wellbeing Archives

ARC360 Conference 2025 success as the industry moves into a new era

28 May 2025

Bodyshop, Car Rental, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words

The ARC360 Conference 2025, held on 22 May at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, brought together the full force of the UK’s automotive incident repair and motor insurance claims sector for a day of discussion, insight, and collaboration.

With the theme ‘A New Era – The Changing Dynamics of a Sector’, the event – supported by ARC360 Corporate Partners: BASF, CAPS, Entegral, Enterprise, NWVA, Mirka, S&G Response, Sherwin Williams and Solera Audatex; Partners e2e and Repairify; Event Sponsors include Onyx and Thatcham Research; Vehicle Manufacturer Partner: Stellantis; and Associate Partners: NBRA and Trend Tracker – set a new benchmark in industry engagement and impact.

With a record attendance of more than 300 key influencers, the event served as a dynamic forum for connecting all corners of the industry – insurers, repairers, fleet operators, technology providers, and more – reinforcing ARC360’s mission of ‘gaining ground together’.

The conference featured a powerhouse speaker line-up that included influential voices such as Adrian Furness (Activate Group), Kate Nash (Tesco Insurance), Peter Randhawa (Steer Automotive), and Vic Turner (NARG), among many others. From exploring market dynamics and ESG strategies to futureproofing supply chains, the sessions delivered deep insight and encouraged critical thinking about the industry’s trajectory.

Attendee feedback has already painted a clear picture of the event’s value and impact. Described as a ‘fantastic event’, ‘very well organised’, and ‘really insightful’ delegates highlighted the content’s quality, the relevance of topics covered, and the excellent opportunities to reconnect and build relationships across the sector. One comment even noted how the event eliminated the need for 1,500 miles of travel by bringing so many industry peers together in one place – a win not just for efficiency, but also ESG goals.

With a packed agenda, record turnout, and overwhelmingly positive feedback, ARC360 2025 didn’t just reflect the changing dynamics of the sector – it helped drive them. The event has firmly cemented its place as the must-attend industry gathering for those shaping the future of vehicle repair.

Stay tuned to find out more from all the discussions in the coming weeks.

More Insights

Mirka expands battery sander range to deliver precision and comfort

23-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

ARC360 News – Friday 23 May 2025

23 May 2025

Bodyshop, Insurance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words

Fix Auto Dagenham and a team representing Enterprise raised an impressive £6,000 for Sycamore Trust UK during a friendly football match at Dagenham & Redbridge FC.

Robert Gee, Group Compliance and Programme Manager at KC Autos has achieved his BSI Trainign Academy ISO14068-1.2023 Climate Change Management – Carbon Neutrality Exam

Solera Audatex has donated its AutoRaise Rally Mini Cooper to a special fundraising raffle held in partnership with James Alpe Ltd, the team who restored the vehicle for the 2023 AutoRaise Rally. Read more

Elite Motor Solutions Ltd has passed its BSI PAS10125 audit

Chloe Traslerhas started a new role as Site Operations Manager at Steer Automotive Group Northampton

New car appetite accelerates in May as Renault’s reimagining of an icon leads the electric pack

According to the latest data from Auto Trader, new car interest remains robust with visits to its new car platform increasing 3% month-on-month (MoM) in May, whilst year-on-year, visits are up 14%. Read more

The safety of all road users remains Euro NCAP’s driving force as car size becomes a growing concern

The latest models from Audi, Dacia, Ford, MG, Opel/Vauxhall, Peugeot, Renault, Tesla, Voyah and Volkswagen were all put through Euro NCAP’s impartial assessment of their crash protection, crash prevention and post-crash safety. Read more

Position paper – Connected vehicle data sharing

Vehicle data sharing drives innovation, enhances safety, and fosters sustainability within the European automotive industry. Through its seven recommendations, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) advocates for the effective implementation of the Data Act and the careful evaluation of its outcomes, the simplification of the regulatory framework, and the creation of a unified European Data Space. Read more

World debut of the all-new Toyota RAV4

Toyota today unveils the all-new sixth generation RAV4, a model which builds on the legacy of its trailblazing predecessors by introducing advanced technologies that take performance and efficiency to a higher level and pioneer new standards for safety and a digital user experience. Read more

Volvo Cars and Google expand partnership with Gemini integration and accelerated automotive innovation

Volvo Cars today announced an expanded partnership with Google™, to more rapidly deliver the latest Android Automotive OS innovations to customers that own Volvo models with Google built-in. Read more

BMW Group and Solid Power are testing all-solid-state battery cells in a BMW i7

The BMW Group is bringing large-format, pure ASSB cells from Solid Power to its test vehicle, a BMW i7, which is being operated in the Munich area. The potential benefits of ASSB technology: higher energy density in a very compact storage system compared to current technologies. Read more

The Fast Lane of Data: Leveraging PCIe in Modern Vehicle Architectures

Vehicle architectures are evolving rapidly. For the last decade, domain-oriented architectures with multiple control units per functional domain have been dominant. These domains can include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, infotainment, vehicle motion, and connectivity, among others. Read more

Welcome to the All-New Nissan MICRA EV: smiles guaranteed

he all-new, sixth-generation Nissan MICRA will return to the B-segment in 2025 as a fully-connected, pure EV. Combining an assertive personality with zero-emission mobility, the new MICRA will stay true to its guiding principles as a stylish and unpretentious car, which has underpinned its popularity and success as an iconic compact car across five generations and more than 40 years. Read more

