ABP Club News - February 2010

Below is a news headline summary. The full news stories appear on the ABP Club members' forum.

28/2/10		Allianz - considers remodelling the Cornhill Direct brand purely as an on-line provider Allianz Insurance is considering remodelling its Cornhill Direct business into an online- only provider. Full article on members' forum

28/2/10		Audatex - paint index increases by 4.3% on Mon 1 March = 10.4% increase since end of 2009 ABP - Audatex have announced a 4.3% increase in their paint index from 1 March to cover the DPC and BASF brands which increase on 1 March. This follows a 2.3% increase made on 1 February to cover the Sikkens brand and a 3.25% increase on 1 January to cover the PPG increases. The total result is a 10.4% increase in the Audatex paint index since 31 December 2009. Full article on members' forum

28/2/10		Chartwells - Britains 12th best company to work for The Sunday Times has published its annual list of the "100 Best Small Companies to Work For" Chartwells have come 12th in the table, out of the 571 firms that took part Full article on members' forum

26/2/10		Allianz UK - profits up 5.2% in 2009 to £203m Allianz Insurance has reported an IFRS operating profit up 5.2% to £203.7m on gross written premium up 3.7% to £1588.1m in 2009. The UK arm of the German giant recorded a combined ratio down 2.3 percentage points to 92.9%, with the retail business improving its COR by 8.2 percentage points over 2008 Full article on members' forum

26/2/10		Bodyshop ATA qualified staff tops 6500 ABP Club is pleased to provide an update on the total number of ATA Technicians in the body repair sector, which has now reached over 6500. Full article on members' forum

26/2/10		ABP Club meeting, Crewe, 23 Feb - overview 183 delegates attended the ABP Club meeting in Crewe last Tuesday, sponsored by Morelli and DeBeer. The topics covered were, as usual, diverse and informative ensuring Club members are kept abreast of industry issues and how to look inward at how they can benefit their own business. Full article on members' forum

26/2/10		Quinn Insurance - being prepared for a floatation Quinn Insurance could be hived off from the main group and floated by 2015. The controversial Irish insurer is likely to become a standalone listed company, separated from the rest of the group owned by billionaire businessman Sean Quinn. Full article on members' forum

26/2/10		Fortis - appoint former Direct Line md as head of retail Fortis UK has appointed Andy Watson to its executive team in the new role of managing director, Retail. Watson was most recently head of insurance UK at HSBC Insurance. Prior to that he worked within RBS as managing director of UKI Partnerships and Direct Line. Full article on members' forum

26/2/10		Helphire - half year results; reduced losses Interim Results for the six months ended 31 December 2009 Financial Highlights * Adjusted operating profit increased by 12.4% to £10.0m (2008: £8.9m) * Adjusted profit before tax up 90% at £5.7m (2008: £3.0m) * Statutory loss before tax of £0.4m (2008: loss of £59.3m) inclusive of exceptional items * Net debt reduced by £30.4m since June 2009; £153.2m total reduction since restructuring programme began Full article on members' forum

25/2/10		Vertu Motors (Bristol Street) - trading update Following a strong trading performance in the first six months of the financial year, trading in the period to 31 January 2010 has remained ahead of budget and prior year levels. Consequently, we expect Group performance for the full year to exceed market consensus expectations Full article on members' forum

25/2/10		Audatex - improved assessing and auditing with new training for motor engineers With an ever-increased emphasis on the efficiency of working practices throughout the motor claims and repair industry, Audatex UK has announced the launch of two new training courses for field-based and internal motor engineers responsible for vehicle damage assessment and authorisation. Full article on members' forum

25/2/10		Financial Ombudsman Service complaints rise by 18% The number of new complaints made to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) about financial firms rose by 18% in the last six months of last year. The FOS received 82,136 complaints, up from 69,841 in the first half of 2009. Full article on members' forum

25/2/10		Total & Leaseplan launch SME claims management tracking system LeasePlan has teamed up with Total Accident Management to offer its Network SME customers an innovative online accident registration and claims management service. Full article on members' forum

25/2/10		RBS Insurance - profits plummet RBS Insurance results announced today show a massive decline in the insurance giants fortunes. Profit for the full year 2009 fell to just £58 million, down from £584 million in 2008. In the last quarter of 2009, the insurance division made a loss of £170m, compared to a profit of £134m in the same quarter in 2008. Full article on members' forum

24/2/10		Five-year-old cars excel in claims ratings Drivers of cars that have passed their fifth birthday are being alerted to the fact that they belong to the UK's "most likely to claim" group of motorists. Full article on members' forum

24/2/10		Peter Wood - Insurance Times interview with chief exec of esure The buy-out of Lloyds' major stake in Esure by founder Peter Wood marks an exciting new time for the online insurer. But Wood insists patience and hard work is the name of the game for now. Here, he reveals how he stays ahead of the pack, and what's next for Michael Winner Full article on members' forum

24/2/10		Motor insurance 'fronting' scam - up to 36,000 parents put children down as 'spouse' Up to 36,000 cash-strapped parents are fiddling their car insurance by putting their sons or daughters down as a 'spouse' on their motor policy, says the Daily Mail. Full article on members' forum

24/2/10		Eco Repair Systems launches two new products In keeping with their 'repair NOT replace' ethos, Eco Repair System are launching two new products: Re-Zinc Kit Dent Relief Kit Full article on members' forum

