Repairer special: gearing for the future
In this webinARC we catch up with some leading repairers to discuss the current state of the market; what it means for business; and how they are gearing for the future.
Featuring: Darren Wills, Executive Director, Motofix Accident Repair Centres & Micah Sherwood, Bodyshop Manager, English Ford – Foray Motor Group Ltd
Cazoo acquires SMH
Cazoo has acquired SMH Fleet Solutions (SMH), one of the UK’s leading vehicle preparation, logistics and storage businesses.
Established in 2003, SMH has a team of over 500 currently processing more than 70,000 vehicle refurbishments annually from six vehicle preparation sites. The business also carries out over 150,000 vehicle movements per year with a team of over 300 logistics specialists as well as operating an online wholesale platform for used cars.
The move double Cazoo’s overall vehicle reconditioning, logistics and storage capabilities in the UK with 11 total sites across more than 265 acres, as well as providing it with an experienced team of hundreds of additional vehicle preparation and logistics specialists and its own digital wholesale platform.
Allianz X backs GT Motive
GT Motive has signed a definitive agreement for a change in ownership with Allianz X (Allianz Group) acquiring a majority stake from current shareholders Mitchell and Einsa.
“GT Motive provides highly-accurate data at competitive prices and one of the most integrative, customer-centric platforms on the market,” said Dr Nazim Cetin, CEO of Allianz X. “We see enormous potential to scale it up into a hard-hitting heavy-weight. All it needs is some more muscle behind it – and that’s where Allianz X can help.”
Aviva finds appetite for EVs accelerates
The coronavirus pandemic has driven a fundamental shift in motorists’ attitudes towards driving and their choice of vehicle, according to research by Aviva.
Aviva has tracked UK motorists’ attitudes towards electric vehicles (EVs) over a number of years and the appetite for more environmentally friendly models has grown considerably in the past 18 months.
Over the last year, the desire for hybrid and electric vehicles has intensified, with almost half of UK drivers (46%) saying their next vehicle will be at least partly powered by electricity.
NBRA names green award winners
The NBRA has revealed the winners of its Greener Bodyshop Awards with ABL Accident Repair Group, AW Repair Group and The Vella Group receiving two awards each.
Other winners included Motofix Group who took the Charity Award. Richard Tutt, Motofix Group Chairman, said, “As a business we have always held a strong belief in the need to give back.”
Fix Auto Penzance took the Carbon Footprint Independent Award. Owner Stuart Cameron said, “I am extremely fortunate that my entire team at Fix Auto Penzance have truly bought into the necessity to operate as ecologically-friendly as possible.”
LV= General Insurance took the Outstanding Support for Bodyshops Award.
Shorade UK appoints brand manager
Shorade UK has appointed Rachel Bentham, formerly BASF Automotive Refinish, as Brand Manager.
Shorade UK is committed to creating and operating exceptional, innovative accident repair facilities across the UK. Working closely with selected vehicle manufacturers, Shorade UK will create bespoke but scalable solutions, with a focus on the customer experience.
Rachel will be responsible for branding activities for all associated partners and businesses as well as engagement with vehicle manufacturer programmes, dealership partners and other key stakeholders.
Zurich partners with KGM
Zurich UK has announced a new long-term agreement with KGM Underwriting, one of the UKs leading specialist and niche motor insurers and part of the A-Plan / Howden Group.
The partnership secures Zurich’s solus capacity, over a five-year term, for KGM’s motor portfolio. The five-year arrangement is worth over £700m GWP and will commence in January 2022.
Commenting on the new MGA capacity deal, Dave Martin, Zurich’s Head of Retail said: “This deal aligns to our wider Retail growth strategy by combining the financial strength, expertise and brand of Zurich with the technical knowledge and distribution reach of a specialist underwriter and strategic broker partner.”
Markerstudy appoints two new NEDS
Markerstudy Group has appointed Neil Utley and Matthew Donaldson as Non-Executive Directors.
Both bring extensive experience from within the financial services and insurance sectors. Neil was most recently as Chairman of Hastings Insurance Group, leading the MBO from IAG, an IPO and subsequent listing on the UK Stock Exchange. Matthew was most recently Group CEO of BGL Group where he joined as National Sales and Operations Director in 2001, and held pivotal senior roles, including Director of E-Commerce, Managing Director, and Group COO.