Motor and home insurance premium falls slow in April

The latest General Insurance Price Index from Pearson Ham Group reveals a continued decline in motor insurance premiums through April 2025 but there are signs that the rate of reduction is easing. Read more

Direct Line Group joins ILC Insurer Partner cohort

Direct Line Group, one of the largest insurance companies in the UK, has joined ILC as an Insurer Partner.  The leading insurer has some of the strongest and most recognisable brands in the UK, including Direct Line and Churchill, along with the breakdown provider Green Flag. Through these trusted brands the business offers a range of products that help protect customers’ vehicles, homes, pets and businesses. Read more

Falling automotive qualifications and apprenticeships are real threat to UK road safety

The latest Automotive Education Report from the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), highlights a complex landscape for the sector’s future skills pipeline. The membership organisation is aiming to address this challenge, in partnership with government, employers and other stakeholders, through its manifesto which sets out clear, actionable steps to attract new talent into the sector, create defined career pathways, support the upskilling of the existing workforce, and ensure the industry is equipped with the skills it needs for the future. Read more

Stress tops automotive workers’ concerns, Ben survey finds

Stress is the leading health and wellbeing concern for automotive workers, according to the latest survey from industry charity Ben. The report, which polled over 1,000 automotive workers, found that 57% cited stress as their top issue, followed by poor sleep (52%), anxiety (44%), low mood (41%), and a lack of relaxation time (43%). Read more

Opinion: The hidden cost of operating EV fleets

Fleet operators are at the forefront of the transport sector’s transition as part of the UK’s push for net zero. While the Government’s recent commitment of £120 million to support electric vehicles (EVs) adoption is a welcome step, fleet operators need to be aware of some of the hidden costs associated with EVs, as evidence indicates they are more expensive to repair than their petrol and diesel counterparts. Read more

Royal Mail Hits Major Milestone with Delivery of Its 7,000th Electric Vehicle

Royal Mail has just hit a significant milestone – its 7,000th electric vehicle is now officially on the road. And the momentum isn’t slowing. The postal giant has revealed plans to expand its electric fleet by another 1,800 vans over the coming year, further cementing its role as the UK’s leader in zero-emission deliveries. Read more

Craig Cartledge has started a new role as Assistant Vice President Commercial & Technical Replacement Sales – Europe at Enterprise Mobility

Nick Owen has started a new role as Staff Body Repair Field Technical Specialist at Tesla

Craig Strike has started a new position as UK Operations Director at Group 1 Automotive UK

Richard Brown has started a new role as Head of Motor Fulfilment at Direct Line Group

Steven Close has started a new position as Head of Vehicle Procurement and Brand Relations – Europe at Vizion Network, whilst Kelly Cawthorn has started a new role as Director of Call Centre Operations

More Insights

Mirka expands battery sander range to deliver precision and comfort

23-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

Stress tops automotive workers’ concerns, Ben survey finds

20 May 2025

Bodyshop, Mobility, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words

Stress is the leading health and wellbeing concern for automotive workers, according to the latest survey from industry charity Ben.

The report, which polled over 1,000 automotive workers, found that 57% cited stress as their top issue, followed by poor sleep (52%), anxiety (44%), low mood (41%), and a lack of relaxation time (43%).

Ben’s survey highlighted that almost all respondents experienced a health or wellbeing issue in the past year, with poor work-life balance increasing by six per cent to 38%. This problem is most prevalent among those working in showrooms, parts departments, and garages, where long hours, understaffing, and high workloads are common.

Mental health concerns have also worsened over the past 12 months, with one in nine workers reporting insufficient mental health support in the workplace. Ben revealed that automotive employees are more likely to suffer from poor work-life balance and mental health challenges compared to the broader UK workforce. Alarmingly, almost one in four respondents said they were considering leaving the industry, with half citing poor mental health as a primary reason.

Financial worries are also taking a toll, with one in six workers skipping meals and one in five struggling with debt. Among those considering leaving the sector, one in four reported financial problems as a key factor.

Rachel Clift, Chief Executive Officer at Ben, emphasised the significance of these findings: “This year’s survey results shed light on the biggest health and wellbeing challenges facing our automotive family. Stress remains the biggest issue, with many people citing they don’t feel they have enough time to switch off from work to rest and relax. Money worries are also clearly continuing to impact people’s lives, adding to these stresses.”

She added, “Following these results, we want to ensure that everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry knows we’re there for them. Please get in touch if you’re struggling by visiting www.ben.org.uk/gethelp.”

The full report is available at www.ben.org.uk/surveyreport2025

More Insights

Mirka expands battery sander range to deliver precision and comfort

23-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

ARC360 News – Friday 9 May 2025

9 May 2025

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

ARC360 2025 agenda unveiled: shaping the future of vehicle repair

ILC and ARC360 are excited to announce the release of the full agenda for the ARC360 Conference 2025, taking place on Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

Centred around the theme ‘A new era – the changing dynamics of a sector’, the event brings together industry leaders, decision-makers, and innovators from across the motor claims and vehicle repair ecosystem to explore the issues shaping the industry today and tomorrow. Read more

Steer Automotive Group has introduced the Steer Luxury Collection bringing together world-class expertise from Chartwell, M&A Coachworks, and Steer Luxury Centres in Farnham for the South of England and High Wycombe for Buckinghamshire. Chris Brightmore, previously CEO of Chartwell, becomes Managing Director of The Steer Luxury Collection.

