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webinARC February 2022: Operations
Wednesday 16 February – 13.30
In this webinARC we explore incident claims processes and repair operations by focusing on the five Ps – products, processes, plant, people and programmes – to try and piece together what the challenges and opportunities are from a variety of perspectives.
Featuring:
- Harry Abraham, Operations Director, Halo ARC Ltd
- Jeff Mack, National Account Manager, NWVA
- Jane Pocock, Managing Director, Copart UK
- Robert McWilliams, Approved Repairer Vendor Manager, UKGI Claims, Zurich Insurance plc
Alton Cars acquired in MBO
Alton Cars Ltd Accident Repair Group has been acquired in a management buyout for an undisclosed sum.
Established in 1979, the business has grown to a turnover of £48.5m and has evolved to become one of the largest independent accident repair groups in the UK, with 370 staff across 14 locations.
The MBO was supported by Tony Parish, the exiting founder of Alton Cars, to ensure a future succession plan for the business.
Diversity challenge exposed by IMI report
The IMI’s annual UK Automotive Sector Baseline Report 2021 has exposed the significant diversity challenges facing the sector. It found that 81% of the workforce is male, while only 38% are under the age of 35.
However, it also suggested there will be an opportunity to redress this imbalance with 55,000 new jobs expected to be created in the industry by 2030.
Cost pressures starting to bite for insurance
The average price for motor insurance in 2021 fell to its lowest level in six years according to the ABI but sustained cost pressures are beginning to impact the cost of cover.
The latest ABI Motor Insurance Premium Tracker shows that in 2021 the average price paid for comprehensive motor insurance was £434. This fell by seven per cent on 2020 to its lowest level since 2015.
However, in Q4 2021, the average premium paid rose by £11 on the previous quarter to £440. Despite this rise, the average premium was three per cent lower than the same quarter of 2020.
AutoRaise celebrates apprenticeship drive
AutoRaise and its partners have been active nationwide during National Apprenticeship Week as the sector rallies to address the skills shortage.
It and Gemini were both promoting the sector at the Nottingham College Apprenticeship open evening, while ABL 1 Touch showcased the development of its apprenticeship programme following £150,000 support from Saint-Gobain.
The Vella Group and AW Repair Group also used National Apprenticeship Week to highlight their commitment to apprentices through individual success stories.
Cost inflation set to continue
Insurance solutions provider DAC Beachcroft has warned the industry to expect claims inflation to continue at the same rate of 2021 for at least another year.
It pointed to ongoing issues such as a shortage of skills, parts disruption and higher energy costs, but said there were ways to counter rising costs, such as developing closer ties with the supply chain to ensure partners had the parts and skills to repair cars quickly, and using green parts more frequently to reduce costs and key-to-key times.
ABLE TO: lauds apprenticeship efforts
Apprentice consultancy business ABLE TO: has praised the efforts of the automotive aftermarket to attract and retain new talent during National Apprenticeship Week 2022.
Owner Bob Linwood said, “It’s genuinely heart-warming to see so many great stories about young people doing well in our industry, and this has been a continuing trend over the last few years.”
Four Ways the right way for Fix Auto UK
Fix Auto UK has appointed Midlands-based repairer Four Ways Accident Repair Centre to its network.
The repairer, which will operate as Fix Auto Atherstone, is owned by local entrepreneur Garry Wall and managed by Martin Scott, and joins network following a period of investment which commenced with relocating to new premises and installing a new, efficient, spraybooth, a raft of technical equipment, IT, staff training and additional recruitment.
Hodkinson joins ACG
Financial solutions provider, Accident Credit Group (ACG) has appointed Phil Hodkinson as National Sales Manager.
Phil has previously worked with several leading accident management companies and repair networks.
Pete Bass, Sales Director ACG said, “Phil appreciates the challenges facing the repair sector and joins ACG at an exciting time. His sales experience and industry knowledge will help drive our growth plans, working closely with existing and future partners to develop new products and services.”
GB Flint celebrates Ford approval
GB Flint Coachworks, formally Fix Auto Nottingham, has secured Ford approval.
Managing director Carl Flint said, “Adding another vehicle manufacturer to our extensive portfolio ensures our staff can gain the specialist training and knowledge required to repair technically advanced modern vehicles. It provides reassurance to our customers that their cars are in safe hands.”
Laird Assessors introduces new Engineer Academy
Laird Assessors has launched an Engineer Academy to train, develop and support people looking for a career in motor engineering.
The academy is designed to take a person from rookie apprentice to a fully qualified motor engineer and is a formalised version of the various, and sometimes siloed, training that has been given to their staff over the years.
Auto Windscreens announces ADAS certification
Auto Windscreens has announced that its ISO accreditations now also include ADAS windscreen calibrations.
The company said, “The certificates confirm that we meet the requirements of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. This means our partners can be assured we provide a structured framework for ensuring a safe and healthy workplace, manage and improve the quality of our products and services, as well as reducing our impact on the environment. We’re the only automotive glazing company to have done so, making us unique in the market.”
Cazoo secures further funding
Cazoo has secured an additional $630m in additional funding. The investment, led by Viking Global Investors, follows a two per cent share transaction.
The extra capital pushes the company’s balance sheet towards the $900m mark and supports its multi-year strategy of continued growth through the UK and Europe.
Volvo man up for charity award
Volvo Body and Paint manager, Steve Plunkett is set to be honoured by blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan, at a digital awards celebration this month.
Steve has been shortlisted for the Donor Champion of the Year Award at the Anthony Nolan Supporter Awards 2021 for raising over £20,000 for the charity.
Market Intelligence: Wednesday 09 February 2022
This month’s look at the mobility data and trends from across the sector.
To view the report click here.