24/2/10		Law-abiding motorists at risk from 1.7m with no car cover Around 1.7million people are currently driving on Britain's roads without insurance cover. If you're one of the majority of honest, insured motorists, you might think that this isn't your problem. But think again... Full article on members' forum

24/2/10		Quickco (pendragon parts wholesale business) - reduced its credit risk in 2009 in the volatile accident repair market "reducing credit terms where appropiate" The segment of the customer base that faced the most challenging environment within the year was the accident repair market due to falling accident rates. Quickco focussed on reducing credit risk in this volatile market, reducing credit terms where appropriate. In addition Quickco was very successful in winning new contracts with national repairers and insurers where the credit risk is lower Full article on members' forum

24/2/10		Access Claims Solutions - borrows £250,000 from RBS under EFG Access Claims Solutions which provides replacement vehicles to motorists involved in non-fault accidents has borrowed £250,000 from Royal Bank of Scotland under the government-backed Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) Scheme. Full article on members' forum

24/2/10		Markerstudy - complete purchase of Zenith / Link Insurance Markerstudy Holdings has completed the purchase of Zenith Insurance incorporating Link Underwriting Agency and GHL Insurance Services, after receiving approval from the Financial Services Authority Full article on members' forum

23/2/10		Saab - Spyker finalize purchase from GM • Spyker Cars finalizes deal over the purchase of Saab Automobile • Transfer of ownership has taken place • Transaction signals the start of an exciting new era for Saab • Saab and Spyker to operate under parent company Spyker Cars N.V. Full article on members' forum

23/2/10		Pendragon - 2009 results; pre-tax profit of £1.3m compared to £194m loss in 2008 Pendragon PLC, the UK's leading car retailer group, (ABP - who also have 31 bodyshops in the UK) today reports unaudited preliminary results for the twelve months to 31 December 2009. Full article on members' forum

22/2/10		Allianz - outsource management of its 1,050 strong company car fleet to Inchcape Fleet Solutions Inchcape Fleet Solutions has announced it has secured a vehicle and driver management outsourcing contract from Allianz Full article on members' forum

22/2/10		Manheim - 38% of cars at the end of lease have damage with average rectification cost of £351 Vehicle remarketing expert Manheim identified more than £12m of damage across the 90,000 end-of-lease vehicles it assessed during 2009 - an average of over £350 per vehicle Full article on members' forum

22/2/10		MVRA (RMI) - offer "Bodyshop QC programme" The original MVRA Quality Assured and RMI Quality Control programmes have been developed even further to reflect the needs of today's bodyshop. Bodyshop QC is a useful tool which will review your current working model, measure, review and then create an action plan for ongoing improvement. Full article on members' forum

22/2/10		BSi Kitemarked (PAS125) bodyshops - total now 626 Nine new Kitemarked bodyshops have been added to the BSi Kitemark (PAS125) listing since we last published our exclusive analysed list on Friday 12 February. One site has been removed from the list by BSi. The new total is now 626 sites: 355 in groups and 270 single sites + 1 "changed ownership" site Full article on members' forum

22/2/10		Allianz expects net profit announcement The Financial Times has reported that analysts expect Allianz to produce operating profits of about €6.9bn and net income of about €4.3bn, when it announces its results on 25 February. This is compared with operating profit of €7.4bn and a net loss of €2.4bn in 2008. Full article on members' forum

19/2/10		Basic Welding launch Weldshop online service Weldshop is a NEW online shopping cart website offering true discounted branded products to the professional bodyshop. Full article on members' forum

19/2/10		Tesco Insurance - to set up panel for non-standard risks that Fortis don't want Tesco Bank is poised to sign deals with several insurers, including up-for-sale Provident, to handle "non-standard risks" as part of a panel arrangement - according to a report in Post mag. Full article on members' forum

19/2/10		PAS125 - BSi "only require repair methods for technically complex, safety related or other issues where there is insuffucient familiarity with the process" The February issue of Body magazine contains a report of a meeting between the VBRA and Steve Wright of BSi. Included in the report is the following ............. Full article on members' forum

19/2/10		Advance Accident Repair - gain Kitemark Chesterfield based Advance Accident Repair has recently gained the BSI Kitemark certification - setting the high standards that consumers/fleet managers expect when having their cars repaired. Full article on members' forum

19/2/10		Motor Trader awards - call for entries; deadline 7 April ABP Club has been contacted by Motor Trader to remind all Club members that entries for their awards are now open Full article on members' forum

19/2/10		Zebra commences 2010 with monthly U&I awards - first winner Peter James Motor Group Call Zebra is kick-starting 2010 with a new monthly award initiative for U&I network members. Every month we'll be highlighting the achievements of one of our members and sharing their top tips for success. Full article on members' forum

19/2/10		Skillauto 2010 - sponsors announced The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced two premier sponsors for the 2010 Skillauto competitions Full article on members' forum

19/2/10		Credit hire - trade bodies NACHO and AMA set to merge Post magazine is reporting that the two trade bodies for the credit hire industry - the Accident Management Association (AMA) and the National Association of Credit Hire Operators (NACHO) - are poised to merge. Full article on members' forum

18/2/10		Groupama - private car revenues remained under pressure The private car policy count reduced to correct adverse profitability whilst commercial lines and healthcare (PMI) revenues remained under pressure as a result of difficult business conditions and continuing fierce competition in the company's core SME business. Full article on members' forum