Pendragon Vehicle Management has signed a contract extension with FMG for the provision of incident management services to its UK fleet.

Page Group Southampton has been awarded an Enterprise Customer Service Award.

GMC Autos has passed its latest VWG Paint & Body audit.

iPhone maker announces plan to build Mitsubishi EVs

Foxconn, the maker of Apple’s iPhones, has announced plans to produce electric vehicles (EV) for Japanese car giant Mitsubishi Motors. Under the agreement in principle, a Foxconn joint venture will design and build cars in Taiwan for Mitsubishi. Read more

A new fully charged EV battery in five minutes: Are China’s swap stations the future of electric cars?

At a battery swap station near the Beijing Olympics Sports Centre, the owner of a Nio car watches as a fully charged battery is placed into his vehicle. The station’s staff drive his car onto a platform with an integrated system which removes the depleted battery from beneath the car and loads it a fresh one. The whole process takes no more than five minutes. Read more

Deterring thieves: Drive Block launches for GM fleet customers

Fleet managers now have a powerful new tool at their fingertips to help prevent theft and costly disruptions. Introducing Drive Block, a remote security feature available through OnStar Protect and included in the OnStar One Fleet bundle for 2025 or later model year General Motors vehicles through the GM Envolve fleet business. Read more

Honda 0 Series Saloon wins ‘Best EV Design’ at 2025 TopGear.com EV Awards

Honda’s innovative 0 Series Saloon has been honoured with the “Best EV Design” award at the 2025 Top Gear Awards. Further recognising the models groundbreaking approach to electric vehicle aesthetics and functionality. This accolade highlights Honda’s commitment to redefining mobility through thoughtful design and advanced technology. Read more

Q1 used car sales surpass two million for first time since 2019

The UK’s used car market started the year on a high with 2,020,990 vehicles changing hands in Q1 – the first time sales have breached two million in the first quarter since before the pandemic – according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).¹ Sales grew by 2.7% on the same period last year, capping off nine consecutive quarters of growth as the market responded to greater supply from the new car sector. Read more

Investing in the future: a vision for claims transformation

At the heart of ILC’s MGA Claims Conference was a keynote address by Waseem Malik, Chief Claims Officer at Aviva, who provided valuable insight into the evolving claims landscape and the necessity for investment, innovation, and strategic partnerships. Read more

Confused.com car insurance price index – Q1 2025

The average cost of car insurance in the UK is now £777, according to the latest car insurance price index by Confused.com, powered by WTW. The latest figure of £777, is £164 (-17%) cheaper compared to the average cost of car insurance in March 2024. Read more

esure launches all-in-one insurance app to help the 70% of us who don’t know our MOT renewal dates

esure Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of Motor and Home insurance, announces the launch of a new all-in-one insurance app, powered by fintech platform Caura. The most comprehensive app of its kind on the market, it enables customers to manage their insurance policies while also offering enhanced functionality to serve drivers’ everyday needs, all from a single digital platform. Read more

Uxbridge drivers targeted by clip for cash scams

Drivers in Uxbridge and surrounding areas are being urged to watch out for Clip for Cash scams following a spike in activity – warns the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB). Read more

Copart’s Sandtoft Super Centre now fully operational

Copart UK has officially announced that their Sandtoft Super Centre in Doncaster, North England, is now fully operational after significant expansion works. This development makes Sandtoft Copart’s largest Super Centre in the UK, solidifying its presence in the region. Read more

Battery experts warn electric car fires will increase unless decades-old technology is improved

Battery experts have sounded the alarm on a rise in the number of electric car fires, predicting there could be 25,000 instances per year by 2030. While evidence shows they are currently far less frequent than infernos involving internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, they pose major safety concerns as EV fires are far more dangerous. Read more

IMI unveils its commitment to the UK automotive sector

Underlining its commitment to tackling the UK’s automotive skills crisis, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has launched its new manifesto, ‘Driving the Future of Automotive Professionals’. The manifesto sets out clear, actionable steps to attract new talent into the sector, create defined career pathways, support the upskilling of the existing workforce, and ensure the industry is equipped with the skills it needs for the future. Read more

Step up for Ben

This National Walking Month, Ben, the automotive industry charity, is calling on everyone in the automotive community to lace up their walking shoes and step up for two major walking events – the Thames Bridges Trek and the Kiltwalk. Read more

BASF Coatings expands business with biomass-balanced products

BASF Coatings is consistently pursuing its strategic roadmap for sustainable development and is further expanding its business with biomass-balanced products. Following successful launches in Europe and Asia, the first products for the automotive refinish coatings market will now also be introduced in North America this year. Read more

ADAS Checks in MOTs – An Essential Step for Safer Roads?

The European Commission has recently proposed an overhaul of the EU’s road safety rules, which could include mandatory checks on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as part of periodic technical inspections – similar to the UK’s MOT. Read more

Neil Orton has started a new position as Founder and Lead Consultant at Ortonomi Coaching and Consultancy Services.

