while home insurance stabilises

The latest General Insurance Price Index from Pearson Ham Group for the fourth quarter of 2024 highlights a sharp decline in motor insurance premiums. Prices have dropped consistently every month since April, culminating in a year-on-year reduction of 16% by December 2024 compared to the end of 2023. Full story

Date set for Ageas/NBRA Equipment EXPO

More than 40 automotive suppliers will showcase their latest innovations at the Ageas/NBRA Equipment EXPO, which takes place at the GTG Training Centre on 19 February. Suppliers will reveal their latest developments in diagnostics, parts, distribution, dry goods, recycling, jigs, welding equipment, paint, plastic welding, glue pulling, spraybooths, sprayguns and other bodyshop equipment. Full story

Five possible challenges facing insurers and MGAs

As insurers and Managing General Agents (MGAs) look ahead to 2025, they must contend with a variety of evolving challenges, from navigating more complex regulations to adjusting to shifting customer behaviours. To help navigate these challenges as much as possible, S&G Response is exploring five key call outs. Full story

Legal – defendant

Claims inflation, fraud and growing regulatory pressures were the key topics addressed during a presentation by Emma Fuller, Partner and Head of Motor & Casualty Market Strategy at DAC Beachcroft LLP, at ILC’s Exclusive Motor Claims Conference. Full story

Every young person in England will have access to an apprenticeship

The Get Britain Working White Paper is just the start of sweeping reforms that could reshape apprenticeships and workforce development across the UK throughout 2025 and beyond. Apprenticeship Central will publish a full report next week looking into how these reforms could create real, lasting impact and new opportunities for growth. Full story

Silverlake joins NBRA as Gold Supplier Member

Silverlake Automotive Recycling has become a member of the National Body Repair Association [NBRA]. The move comes as the business continues to collaborate with the industry to meet the growing demand for its green, reclaimed parts. Full story

Martyn Rowley to tackle a charity challenge of a lifetime

Executive Director of the NBRA and VBRA Martyn Rowley is taking on the Great Sahara Desert Trek to raise funds for automotive charity Ben. Alongside Karen Jakes of Thatcham Research, he plans to cover 100km in four days in support of Ben. Full story

New Year message from Ben Blackledge

Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive WorldSkills UK, said, “As we look ahead to 2025, I’m excited about the impact we will have on teachers and young people across the UK. By using what we have learned from our partners around the world I believe that we will continue to provide innovations and insights that give educators the tools to develop high quality skills for the workforce of the future.” Full story

People 

Martin Willis has been appointed Head of Business Development at Fix Auto UK.

Europcar Mobility Group UK and Ireland has appointed Mark Newberry as Transformation and Strategy Director and Paul McNeice as Head of Country for Ireland.

Alun Thomas has been promoted to Financial Controller at Komoo.

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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09-05-2025

Step up for Ben

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08-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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02-05-2025

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Every young person in England will have access to an apprenticeship

The Get Britain Working White Paper is just the start of sweeping reforms that could reshape apprenticeships and workforce development across the UK throughout 2025 and beyond.

The Youth Guarantee Scheme aims to provide every 18-to-21-year-old with access to apprenticeships, quality training and education opportunitieswhile the Growth and Skills Levy promises greater flexibility with £40m in funding.

For bodyshops, this is an exciting opportunity to attract the brightest young talent. But the White Paper also outlines significant changes to localised support, Job Centres, and a new National Jobs and Careers Service.

Apprenticeship Central will publish a full report next week looking into how these reforms could create real, lasting impact and new opportunities for growth.

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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09-05-2025

Step up for Ben

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08-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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02-05-2025

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Martyn Rowley to tackle a charity challenge of a lifetime 

Executive Director of the NBRA and VBRA Martyn Rowley is taking on the Great Sahara Desert Trek to raise funds for automotive charity Ben.

Alongside Karen Jakes of Thatcham Research, he plans to cover 100km in four days in support of Ben.

He said, “This unforgiving yet breathtaking journey will test every ounce of my endurance, but it’s a challenge I’m ready to embrace for a cause that’s very close to my heart – Ben charity.

“Ben has always been a pillar of support for the motor industry, offering help when people need it most. I have a personal reason for embarking on this trek because Ben was there for me and my family during a difficult time in my life. Their unwavering support gave me strength when I needed it, and now it’s my turn to give something back to them.

“This walk won’t be easy. The Sahara is known for its relentless heat, sanddunes stretching as far as the eye can see, and the sheer isolation that comes with trekking through one of the world’s largest deserts. But every step I take will be for a purpose greater than myself – to raise awareness and much-needed funds for Ben. Whether the donations are big or small, they will make a massive difference to the lives of those in our industry who are facing challenges of their own.

“I know this journey will bring pain, discomfort, and struggle, but I also know that it will be life changing. By pushing myself beyond my limits, I hope to inspire others to take action, whether that’s supporting the motor industry’s charity or finding a challenge of their own to tackle.

 “The funds raised will go directly to Ben, enabling them to continue offering their essential services – from emotional and financial support to health and well-being programs – to people across the automotive industry who need it the most.”

Martyn concluded, “I’m doing this for Ben, for those who’ve faced struggles like I have, and for everyone in the motor industry who could one day need their support. Join me in this journey, and together, we can make a difference.”

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ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

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

09-05-2025

Step up for Ben

Bodyshop | Environment | Mobility | People | Supplier | wellbeing | Words

08-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 2 May 2025

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

02-05-2025

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Partners

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