18/2/10		AXA UK - overall earnings down 18%; Swiftcover and AXA Direct Motor see robust performance AXA UK reports a robust performance in motor in AXA Insurance Direct (through internet sales), with revenues up 44% and customer policy numbers climbing 37% to 715,000 following recent advertising campaigns and improved customer retention. Personal Intermediary motor revenues were up 16% as a result of the successful launch of the new AXA Car product. Full article on members' forum

18/2/10		Moneysupermarket.com - Uninsured driver numbers growing A growing number of people are driving without insurance, moneysupermarket.com reports. Full article on members' forum

18/2/10		Innovation Group issues Interim Management Statement The Board announces that despite the challenges of current economic conditions, the Group is making good progress towards winning and establishing new customers with a substantial number of pilot (proof of concept) projects underway across our geographic operations. Full article on members' forum

18/2/10		Halfords acquires Nationwide Autocentres Halfords is building on its leading retail position in car maintenance to expand into the UK's £9 billion car servicing and repair market. Full article on members' forum

18/2/10		3M reminds bodyshops to comply with vibration legislation 3M has reminded UK bodyshops that they have only a few months left to comply with legislation introduced in 2005 requiring them to limit their employees' exposure to vibration. Full article on members' forum

18/2/10		AJC Wilson win AM Bodyshop of the Year Award Congratulations to AJC Wilson who were awarded Bodyshop of the Year at last night's AM Awards in Birmingham. Full article on members' forum

16/2/10		Just Car Clinics save through Expense Reduction Analysts Just Car Clinics is the second largest independent chain of collision repair centres in the UK, with 620 staff in 25 locations across the North, East and Central England, specialising in motor collision repair and accident damage rectification of around 45,000 cars, vans and motorbikes every year. Full article on members' forum

16/2/10		Lease4Less Announce New Accident Fleet Management Service Specialists in car and van leasing, Lease4Less, announce a new service to help small fleets who are searching for support on risk management and duty of care issues for their vehicles. Full article on members' forum

16/2/10		Dealer FAQs: Accident Management A M Magazine interviews Gordon Grant, Accident Exchange on Accident Management. Full article on members' forum

15/2/10		Revealed: the biggest car insurance payouts Paying out on a car that's been written off in an accident might be costly for insurers but it's small change compared to the sums they routinely relinquish on personal injury claims. Full article on members' forum

15/2/10		UK motor premiums rose 12.7% in 2009 The cost of car insurance jumped 12.7% in Britain last year as providers responded to rising claims, a survey showed, suggesting a long-awaited upturn in the motor insurance market may be under way, Reuters has reported. Full article on members' forum

15/2/10		Survey shows insurers are delivering on motor claims A motor claims survey, conducted amongst customers of 15 of the UK's leading motor insurers, found that 87% were satisfied with the service received during their claim, reports broking.co.uk. Full article on members' forum

15/2/10		Easi-Drive launchs training school for its claims handling team Manchester-based accident management firm Easi-Drive has launched a training school for its claims handling team. Full article on members' forum

15/2/10		Fusion appoints Operations Manager Fusion is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Perkins to the position of Operations Manager. Full article on members' forum

15/2/10		ABP Club opens Thatcham BSi Kitemark (PAS125) debate ABP Club has today invited all members of the PAS125 Working Group to attend the Club meeting next week and to take part in an 'open floor debate' regarding the standard. Full article on members' forum