Anna Jackson has joined training and compliance experts – TTC Group as its new Chief Operating Officer.

More Insights

Mirka expands battery sander range to deliver precision and comfort

23-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

Step up for Ben

8 May 2025

Bodyshop, Environment, Mobility, People, Supplier, wellbeing and Words

Both events offer a unique opportunity to get active, connect with the community, and raise vital funds for those in the industry facing life’s toughest challenges.

Join the Thames Bridges Trek – 13 September 2025
Join a 25km journey across 16 of London’s iconic bridges, with 2,500 participants uniting for a memorable day of camaraderie, incredible views, and community spirit. This trek is more than just a walk – it’s a chance to make a tangible impact on those in need across the automotive sector. Find out more and sign up here.

Be a hero in a kilt – multiple dates across Scotland
Take on the legendary Kiltwalk, a Scottish tradition that offers 4-mile, 11-mile, or 20-mile routes across breathtaking locations. Participants can choose to walk in Aberdeen on 1 June, Dundee on 17 June, or Edinburgh on 14 September. Every step helps Ben provide life-changing support to those in the automotive industry. Find out more and sign up here.

With 35% of people in the automotive industry lacking regular physical activity, these events serve as the perfect opportunity to boost wellbeing while supporting a critical cause.

Matt Wigginton, Ben’s Director of Partnerships, Engagement, and Income, said, “Every step you take and every pound you raise enables us to support those who are struggling or in crisis. By lacing up and stepping out for Ben, you’re helping us change and save lives.

Whether walking with friends, family, or colleagues, participants will raise essential funds to help Ben provide free, confidential support services to those in need.

To find out more visit here.

More Insights

Mirka expands battery sander range to deliver precision and comfort

23-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

ARC360 News – Friday 28 March 2025

28 March 2025

Bodyshop, Car Rental, Environment, Finance, Insurance, Mobility, People, Salvage, Supplier, Technology, Training, Vehicle Repair, vehicle sales, wellbeing and Words

Industry-leading speaker line-up set for ARC360

The ARC360 Conference 2025, set for Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, is set to be one of the most influential industry gatherings of the year.

With a focus on “A new era – the changing dynamics of a sector,” the conference will bring together leading insurers, repairers, vehicle manufacturers, and supply chain experts to explore the evolving landscape of motor claims and vehicle repair. Read more

Gemini ARC joined esure Group for a charity day with The Conservation Volunteers, supporting its Plant A Tree Scheme by planting around 250 trees at Haslam Park in Bolton.

KC Autos Stoke has received a 100% pass rate for its BS10125 audit.

Maldon ARC has had its second jig system installed by Car-O-Liner.

Motofix Group Oxford has celebrated a clear BS10125 Kitemark audit.

Chaplane ARC passed back-to-back audits with VWG and BS10125 all in one week.

Peggs ARC has passed its recent BSI Kitemark BS10125 audit.

Car Market Overview – April 2025

This monthly overview presents an update on the current state of the new and used car markets in the UK. We will be reporting on new car registrations up to the end of February 2025, as well as the latest activity in the used car market as of the date of this writing. Read more

EV drivers now clocking more miles than petrol car owners, Solera cap hpi reveals

Motorists in the UK are now driving further in electric vehicles (EVs) than in petrol-powered models, according to new data from Solera cap hpi, a global leader in vehicle lifecycle management. Read more

Is technology ruining new cars?

New research from Which? reveals that more than half of drivers are turning off safety tech in their cars with many finding the tech annoying, distracting or even dangerous. We explain why, and how to get the best from your current car or your next purchase. Read more

Volkswagen Group UK becomes a Silver Carbon Literate Organisation

Volkswagen Group UK has been named a Silver Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO), highlighting its dedication towards tackling climate change, reducing its carbon emissions, and commitment to working towards a zero carbon future. Read more

Safety: New parking features and advanced assistance systems

The new Škoda Enyaq and Škoda Enyaq Coupé offer an even higher level of active and passive safety, thanks in particular to their range of standard assistance systems, which has been further expanded with Side Assist and Crew Protect Assist. Read more

Chinese-owned car brands outsell Tesla in Europe in February

A total of 966,300 new passenger cars were registered in Europe last month, marking a decline of 3% compared to the corresponding month last year. According to JATO Dynamics data for 28 markets*, decreases in Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Ireland were the main drivers of this trend. Year-to-date registrations fell by 2% to a total of 1,962,850 units. Read more

Volkswagen Group cooperates with Valeo and Mobileye to enhance driver assistance in future MQB vehicles

Volkswagen Group is working with Valeo and Mobileye to upgrade the advanced driver assistance systems up to Level 2+ (‘enhanced partially automated driving’) in its upcoming vehicle portfolio based on the MQB platform. Launching in the next few years, this cooperation will improve safety and driving comfort in high-volume vehicles, addressing both customer expectations and regulatory requirements. Read more

Electrifying times for Nissan: Britain’s biggest car maker prepares for arrival of third generation LEAF and updated Qashqai e-POWER, plus new Juke EV coming in FY26

Nissan’s ongoing electrified product offensive will be powered up with the launch of two all-new electric vehicles in 2025 – and a third coming soon – as well as an update to one of its most innovative and popular technologies. Read more

