The future in focus…
Next week sees ARC360’s digital event week – The Future in Focus – take place with six highly engaging and diverse sessions across three days – Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Hear from key persons of influence discussing success habits; technology; insurance; products and services; people and cultures; and MBOs whilst playing your part by sharing your opinions, thoughts and votes. Register now for what promises to be a highly engaging week of knowledge sharing, new ideas and future thinking.
Steer Automotive moves into prestige segment
Steer Automotive Group has acquired Premier Panel Skills of Farnham – a leading prestige body repairer approved by Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover, McLaren, Lotus and Morgan Cars.
The move is Steer’s first steps into the prestige sector and extends the group’s operational capability to include specialist hybrid and electric vehicle repair, as well as structural aluminium and multi composite repair.
Richard Steer, Chief Executive of Steer Automotive said, “This acquisition fits perfectly with our strategy to offer our clients and their customers a full range of services that recognise the changing technological landscape of the vehicle repair industry.”
Ian and Lynne Wallis, owners of Premier said, “We are happy to be handing over the business to a company with the drive and ambition of the Steer Automotive Group and thank our staff, customers and suppliers for their support during our ownership.”
The latest acquisition follows hot on the heels of the two new sites already opened in 2021 and takes the Steer operation to 12 sites in total.
EV grant scheme updated
The government’s electric vehicle grant scheme has been updated in a move which has been labelled as ‘the wrong move at the wrong time’ by SMMT.
The changes see the grant reduced from £3,000 to £2,500 and restricted to electric vehicles priced under £35,000.
A government statement said the move was ‘to target less expensive models and reflect a greater range of affordable vehicles available, allowing the scheme’s funding to go further and help more people make the switch to an electric vehicle.’
Claims exchange data shows six per cent rise
Claims exchange volumes have risen by six per cent according to the CAPS Claims Volume Analysis for week ending 13 March 2021.
Measured against the exchanged peak of 07 November 2020 unique claim exchanges stood at 82% – six per cent up on the previous week’s static figure of 76%.
AW Repair Group achieves PAS2060
AW Repair Group’s network of 10 bodyshops has achieved the PAS2060 carbon neutrality standard.
Working in collaboration with ECA Energy, AW Repair Group has collated a detailed carbon management plan after working through all three emission scopes.
Andrew Walsh, Founder & CEO of AW Repair Group, said: “Energy saving products and processes have always been a high priority when opening new sites and refurbishing existing. This is why all our sites are already fitted with LED Lighting, variable speed compressors and spraybooths, always choosing the more energy efficient option every time.”
IMI extends re-accreditation timelines
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has extended the period for IMI re-accreditation assessments for a further six months following consultation with its approved network of centres and colleges, as well as taking feedback from IMI Accredited Members.
In May 2020 the IMI extended the deadline by six months for re-accreditations due from the beginning of March to the end of June 2020. In July 2020 it applied a further six-month extension for re-accreditations due between July and September.
The latest extension reflects the restrictions faced by the IMI approved centre network to be able to carry out face to face learning, as well as effectively complete Accreditation assessments.
Wyndon Motors reveals new site
Wyndon Motors, believed to be Coventry’s longest established bodyshop, has opened a new, state-of-the-art repair centre in Shilton after 57 years at its previous Keresley home.
In the last five years the independent business has grown and added Aston Martin Tier B approval to its stable of Mercedes Benz, VAG and 20 other motor manufacturer approvals.
The new 15,000sqft site was developed in partnership with Todd Engineering.
The new site is part of Wyndon’s development plans including investment in training, and specialist equipment for repairing EVs and maintaining ADAS-equipped vehicles.
Gemini takes top honours for Scotland
Gemini Edinburgh has won the Accident Repair Company of the Year for a second year in a row at the Corporate LiveWire Scotland Prestige Awards.
Dave Sargeant, MD, Gemini Accident Repair Centres, said, “We are absolutely chuffed to receive the award on behalf of Tony Duffy, bodyshop manager and his fantastic team at Gemini Edinburgh, who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to keep customers mobile and safe.”
The Corporate Livewire Prestige Awards celebrate small and medium-sized enterprises consisting of localised businesses and sole traders that have thrived in their highly competitive community and have proven their success during the past 12 months.
HB achieves BS10125
HB Accident Repair Network’s first bodyshop site in Swinton, Manchester has achieved BS10125 following its opening in January.
The business is backed by three former directors of Howard Basford – Chairman, Tracy Howard; Finance Director, Nick Orr; and Operations Director, Martin Isaac – which grew to become Britain’s largest privately owned accident repair group with a turnover of £20m before it was sold in 2014
Swinton, Manchester is HB Accident Repair Network’s first purchase, with another planned this year, as the directors target growth in the north west. The HB team plan to grow a £15-£20m turnover business with plans for five to eight sites over the next three to five years.
An audience with… ARC360 partners
Join us for an audience with ARC360’s partners and find out more about what they do and how they may be of benefit to you and your business. Choose to join three of our partners for a 15 minute showcase.