15/2/10		Man spared a jail sentence after causing death without insurance A Northumberland man walked out of Newcastle Crown Court being spared a jail sentence after becoming one of the first drivers in the country to be convicted of the new charge of causing death by driving without insurance. Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		Kwik-Fit prepares to sell £200m insurance business Kwik-Fit, the car repair firm founded by Sir Tom Farmer, the Scottish entrepreneur, is preparing to sell its fast-growing insurance business for more than £200m, the Sunday Times reports. Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		New insurance for motorists who want to go to court Although insurers can offer legal protection for drivers being sued after an accident, there is no help for those looking to fight against a charge of having committed a motoring offence. But now, motorist legal advice website AutoMate is offering its new prosecution defence cover for an annual premium of £9.99. Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		1 - Steve Watson Coachworks Ltd - creditors meeting 1 - Publication Date: Friday, 12 February 2010 Meetings of Creditors STEVE WATSON COACHWORKS LIMITED (Company Number 03752439) Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		2 - Chesterfield Autobodies Ltd - creditors meeting 2 - Publication Date: Tuesday, 9 February 2010 Meetings of Creditors CHESTERFIELD AUTOBODIES LIMITED (Company Number 03701978) Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		3 - Car Crash Line Group Ltd - administrators appointed 3 - Publication Date: Friday, 22 January 2010 Appointment of Administrators In the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division) Companies Court No 333 of 2010 CAR CRASH LINE GROUP LIMITED (Company Number 03835301) Nature of Business: Non-fault accident management, vehicle hire and vehicle sale to write-off clients. Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		4 - One Stop Car Shop - administrators appointed 4 - Publication Date: Friday, 22 January 2010 Appointment of Administrators In the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division) Companies Court No 332 of 2010 ONE STOP CAR SHOP LIMITED (Company Number 03191877) Nature of Business: Non-fault accident management, vehicle hire and vehicle sale to write-off clients. Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		5 - Wire 3 Technologies Ltd - administrator appointed 5 - Appointment of Administrators In the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, Birmingham District Registry No 8020 of 2010 WIRE 3 TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED (Company Number 04812822) Nature of Business: Manufacture of Vehicle Tracking Devices Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		6 - Newborne Motor Services Ltd - petition to wind-up 6 - Publication Date: Thursday, 21 January 2010 Petitions to Wind Up (Companies) In the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division) Companies Court No 20181 of 2009 In the Matter of NEWBORNE MOTOR SERVICES LIMITED (Company Number 03779271) Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		7 - Charles Reed Fleet Services Ltd (t/as Crash Care and others) - petition to wind-up Petitions to Wind Up In the Matter of CHARLES REED FLEET SERVICES LIMITED which trades as - Crashcare - Crash Care Accident Management - Charles Reed Fleet Services - Plymouth Salvage - Accident & Collision Finance - Accident Repairs South West - Cornish & Wessex Investigations and Engineering Consultants Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		8 - Robinson Truck Bodies Ltd - petition to wind-up 8 - Publication Date: Wednesday, 20 January 2010 Petitions to Wind Up (Companies) In the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division) Newcastle upon Tyne District Registry No 5562 of 2009 In the Matter of ROBINSON TRUCK BODIES LIMITED (Company Number 04242338) Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		9 - Premier Accident Management UK (Yorkshire) Ltd - winding-up order 9 - Publication Date: Monday, 8 February 2010 Winding-Up Orders Name of Company—PREMIER ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT UK (YORKSHIRE) LIMITED. Company Number—04418031. Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		10 - Road Accident Management Ltd - winding-up order 10 - Publication Date: Thursday, 11 February 2010 Winding-Up Orders ROAD ACCIDENT MANAGEMENT LTD (Company Number 04338062) Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		11 - Tawe Coachbuilders Ltd - wound-up & liquidated 11 - Publication Date: Wednesday, 3 February 2010 Resolutions for Winding-up TAWE COACHBUILDERS LIMITED (Company Number 04632602) Nature of Business: vehicle manufacturer Previous Name of Company: Abbey Hall Limited Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		12 - Accident Compensation Services Ltd - wound-up & liquidated 12 - Publication Date: Monday, 1 February 2010 Resolutions for Winding-up ACCIDENT COMPENSATION SERVICES LIMITED (Company Number 06019453) Nature of Business: Insurance claims handling Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		13 - JDA Commercials LLP - wound-up & liquidated 13 - Publication Date: Wednesday, 20 January 2010 Resolutions for Winding-up JDA Commercials LLP (Number of Limited Liability Partnership OC308153) Nature of Business: Commercial Vehicle Garage Services and Repairers Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		14 - Hayes Bodyshop (London) Ltd - wound-up & liquidated 14 - Publication Date: Wednesday, 27 January 2010 Resolutions for Winding-up HAYES BODYSHOP (LONDON) LIMITED (Company Number 05617946) Nature of Business: Maintenance & repair of motors. Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		15 - M & J Equestrian Ltd - wound-up & liquidated 15 - Publication Date: Monday, 1 February 2010 Resolutions for Winding-up M & J EQUESTRIAN LIMITED (Company Number 06395101) Nature of Business: Horsebox, Trailer and Vehicle Repairs Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		16 - Autobodys (UK) Ltd - wound-up & liquidated 16 - Publication Date: Tuesday, 26 January 2010 Resolutions for Winding-up AUTOBODYS (UK) LIMITED Company Number: 06698799. Nature of Business: Vehicle Repair Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		17 - Kingbuild Bodies Ltd - wound-up & liquidated 17 - Publication Date: Tuesday, 9 February 2010 Resolutions for Winding-up KINGBUILD BODIES LIMITED (Company Number 04649257) Nature of Business: Vehicle Repairs Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		18 - Concept Truck & Van Ltd - wound-up & liquidated 18 - Publication Date: Tuesday, 9 February 2010 Resolutions for Winding-up CONCEPT TRUCK & VAN LIMITED (Company Number 04662963) Nature of Business: Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles. Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		19 - Smith & Lloyd Ltd - wound-up & liquidated 19 - Publication Date: Friday, 12 February 2010 Resolutions for Winding-up SMITH AND LLOYD LIMITED (Company Number 00757861) Nature of Business: Motor body repairers and motor mechanics. Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		20 - Camden Fleet Solutions Ltd - liquidated 20 - Publication Date: Monday, 8 February 2010 Appointment of Liquidators Company Number: 03735655. Name of Company: CAMDEN FLEET SOLUTIONS LIMITED. Previous Name of Company: CCFS (2) Limited, Inchcape Automotive Limited Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		21 - Premier Paint & Panel Ltd - final meetings 21 - Publication Date: Thursday, 11 February 2010 Final Meetings PREMIER PAINT & PANEL LIMITED Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		22 - Abley Motor Co. Ltd. - (t/as AMC Automotive Repair) - final meetings 22 - Publication Date: Tuesday, 2 February 2010 Final Meetings ABLEY MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED (t/a AMC Automotive Repair) Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		23 - DMB Trade Bodyshop Ltd - final meetings 23 - Publication Date: Tuesday, 2 February 2010 Final Meetings DMB TRADE BODYSHOP LIMITED Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		24 - Surrey Accident Repairs - final meetings 24 - Publication Date: Tuesday, 9 February 2010 Final Meetings SURREY ACCIDENT REPAIRS LIMITED Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		25 - K.B. Motors - bankruptcy Publication Date: Thursday, 21 January 2010 25 - Bankruptcy Orders BRADFORD, Kenneth Leon, Trading As Car Body Repairer As K.b. Motors Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		26 - Chips Away Scott Worthington - bankruptcy Publication Date: Wednesday, 10 February 2010 Bankruptcy Orders WORTHINGTON, Scott, a Mobile Car Body Repairer residing and trading as Chips Away Scott Worthington Full article on members' forum