US auto tariffs will hurt global automakers and US manufacturing at the same time

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) is deeply concerned by the US President’s announcement of additional tariffs on our sector. It comes at a watershed moment for our industry’s transformation and as fierce international competition mounts. Read more

ILC announces Mobility in Insurance Conference 2025

ILC is thrilled to launch the Mobility in Insurance Conference 2025, set to take place on Thursday, 16 October 2025, at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

The groundbreaking event, in association with The CHO, will bring together key industry stakeholders to explore the future of mobility within the motor insurance sector. Read more

Car insurance premiums fall by 17% during last 12 months

Comprehensive car insurance premiums have fallen by 17% (£164) during the last 12 months, with UK motorists now paying £777 on average, according to the latest Confused.com Car Insurance Price Index in association with WTW, a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company. Read more

What Makes S&G Response the architects of accident management?

Success can never be left to chance when it comes to accident management, in fact, it needs to be carefully designed, expertly crafted and built on strong foundations.

At S&G Response, we pride ourselves on being the architects of accident management, constructing seamless processes that support insurers, fleets, brokers and drivers at every stage of their journey. But every expert build takes an incredibly careful process, and we’re pleased to say that we have our strategies down to a T. Read more

Rising costs of car ownership drive interest in subscription models

Research commissioned by vehicle subscription service Pivotal highlights the growing financial and logistical challenges of car ownership in the UK. Rising insurance premiums, maintenance costs, and time-consuming servicing requirements are prompting consumers to explore alternative mobility solutions. Read more

Van insurance premiums see modest 1.6% rise amid signs of decline

Quoted van insurance premiums rose 1.6% in the year to the end of February but prices are starting to fall, according to the latest Consumer Intelligence Van Insurance Price Index¹.

The three months to the end of February saw quoted premiums drop 0.8% as competition increased and providers started to cut rates. Read more

Enterprise Mobility bolsters community support with £155m commitment

Enterprise Mobility announced it will expand efforts to address food insecurity and advance social equity by committing more than £155m through its Fill Your Tank programme and ROAD Forward initiative. The grant funding will continue to strengthen communities where Enterprise Mobility operates in North America and Europe by supporting local nonprofit organizations and key partners. Read more

Sort ‘pothole plague’ or lose cash, councils warned

Councils in England must show how they are improving roads and tackling what the government describes as a “pothole plague” or lose out on millions of pounds in funding.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said local authorities’ road maintenance pot would be boosted by £500m from mid-April. Read more

Behind the skills gap – 35% of apprentices drop out early

The bodyshop industry is facing a well-publicised skills crisis and while apprenticeships are recognised as a key solution to long term workforce sustainability, the sector is losing too many promising young recruits before they qualify. Read more

Groundbreaking Research: The Consumer Struggle with Rising Collision Repair Prices

US: The Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) is proud to present “High Costs, Hard Hits: The Consumer Struggle with Rising Collision Repair Prices”, a comprehensive research report shedding light on the growing financial burden placed on American drivers due to soaring repair costs. Read more

Prasco UK reaffirms commitment to stable pricing amid rising business costs

Prasco UK is assuring its valued customers it has no plans to increase prices across its range of replacement parts despite the rises to business costs that come into effect from 1 April 2025. Read more

Final Call: Showcase star apprentices in the IMI Skills Competitions 2025

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is making a final call for entries to the prestigious Skills Competitions 2025, with an emphasis on its Heavy Vehicle Technology and Body Repair streams as both have received fewer entries compared to last year. Read more

Roy Darch of Thatcham Research has started a new role as Senior Account Director, Insurance Data & Subscription Services.

Chris Payne, recently appointed Head of Direct Line Group Auto Services, has continued his support of the Automotive 30% Club with renewal of his silver membership.

S&G has become the latest investor in AutoRaise – supporting the next generation of skilled professionals in the vehicle repair industry.

A1 ADAS Group has become the latest School of Thought Automotive partner.

Michael Massey has been appointed as Brand Development Manager at Morelli Group.

Derren Martin founder of Black and Gold Consulting, and previously director of valuations at cap hpi, is consulting for Percayso Vehicle Intelligence (formerly Cazana) on a part-time basis.

Steve Hoe, Head of Academy & Organisation Development at Steer Automotive Group is a finalist in The Apprenticeship Guide Awards finalists for the Leadership in Apprenticeship Awards.

Satty Nanuwa has started a new role as National Sales & Partnership Manager at Repairify Europe.

IAM RoadSmart has announced the appointment of Shona Johnstone to the position of Chair, with outgoing Chair Stuart Donald QPM named Vice President.

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced that Kevin Finn, Interim Executive Chair of the Board, will be stepping down from his role, effective from 31 March 2025. He is superseded by Sarah Sillars OBE, Hon FIMI as Interim Chief Executive Officer.

The IMI Jobs Portal now supports work experience placements for school-aged pupils, connecting educators, businesses and learners under 16.

More Insights

Mirka expands battery sander range to deliver precision and comfort

23-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

ARC360 News – Friday 21 March 2025

21 March 2025

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

Industry-leading speaker line-up set for ARC360

The ARC360 Conference 2025, set for Thursday 22 May at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, is set to be one of the most influential industry gatherings of the year.

