QWhat is the Auto Body Professionals Club?
A The Auto Body Professionals Club (ABP Club) was formed in September 2004. We are a Club for “individuals who want to see the body repair industry prosper” and now have over 1,300 individual members from all sides of the industry - repairers, insurance, credit hire and accident management companies, vehicle, equipment and paint manufacturers, distribution and suppliers.
We are primarily about two things:
Community
The Club holds three National Club meetings per year where an average of around 200 Club members enjoy networking opportunities at each meeting. These Club meetings are free to attend for Gold and Platinum members.
We also hold regional meetings – our Business to Business forums - which offer a very successful format.
In addition, we hold our Annual Convention followed by our Night of Knights awards event in October that attracts a cross-section of around 400 delegates. The Convention is viewed as ‘the most significant industry event of the year’ by many industry professionals and again is free to attend for Gold and Platinum Club members.
Communication
The ABP Club website is “The Home of the Body Repair Industry”.
In 2009 the Club's website received over 379,000 visits, with over 2.38 MILLION pages being viewed.
In 2009, the Forum section of the Club's website had 9,670 messages posted - 7,230 member messages and 2,440 news items.
QIs it an association?
AAbsolutely not. It does not claim to have association status, but it will try to influence and work with associations and others connected with the body repair industry on behalf of Club members.
QWho are its members?
AWe have in excess of 1,300 individual members comprising of the majority of the UK’s top bodyshops, insurers and leading suppliers to the industry. As at 1 January 2010 we had as members:
Although we are proud to have industry leading companies as members, we are equally delighted to have many SMEs gaining the many benefits of being a Club member.
Bodyshop members include: M&M Vehicle Repairs, Just Car Clinics, DWS Group, Balgores, Nationwide, Alton Cars, ADR Group, Simon Bailes, Pendragon plc, Allied Vehicles, Exway Group, Drive Vauxhall, Howard Basford, Seward Motor Group, Motofix, R&S Motors, M&A Coachworks and East Bilney Coachworks, to name but a few.
Supporter members include: Thatcham, MVRA, Audatex, EurotaxGlass’s, Allianz, Zurich, Axa, Esure, Chaucer, RBS, NU, RSA, MMA, Admiral, Motorcare, Elite Incident Management, Ai Solutions, Helphire, Kindertons Accident Management, Drive Assist, Call Zebra, Fix Auto, IRIS, Morelli, NIBS, ACIS, Winns Solicitors, GM Motors, BMW, Retail Motor Law and many more …
QCan non-bodyshop professionals join?
AYes they can, as long as they follow the basic aims and objectives of the Club. There is a separate category of membership to cater for this sector – Club Supporter. This category has two classifications – Gold Supporter and Bronze Supporter and is open to senior representatives of motor insurers, accident management companies, suppliers, motor manufacturers – in fact any senior individuals of companies who want to help to influence the body repair industry.
QWhat are the Club's aims and objectives?
AIn 2006, a Platinum Bodyshop Strategy and Standards Board was established to assist in the direction of the Club. In doing so, the Board provides working objectives for the prosperity of Bodyshops. These are in line with the ABP Club objectives of:
Be the leading information provider and communications hub for the UK Body Repair Industry
The overall aim of our meetings is to break the complex circle of mistrust; lack of transparency and misunderstanding that currently prevents the sector from moving forward in a positive way. They are moderated professionally and are conducted in a co-operative, constructive and non-confrontational manner.
In 2006, ABP Club was heavily involved in the instigation and development of Thatcham BSi Kitemark (PAS125) body repair standard. This continues into 2010, whilst our recent Safety Summits have given the Club a mandate to investigate and develop strategic reports on safe method of repair / data availability.
QWhen and where are Club meetings held?
AClick the Club Events Diary button for details. We hold 3 National Club meetings plus our Annual Convention each year. These are broadly held in the centre of the country for ease of access for Club members to attend.
We also hold regional business to business forums and smaller group meetings where necessary to debate ‘live’ issues.
Since our formation in September 2004 (up to 1 January 2010) the ABP Club has:
QWhat are the differences between the membership categories?
AClick here to view the bodyshop membership categories
Click here to view the supporter membership categories for insurers, accident management companies, credit hire companies, suppliers and vehicle manufacturers.
QHow much does it cost to be a member?
| A | Platinum Bodyshop: | £200 + VAT per month (up to four named senior execs and three delegate places at Club meetings) |
| Gold Bodyshop: | £45 per month + VAT (up to threenamed senior execs and two delegate places at Club meetings) | |
| Bronze Bodyshop: | £225 per annum + VAT (in one single annual payment up to two named senior execs) | |
| Gold Supporter: | *£55 per month + VAT (up to four named senior execs and three delegate places at club meetings) | |
| Bronze Supporter: | £280 per annum + VAT (up to three named senior execs) |
* Gold Club Supporter may also be invited to Platinum member activities by prior agreement.
QHow do I advertise on the ABP Club Website?
ASimply email us on advertising@abpclub.com to register your interest and we will contact you with prices. Alternatively, contact Mark Bull (07702 435629) for an informal discussion.
QWho owns the ABP Club?
AThe Club is jointly owned by its two directors, Mark Bull, Director (left) and David Cresswell, Chairman (right).
QHow do I join?
AClick here.
We will either forward an invoice to cover the appropriate annual amount (if preferred) or alternatively, a Standing Order monthly mandate form for your completion and return.
If you require further information on any Club matters, please contact David Cresswell or Mark Bull: David Cresswell: 07977 929756 / david@abpclub.com
Mark Bull: 07702 435629 / mark@abpclub.com