14/2/10		27 - Premier Accident Repair Centre Ltd - notice of dividends 27 - Publication Date: Wednesday, 3 February 2010 Notice of Dividends PREMIER ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE LTD 03819396 Full article on members' forum

12/2/10		BSi Kitemarked (PAS125) bodyshops - total now 618 Three new Kitemarked bodyshops have been added to the BSi Kitemark (PAS125) listing since we last published our exclusive analysed list on Monday 8 February. The new total is now 618 sites: 352 in groups and 264 single sites + 1 bodyshop in liquidation (see below) + 1 "changed ownership" site Full article on members' forum

12/2/10		Byteback to open new technology centre With pressure from work providers to repair vehicles at lower cost, the only real opportunity to generate significant rises in profit is through increased throughput. Full article on members' forum

12/2/10		ABP Club to take up the baton to ensure the PAS125 standard gets back on track ABP Club is more than happy to lead a broad cross-industry open house discussion at this Club meeting with all the parties involved. This afternoon we are formally inviting all the members of the PAS125 Working Group, including BSi to attend this discussion - incidentally they are all ABP Club members! We will then take the outcome of this discussion to the PAS125 Working Group meeting already scheduled for Thursday 18 March. Full article on members' forum

12/2/10		Motor Codes launches Golden Garages Competition To help consumers feel more secure and allow reputable garage owners to gain the respect they deserve, Motor Codes has launched a national competition - Golden Garages - in search of the UK's best local service and repair centres. Full article on members' forum

11/2/10		Audatex technology assists in managing peak claims demand Innovative rules-based technology from claims solutions company, Audatex UK, has played an essential role in helping motor insurers, their body repair networks and supply chain partners, cope with peak claims demand in recent weeks, whilst helping them maintain quality and service at every level. Full article on members' forum

11/2/10		USA - State Farm warned NHTSA on Toyota in '07 Private insurer State Farm informed a U.S. government regulator of a worrying trend of vehicle-caused accidents involving Toyota Motor Corp as far back as late 2007, an official at the company said. Full article on members' forum

11/2/10		Peter Wood buys 70% esure stake from Lloyds Peter Wood, the insurance entrepreneur who made his first fortune through Direct Line, today led an £185m management buyout of his esure car and home insurance business from Lloyds Banking Group. Full article on members' forum

11/2/10		M & M Reach Final of Business Innovation Awards M & M Vehicle Repairs have reached the final three of The Staffordshire Sentinel's British Business Awards Association's "Business Innovation" Award for its Bodyshop Management Information Console. Full article on members' forum

11/2/10		AXA Assistance expands Rescue 24 fleet AXA Assistance has expanded its Rescue 24 fleet with the purchase of six new rescue vehicles and one motor bike Full article on members' forum

11/2/10		Provident intended for sale as GMAC discontinues sections of their UK insurance business operation The lead story in this week's Post Magazine looks at GMAC's intended sale of Provident Insurance: Staff at the Halifax-based insurer were briefed on the sale on 4 February by senior management, the same day that GMAC's 2009 results statement revealed sections of its UK insurance business interests had been reclassified to "discontinued operations". Full article on members' forum

10/2/10		Scientists developing new material that can be used as car body panels and at the same time store electrical energy Researchers from Imperial College London and their European partners, including Volvo Car Corporation, are developing a prototype material which can store and discharge electrical energy and which is also strong and lightweight enough to be used for car parts....the car of the future could be drawing power from its roof, its bonnet or even the door, thanks to the new composite material Full article on members' forum

10/2/10		IBIS 2010 - organisers response to posting on ABP website ABP Club has been contacted by the organisers of IBIS regarding a posting made by "Joker" this morning commenting on an ABP news item about the IBIS 2010 programme. Full article on members' forum

10/2/10		Glasurit automotive refinish appoints a National Business Development Manager In the automotive refinish and repair industry, there really is no substitute for experience; therefore Nigel Barnes was the natural choice to join the Glasurit team as National Business Development Manager. Full article on members' forum

10/2/10		RSA - appoints new director of operations (including claims) RSA chief executive Adrian Brown has created two new senior roles - David Pitt is promoted to UK operations director - Giles Baxter is promoted to UK information systems (IS) and change director Full article on members' forum

10/2/10		Formby Car Body Repairs - victim of stolen cheque fraud man who said drugs gangsters forced him to fraudulently cash five cheques he stole from a bodyshop has been sentenced. Thomas Flynn took his car to be repaired at Formby Car Body Repairs, on Stephenson Way, on May 6 last year.......... Full article on members' forum

10/2/10		ABP Club - access to repair methods There has been much recent coverage on the ABP Club website Forum regarding the availability and cost of vehicle repair method information, which is required to conduct a safe repair. However, we are concerned that bodyshops are being required to absorb the cost of accessing and gaining repair methods data. We feel that bodyshops should be able to charge their customers with the legitimate cost of obtaining this data. Full article on members' forum