Solus Exeter– a brand-new state-of-the-art vehicle damage repair centre – has been officially opened. It’s the first fully electric-powered repair centre in the network.

ABL 1 Touch Group Ltd is set to open its 29^th location in Adanac Park, Southampton at the end of the month.

Chichester Cars the brainchild of Tom and Harry Waller, has rebranded as Saxon Accident Repair Group.

QCD Autocentre Brackley has become the first repairer to join FixMyCar’s new approved garage network.

The ARC Group Chippenham is now officially a Renault and Dacia Approved Accident Repair Centre.

Allianz Partners UK extends roadside assistance partnership with Volvo Car UK

Allianz Partners UK has been reappointed as Volvo Car UK’s roadside assistance provider, extending its partnership for a further three years. Customers purchasing a new or used Volvo car – or servicing their car at a Volvo retailer – will continue to enjoy roadside assistance provided by Allianz. Read more

Volvo Cars harnesses AI and virtual worlds to advance vehicle safety

Volvo Cars is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced virtual environments to enhance the development of its safety software, including driver assistance systems (ADAS), with the goal of creating even safer vehicles. Read more

Study reveals European vehicle manufacturers drive economic growth

A recent study by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has unveiled that every euro invested by European vehicle manufacturers generates over €2.5 in value added to the broader economy.

This significant finding underscores the pivotal role the automotive industry plays in Europe’s economic landscape. Read more

Allianz Partners signs MoU with Hyundai

Allianz Partners has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyundai Connected Mobility, Hyundai Motor Company and Hyundai Marine & Fire insurance. The four parties aim to develop together data-driven insurance products and to determine the best strategies for building and positioning Usage Based Insurance (UBI) products. Read more

JLR announces 150 new manufacturing roles supporting production of range rover electric and next-gen EVs

JLR has today announced it is recruiting 150 maintenance technicians in the West Midlands. The engineering roles are central to the luxury automotive’s Reimagine strategy, which will see pure electric versions of all of its brands launched by the end of the decade. Read more

Toyota Circular Factory: UK operation leads for Toyota in maximising the environmental benefits of end-of-life vehicle processing

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced the establishment of the Toyota Circular Factory (TCF) to provide careful and systematic processing of vehicles at the end of their life to maximise the environmental benefits of recycling, repurposing and remanufacturing. Read more

ILC announces Mobility in Insurance Conference 2025

ILC is thrilled to launch the Mobility in Insurance Conference 2025, set to take place on Thursday, 16 October 2025, at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon.

The groundbreaking event, in association with The CHO, will bring together key industry stakeholders to explore the future of mobility within the motor insurance sector. Read more

e2e Introduces PartsMarket to transform recycled parts sourcing

ILC Corporate Partner and ARC360 Partner e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management has unveiled PartsMarket, a revolutionary platform designed to streamline the sourcing of recycled vehicle parts for repairers and insurers. Read more

Businesses urged to prepare for National Insurance changes

With National Insurance (NI) thresholds set to change from 1 April, businesses across the UK are being encouraged to assess how the adjustments will impact their payroll costs. Employers and employees alike may see shifts in their contributions, making it essential to plan ahead. Read more

Cost of living crisis results in poor vehicle maintenance increasing risks for motorists

The ever-increasing pressures of the Cost-of-Living Crisis are taking an increasing toll on the UKs motorists. The release of a number of new surveys has revealed the true extent of the struggles many drivers are facing when maintaining their vehicles for use on UK roads. Read more

Enterprise Mobility Wins Third Consecutive Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award

Enterprise Mobility has earned the 2025 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award (GEWA) for employee engagement, an award that recognizes the most engaged workplace cultures in the world. This is the third consecutive year Enterprise Mobility has been named a GEWA winner. Read more

Drivers warned of rise in moped scammers stealing people’s details

Drivers are being urged to avoid exchanging unnecessary details after an accident, such as pictures of their insurance certificate and driving licence, following a rise in a new crash for cash tactic involving identity theft – warns the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB). Read more

Celebrating Women in the Automotive Industry

In recognition of International Women’s Day 2025, AutoRaise spoke with Ruth Moring-Beale, Director of Strategy & Growth, to discuss her journey, the importance of integrity in leadership, and how businesses can attract and retain the next generation of talent. Read more

IMI responds to the Department for Work and Pension’s Green Paper – Pathways to Work

Renewed disabilities focus should drive greater investment into employability and upskilling

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has expressed cautious optimism over the Department for Work and Pension’s Green Paper – Pathways to Work – published yesterday. The automotive professional body states that increased policy focus on ‘economically inactive’ populations could well drive greater investment into employability and upskilling initiatives, which would be applauded by the automotive sector. Read more

Right To Repair – A Growing Trend for States Creating Compliance Challenges for Manufacturers

US: In 2023 and 2024, several U.S. states enacted extensive “Right to Repair” laws, reflecting a growing legislative focus on ensuring consumers have access to the parts and resources needed to repair their own products without relying on the product’s original manufacturer. As the “Right to Repair” movement continues to gain significant traction across the United States, it is critical that manufacturers understand these laws and how these laws will impact their individual businesses. Read more

SIXT van & truck turns to Geotab for predictive maintenance for its UK fleet

Geotab, a global market leader in connected transportation solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with SIXT van & truck. The landmark collaboration aims to enhance SIXT van & truck’s fleet management capabilities and elevate customer service standards for the company across the UK market.

SIXT van & truck will incorporate Geotab’s advanced telematics solutions into 6,500 commercial vehicles within its UK-wide fleet. Read more

Ben launches new support and resources in line with Neurodiversity Celebration Week

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, automotive industry charity, Ben, has launched a range of new support options and resources focused on neurodiversity, to meet growing demand and raise awareness about this important topic across the sector. Full story

Andy Mcintosh, Stellantis UK Accident Repair Programme Technical & Audit Collision Manager is taking on the 2025 TCS London Marathon on 27 April in aid of Debra – the EB butterfly skin charity. Click here to show support.

Motofix Group has welcomed Ginny Etherington onboard as its new Head of Central Services.

Richard Cole has started a new position as Motor Engineer at Hastings Direct.

The FLP Group has announced that Andy Hartley has been appointed as new Technical Representative serving the north of the country.

More Insights

Mirka expands battery sander range to deliver precision and comfort

23-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

ARC360 News – Friday 21 February 2025

21 February 2025

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

ARC360 conference set to unlock the future of vehicle repair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NBRA challenge to non-payment of repairers by EDAM administrators

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

AutoRaise Power Panel sparks industry action at Oulton Park

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

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

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

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

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

National Windscreens announces new site in Luton

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

Annual Press Conference on February 28

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

Elevating polishing with the help of the new Mirka AIRP 300

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

International Assistance Group expands NWVA partnership

International Assistance Group has expanded its relationship with NWVA Nationwide Assistance Group, by selecting them as Assistance Partner for roadside assistance solutions in Spain. Full story

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

Colleges Week 2025, organised by the Association of Colleges (AoC), will take place from Monday 3 to Friday 7 March. This year, the focus will be on celebrating the vital role that colleges play in shaping brighter futures for learners, giving them the skills and confidence to succeed in the workplace. Full story

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

WorldSkills UK has launched a new Careers Advice Toolkit designed to inspire and empower young people to explore apprenticeship and technical career opportunities. This easy-to-use digital resource provides engaging employability skills and career information, helping students make informed decisions about their future. Full story

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

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

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

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

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

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

Government apprentice requirement reduction a ‘bad fit’ for automotive

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

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

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

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

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

Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights 2024 Year in Review

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

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

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

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

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

More Insights

Mirka expands battery sander range to deliver precision and comfort

23-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

ARC360 News – Friday 31 January 2025

31 January 2025

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

ARC360 conference draws leading sector wide interest

More than 20 major insurance brands and over 50 of the sectors 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.

Set to deliver the most engaging and interactive automotive incident repair/motor insurance claims focused event of the year, ARC360 will discuss the business-critical areas to impact the industry bringing together industry leaders to share experience, insight and knowledge. Full story

The NBRA is working with the administrators of the EDAM Group, Interpath, to support any bodyshops impacted by the announcement on 6 January that the business is closing.

Komoo has opened its latest site located in Stansted. This is the first opening of 2025 and the 17^th in total.

Mustoe’s Specialist Vehicle Body Repairs has unveiled Fix Auto Bristol Central, which will be Stellantis and Suzuki approved. Meanwhile, the business has also secured Renault/Dacia approval for the Caldicot, Monmouthshire area.

Activate Group has announced its Hampton site passed its initial stage 2 BS 10125:2022 audit last week.

ECF Accident Repair Group has retained BS10125 2022 structural aluminium approval coupled with another successful ISO 9001 audit.

Steer Automotive Group has made donations to six incredible initiatives through our Steer Community Fund. They include the St Mary in the Marsh Project Fund, The Association of the Veteran’s Hub Newport, and the Honeypot Children’s Charity.

FMG Repair Services has introduced cutting edge ADAS recalibration equipment from Repairify at all of its UK-wide bodyshops.

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is urging independent garage owners to prioritise succession planning after noticing an increasing number considering closing because no one is in place to manage the company in the future.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland is launching a consultation to seek views on changing the frequency of MOT testing from one year to two years (Biennial) for some private cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles.

Volvo Cars takes full ownership of Novo Energy

Volvo Cars and Northvolt AB have signed a share purchase agreement relating to Northvolt’s shares in NOVO Energy AB, leading to Volvo Cars taking full ownership of NOVO Energy AB, subject to approval by relevant authorities. Full story

JLR invests £65m in sustainable expansion of luxury paint operations for bespoke vehicle personalisation

JLR is investing £65m in sustainably expanding its special paint facilities globally to meet growing demand for personalised luxury vehicles and reduce the environmental impact of its most carbon intensive manufacturing processes. The company has seen demand for personalised colour options, where clients can choose from hundreds of Bespoke Paint and elevated palette options across its Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, more than double since FY22. Full story

Mitsubishi Motors opts out of Honda-Nissan merger

Mitsubishi Motors has decided not to participate in a proposed merger between Honda Motor and Nissan Motor. Instead, the company will focus on increasing collaboration with both firms in technology development, particularly in software, EVs, and other advanced technologies. Full story

BYD UK continues rapid growth in 2024

BYD is celebrating another year of phenomenal growth in the UK. The company, which officially launched in the UK in March 2023, increased its volume by 658% to over 8,700 cars in 2024 – making it the UK’s fastest growing car brand. Full story