10/2/10		ABP Club takes to the road again with March Business to Business Forums Following the resounding success of last year's Forums, ABP Club is once again taking to the road to deliver seven Business-to-Business Forums for bodyshops. The Forums will be held at different regional venues throughout the UK during March 2010. Full article on members' forum

10/2/10		WNS - to hold bodyshop "Oscars" on 9 April WNS Assistance is to hold its bodyshop 'Oscars' awards ceremony for a third year following last year's successful repeat in which repairers from the Midlands, South of England and Scotland won the top prizes. WNS has a network of over 300 repairers who carry out around 180,000 repairs a year Full article on members' forum

10/2/10		RMI - Announces New IGA Chairman Colin Parlett has been appointed Chairman of the Retail Motor Industry Federation's Independent Garage Association with immediate effect. Full article on members' forum

10/2/10		RMI - Launches Bodyshop Executive Today saw the launch of The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) Bodyshop Executive........ Full article on members' forum

10/2/10		FSA - chief executive to step down in the summer after 3 years in the job The Financial Services Authority (FSA) today announces that Hector Sants will leave the organisation in the summer of 2010, after three years as chief executive officer (CEO). Full article on members' forum

10/2/10		David Murby blog - "and you wonder why you're paying so much for your insurance?" Any industry that can squeeze one sector of their supply chain almost death on the cost of repair and yet let another part of their cost base run up a bill that is likely to be well over £15,000 by the time it's settled has clearly got a major problem................ Full article on members' forum

10/2/10		Drive Assist - reviewing cases after internal email promoting malpractice was sent to ABI Steve Binch, chief executive of Drive Assist, wrote to Barry Smith, chairman of the Association of British Insurers motor committee and CEO of Fortis, last week to assure him the company has made an extensive investigation into the email. Full article on members' forum

09/2/10		MSL - appoint new UK sales manager MSL Legal Expenses, part of Financial & Legal PLC and one of the UK's largest independent legal expenses providers, has expanded its sales operation by appointing Kathryn Johnson as UK Sales Manager Full article on members' forum

09/2/10		IBIS 2010 - conference programme taking shape The conference programme for the 10th annual International Bodyshop Industry Symposium, IBIS 2010, taking place in London is now taking shape under the leadership of IBIS Conference Director David Lingham and IBIS Chairman Chris Mann. Full article on members' forum

09/2/10		WBC - Right first time! Everyone at WBC, from the reception staff and painters through to the Managing Director are passionate, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about cars. With years of experience in the repair industry WBC are committed to getting it right first time. So when it came to replacing equipment it was essential that the equipment was chosen with this same ethos in mind. Full article on members' forum

09/2/10		Toyota recalls Prius, other hybrids over brakes TOKYO (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp said it is recalling nearly half a million of its flagship Prius and other hybrid cars for braking problems as it seeks to address criticism over the handling of its worst safety crisis. Full article on members' forum

08/2/10		The Big Freeze returns as Siberian blast set to bring up to 6 inches of snow to UK on Thursday and Friday Up to SIX INCHES of snow set to fall as Siberian blast brings return of the big freeze - Heavy snow warning issued for South East - Snow falls could continue into next week - Freeze brings new grit supply warning Full article on members' forum

08/2/10		BSi Kitemarked (PAS125) bodyshops - total now 616 No new Kitemarked bodyshops have been added to the BSi Kitemark (PAS125) listing since we last published our exclusive analysed list on Tuesday 26 January however one site has been removed. Two sites (one liquidated and one changed ownership) still appear on the BSi list even though according to their own rules, their Kitemark should have been cancelled Full article on members' forum

08/2/10		Winning Customers - unique training course being offered to assist bodyshops In January it was announced that ABP Club has formed a partnership with Frontline Training Solutions to deliver a unique range of training courses for bodyshops. The first course, entitled "Winning Customers" will take place from March through to May 2010 and is designed for any employees who are dealing with people that have had accidents. Full article on members' forum

08/2/10		Audatex UK enhancing communication with a technical e-bulletin Audatex UK is further investing in its communications programme with the launch of Audatex Update, a technical e-bulletin for customers, especially insurance engineers and vehicle damage assessors who may not have access to the latest website updates Full article on members' forum

08/2/10		USA - campaign against the use of non-OE safety parts increases The Auto Body Parts Association (ABPA), who represents more than 150 manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of non-original aftermarket (generic) crash parts, issued a statement this week suggesting "discontinuation of the production and sale of these part types." ABPA has called for a halt in production of "any unproven parts". Full article on members' forum

08/2/10		How does the average £400 premium get spent? From Post magazine's feature "View from the Top: The money-go-round" written by Laurent Matras, managing director, Groupama Insurances: I've had a go, on the back of a large envelope, at breaking down where the money goes that Mr Customer spends on his motor insurance. Just what happens to a typical £400 premium? Full article on members' forum

08/2/10		Zurich - more details on their "bold" 20% increase in premiums + reaction of other insurers Zurich's "bold" decision to implement blanket rate increases on its private motor book has exposed the diversity in strategy among the leading composite insurers in this arena. Full article on members' forum

08/2/10		Groupama - to centralise UK claims handling in Portsmouth from April 2010 Groupama Insurances has announced plans to centralise its UK general insurance claims operations. If the proposals are confirmed ..personal and commercial lines claims handling will be merged at the company's personal lines claims centre in Port Solent, near Portsmouth Full article on members' forum