European new car market growth in 2024 driven by hybrids and Chinese brands

Europe’s new passenger car market grew by 0.9% last year. This is according to new data from JATO Dynamics, which found that 12,909,741 new passenger cars were registered across Europe-28 in 2024. Despite the slight uptick in registrations, 2024 was the fifth year of muted registrations figures when compared to pre-pandemic levels. Europe’s car market has shrunk by almost 2.9 million units since the arrival of the pandemic in 2020. Full story

Secure Gateways: Unlocking their role and impact on the automotive industry

In the automotive industry, a secure gateway is a system designed by the vehicle manufacturer to protect a car’s internal systems from unauthorised external access. It also prevents aftermarket tools from gaining entry to sensitive data and software within the vehicle. From a technology standpoint, secure gateways are becoming commonplace in vehicles and access to them is being made harder by the manufacturer. Full story

Copart UK becomes a Silver Partner of The Carbon Literacy Project

Global leader in online vehicle remarketing and recycling Copart UK has announced that it has become a Silver Partner under The Carbon Literacy Project’s Partner Scheme. By becoming a Silver Partner, Copart has demonstrated its commitment to tackling climate change through supporting the vital education and action delivered by The Carbon Literacy Project. Full story

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. Full story

Minister rules out graduated driving licence for young drivers

The Government has again ruled out introducing a graduated driving licence for young drivers. Speaking in a debate in Parliament, Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood told MPs she is “determined” to take action to cut the number of young drivers, aged between 17-24, killed or seriously injured. “Improving road safety is one of my department’s highest priorities,” she said. Full story

FISITA welcomes Thatcham Research as a Corporate Member

Thatcham Research has joined FISITA as a Corporate Member. FISITA iscommitted to promoting excellence in mobility engineering by cultivating international engagement and peer group collaboration within a pre-competitive environment, bringing businesses together to ensure mobility remains sustainable and accessible to all. Full story

Somerset Bridge extends alliance with AX as exclusive outsourced claims handling and repair management partner

Somerset Bridge Group has extended its partnership with AX Automotive three years after the accident management specialist gained exclusivity for its entire non-fault outsourced requirements. Delivering an innovative insurance provision focused on underwriting, broker and claims handling services, the partnership now incorporates its seamless provision of claims handling, vehicle rental, repair management and total loss expertise. Full story

New Generation in Claims survey – the story so far

ILC’s New Generation in Claims programme in collaboration with Consumer Intelligence and UCAS is ready to ‘go live’ with one of the largest surveys of its kind, focusing on early career perceptions of the insurance claims industry, in the coming weeks. Full story

Public warned misleading claims adverts could cost them thousands

The public must be vigilant when searching for their insurer online, warns the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB), as it’s revealed that victims of paid ad spoofing scams could be facing up to £13,000 in unsolicited fees. Paid ad spoofing scams involve unscrupulous firms paying for search engine ads that mimic those of genuine insurers. Full story

Ten plead guilty to £320,000 ‘crash for cash’ fraud

An organised crime group that pocketed over £320,000 through a ‘crash for cash’ scheme have pleaded guilty to fraud charges. Raju Patel and Kamlesh Vadukul, the ringleaders of the group, submitted claims on insurance and to a vehicle repair finance service, for road traffic collisions that were deliberately induced or had never taken place. Full story

A study on real-world effectiveness of model year 2015–2023 ADAS

Automatic emergency braking (AEB) continues to improve as it cuts rear-end crashes in half. The latest study by the Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety (PARTS), pairing auto manufacturer equipment with police crash report data covering 98 million vehicles and 21.2 million crashes, is the largest and most comprehensive study of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to date. Full story

Car owners can save more than £300 with one Aldi product

Whether it’s from a parking error or a roadside bump, denting a car can be a stressful and costly mistake with repairs costing drivers £335 on average. To help shoppers save on costly repairs, Aldi has announced it is launching its latest range of must-haves for motor repairs.

Among the new products, its £6.99 Dent Repair Kit has been developed to help drivers fix dents themselves. Full story

Cogent Hire has appointed Darren Entwistle as Business Development Director.

Harps Joseph has been named Head of Product at cinch.

Lookers has appointed former VW Group UK boss Alex Smith as new Chair.

More Insights

Mirka expands battery sander range to deliver precision and comfort

23-05-2025

ARC360 News – Friday 16 May 2025

16-05-2025

Fix Auto UK achieves ISO 27001 and 9001

16-05-2025

Corporate Partners

Partners

Associate Partners

NBRA seeks feedback on EDAM administration

30 January 2025

Bodyshop, Finance, Mobility, People, Supplier, Vehicle Repair, wellbeing and Words

The NBRA is working with the administrators of the EDAM Group, Interpath, to support any bodyshops impacted by the announcement on 6 January that the business is closing.

It has taken legal advice and is now urging any repairers with unpaid invoices, vehicles still on site or repairs that have not yet commenced to contact the NBRA at bodyshops@rmif.co.uk with relevant details.

It has also created a survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8ZPGS67 to assist bodyshops provide the necessary information, and will then collate the details before deciding on the best way to present a coordinated and centralised response.

EDAM Group, which provided drivers with credit hire and post-accident repair services, reported losses of £2.8m for the year ending 31 March 2023.