08/2/10		Allianz - sign worldwide agreement with Daimler Financial Services Daimler Financial Services and Allianz SE have concluded an agreement under which the insurance group becomes Daimler's strategic partner for the international automotive insurance business Full article on members' forum

08/2/10		AW Repair Group - double approval strengthens customer offering AW Repair Group is pleased to announce further manufacturer approvals to add to its portfolio. Full article on members' forum

08/2/10		RMI - launch RMI Motor Finance for dealers The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI) is venturing into the finance sector. RMI Motor Finance, its newly formed finance arm, has teamed up with Moneyway (part of Secure Trust Bank) to launch two finance products for dealers. Full article on members' forum

08/2/10		Kwik Fit Insurance - record breaking sales Kwik Fit Insurance sold more policies to new customers in one day last week than it has sold in a single day since the company was established in 1995 Full article on members' forum

08/2/10		VT Group opens new training facility within Jaguar Land Rover’s Warwick Academy VT Group's Training business (VT) has expanded its training facilities at Leamington Spa for the independent automotive dealership industry. This is in response to the call from independent dealerships for work-based apprenticeship programmes leading to nationally recognised qualifications. Full article on members' forum

05/2/10		GMAC Financial Services reports $5 billion net loss GMAC Financial Services reported a net loss of $5 billion for the fourth quarter of 2009 as it reduced its exposure to its battered mortgage business, which produced 80 percent of the losses for the fourth quarter. Full article on members' forum

05/2/10		AA - Car insurance claims up for pothole related mishaps The number of car insurance claims being made resulting from a run in with a pothole in the road has increased sharply compared to the same time last year, AA car insurance has revealed. Full article on members' forum

05/2/10		Britain set for more of the Big Freeze from early next week The UK was warned on Thursday night (4 Feb) to brace itself for a return of the Big Freeze from early next week, with temperatures plummeting to -12C (10.4F) and snow sweeping across the country. Full article on members' forum

04/2/10		Solera (owners of Audatex) - quarter 2 results: worldwide profits up 19%; net profit margin of 14% Turnover for the second quarter was $163.3 million, a 24.4% increase over the prior year second quarter turnover of $131.3 million. GAAP net profit attributable to Solera Holdings, Inc. for the second quarter was $23.3 million, an 18.5% increase over the prior year Full article on members' forum

04/2/10		USA - Cheap materials pose safety risk in crash parts; industry alert to unsafe aftermarket structural parts Interesting article from the American magazine ABRN, written by Brian Albright The minute the saw cut through the metal, Toby Chess knew he was on to something........... Full article on members' forum

04/2/10		Apprentice Zone launch ecommerce website to help apprentices Apprentice Zone, a specialist online business that sells tools specifically for the apprenticeship market, has launched the first in a series of ecommerce websites aimed at the automotive sector. Full article on members' forum

04/2/10		DVLA - 11,000 logbooks have been cloned in last 2 years The log books of thousands of cars have been cloned over the past two years after blank registration documents were taken, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) said Full article on members' forum

04/2/10		NIBS - part company with Grove and Mitchells ABP Club understands that distribution group NIBS has parted company with Grove Motor Colours and Mitchells with immediate effect Full article on members' forum

04/2/10		Kindertons choose Vizion for the repair of prestige vehicles Kindertons Accident Management has chosen prestige vehicle body repair network, Vizion, to repair their growing account of prestige, upper prestige and executive sports vehicles. Full article on members' forum

04/2/10		Bodywork Solihull - gains VW approval Bodywork Solihull, based at the Lode Lane Industrial Estate, is set to polish off the competition after landing the latest in a series of high profile accreditations, establishing itself as an approved repairer to automotive giant the Volkswagen Group. Full article on members' forum

04/2/10		VT Group secure Jaguar Land Rover training VT Group (VT) is pleased to announce that the company has secured a preferred supplier contract with Jaguar Land Rover to deliver apprenticeships in Body and Paint to all UK Jaguar Land Rover approved repairers. Full article on members' forum

04/2/10		Zurich reports a strong operating performance Zurich Financial Services underlined its solidity as one of the few big international insurers to come through the financial crisis relatively unscathed. The company reported an improved capital position with increased profits for 2009. providing a big dividend increase. Full article on members' forum

04/2/10		UK car sales - up 29.8% in January • New car registrations rose by 29.8% in January to 145,479 units. • Market rose for a seventh successive month. • Scrappage scheme continued to boost market, accounting for 17.8% of sales, despite return to 17.5% VAT on 1 January. • Outlook constrained, demand expected to fall 9% to 1.82 million units in the full year. Full article on members' forum

03/2/10		Scraapage scheme - to be extended by a month to end March The UK's scrappage scheme will be extended until the end of March. The government had previously set aside £400 million towards the scheme and it was due to run when all the money had been spent or at the end of February, whichever came first. Full article on members' forum

03/2/10		Westover Group - bodycare centres see 22% leap in business this year The Westover Group have 20 dealerships representing 12 manufacturers across Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. The Group, who also have two specialist Bodycare Centres in Poole and Salisbury, has reported a 22% increase in the number of damaged vehicles brought in for repair compared to the same period last year. Full article on members' forum

03/2/10		Crash for cash - 11 Stretford and Old Trafford men due in court 11 men are due in court this Friday in connection with an ongoing Greater Manchester Police inquiry into a so-called 'crash for cash' scam. Full article on members' forum

03/2/10		ABP Club meeting - 22/23 February - reminder We are pleased to report that near 150 delegates have registered for the first ABP Club meeting for 2010, kindly supported by Kindertons Accident Management, DeBeer Refinish and Morelli Group. Full article on members' forum

03/2/10		Helphire - reduction of cost base could affect up to 300 employees Helphire Group proposes to consolidate its operations resource in a move that could affect up to 300 employees. Full article on members' forum

03/2/10		Nissan - will not re-enter the courtesy car market in 2010 An article in Motor Trader states that Nissan pulled out of the fast cycle daily rental and bodyshop courtesy car market 15 months ago and will not re-enter the market in 2010. Full article on members' forum

03/2/10		Nissan - no bodyshop courtesy cars in 2010 Nissan pulled out of the fast cycle daily rental and bodyshop courtesy car market 15 months ago and will not re-enter the market in 2010. Full article on members' forum

03/2/10		Equity Red Star - IAG reveal growth in half year, but margin hit Equity Red Star has grown GWP in local currency on the back of rate and volume increases in specialist classes, but its insurance margin has been affected by a deterioration in bodily injury motor claims for the 2007 and prior underwriting years. Full article on members' forum

03/2/10		WNS - appoint new worldwide group ceo WNS (Holdings) Limited, a leading provider of global business process outsourcing (BPO) services, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Keshav Murugesh to the position of Chief Executive Officer and elected him to the Board. Full article on members' forum

03/2/10		Trend Tracker - car body repair market report now available Trend Tracker's latest UK car body repair market research report is now available - at £225 off the published price until 12 February. Full article on members' forum

03/2/10		LDV vans - part prices cut by up to 15% Components distributor Multipart has cut the prices of 11,000 parts for LDVs by an average 15%. Items whose price has fallen include everything from body panels to mechanical and electrical components; all held at Multipart's Lancashire site. Full article on members' forum

02/2/10		Tecreports delighted at another 100% increase! Tecreports Ltd has reported another 100 per cent increase in business over the year. This increase relates to an increased market share through its improved marketing strategy, excellent engineering and assessing capabilities and jobs being processed using Tecreports on line web service Claim Flow, with data for thousands of instructions booked, tracked and delivered being processed through their Claim Flow system each month. The Burton on Trent based company has forged ahead with its Software platform, attracting new customers in the UK and exploring international markets. Full article on members' forum

02/2/10		Call Zebra - sign 3 year deal with Enterprise Accident management company Call Zebra has signed a three-year deal with international hire car provider Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The new partnership will see Enterprise provide replacement vehicles for Call Zebra customers across the UK mainland. Full article on members' forum

02/2/10		FMG - report 50% increase in accidents during recent bad weather FMG Support has reported handling almost 50% more incidents than last year, after responding to nearly 5,000 accident calls from customers during the big freeze. Full article on members' forum

02/2/10		Helphire - FT reports "rumours about private equity interest" Helphire , the vehicle rental and accident management group, was unchanged at 53½p in spite of late rumours about private equity interest. source: FT Tues 2 Feb Full article on members' forum

01/2/10		Volvo - probable new owners, Chinese firm Geely, outlines plans Geely, the private Chinese automaker that is closing in on a $2bn deal to buy Volvo from Ford, plans to run the Swedish group as a separate entity to protect its brand image both in China and overseas, according to Freeman Shen, Geely's vice-president for international operations. Full article on members' forum

01/2/10		BSi Kitemarked (PAS125) bodyshops - total now 617 Nine new Kitemarked bodyshops have been added to the BSi Kitemark (PAS125) listing, and two removed, since we last published our exclusive analysed list on Tuesday 26 January. The new total is now 617 sites: 351 in groups and 264 single sites + 1 "changed ownership" site (see below) + 1 bodyshop in liquidation (see below) Full article on members' forum

01/2/10		Insurers win £300,000 “crash for cash” compensation Seven UK motor insurers have been awarded £300,000 damages over a "crash for cash" scam has been successful. Full article on members' forum

01/2/10		IMI - encourages automotive businesses to support National Apprenticeship Week The third annual National Apprenticeship Week takes place from Monday 1 February to Friday 5 February 2010. The week, which is organised by the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), will celebrate the talents and skills of apprentices and recognise the essential role that Apprenticeships are playing in today's business. Full article on members' forum

01/2/10		SEL canvass bodyshops on PAS125 Kitemark SEL Imperial has written to bodyshops canvassing them for their thoughts and feelings regarding PAS125, as they believe there is an element of uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the standard. Full article on members' forum

01/2/10		Ridgway Group - acquire 2 sites in Oxford from Motorworld including bodyshop at Enstone Leading automotive retailer Ridgeway Group has strengthened its position in the Thames Valley by acquiring two additional Volkswagen dealerships in Oxford. The takeover, which also includes Motorworld's Preparation and Bodyshop at Enstone just outside the city..... Full article on members' forum

01/2/10		WNS Assistance and Helphire Automotive announce partnership We are delighted to announce that from the 2nd February 2010 WNS Assistance and Helphire Automotive will be working together, playing to each organisation's core business strengths with the WNS Approved Repairer Network. Full article on members' forum