ABP Club News - June 2008

Kitemarked (PAS125) shops - total now up to 130

Six new Kitemarked bodyshops have been added to the BSi Kitemark website since our last list on Tuesday 17 June taking them up to 130 sites – 84 in groups and 46 single sites.

AI Claims - adds more vehicle suppliers

Following a recent tender process credit hire operator AI Claims Solutions has announced the expansion of its vehicle supplier network.

Pendragon - trading statement; 500 redundancies

Pendragon who have 326 franchised outlets and 46 bodyshops in the UK have issued the following “pre-close statement”.

Accident Exchange - results turnover up 41%

Accident Exchange Group plc announces its audited results for the year ended 30 April 2008.

Thatcham - regional training centre to offer panel ATA

Thatcham’s newly opened regional Automotive Academy in Nuneaton is already the subject of expansion plans following the official opening of the centre earlier this year.

Autodata - fight the technical data pirates

Autodata has stepped up its battle against the piracy of technical data by taking its fight online.

Accident Exchange - to open in Belfast

Accident Exchange will open a regional depot in Belfast Northern Ireland next month.

Fortis equity issue sends its shares down 19 per cent

Fortis the Belgian-Dutch financial services group accelerated its big fund-raising project yesterday with the launch of a €1.

Hex confirms Hickley Valatone acquisition

As first reported on the ABP Club website on 14 April 2008 Hex Holdings one of the largest independent automotive refinish distributors in the UK has officially announced the acquisition of the refinish division of Hickley Valtone.

Capita - complete outsourcing deal with Marsh

- Agreement signed worth £187 million over 10 years to enhance service delivery and generate significant cost savings - Marsh’s existing offshore work to transfer to Capita’s offshore facilities The Capita Group Plc and Marsh Ltd have today signed a deal to deliver and transform Marsh’s UK operations.

Thatcham Quality Accreditation for Repair Equipment

Thatcham used their annual Triple Focus event last week to announce the launch of a new category within Thatcham Quality Accreditation (TQA®) - ‘Repair Equipment’.

Is your firm prepared for supply chain disruption?

Too many firms that depend on others are putting their businesses at risk by failing to prepare for supply chain disruption.

FMG accident management – turnover up 61% to £54.7m

FMG Support (FIM) Ltd [FIM = Fleet Incident Management] is the accident management arm of FMG Support Ltd Its accounts for the year to 30 September 2007 show that for the accident management business: - Turnover rose by 61% to £54.

Thomas Harper (linked to ARMS collapse) - court application to use name

Thomas Harper Ltd a firm of assessors in Gloucester which was linked with the ARMS collapse in April 2005 went into administration on 30 April 2008.

Honda USA - issues statement on use of recycled crash parts

The following position statement has been released by American Honda: American Honda recognizes the importance of recycling but the use of salvage / recycled parts to repair collision-damaged vehicles raises serious concerns about quality suitability safety and warranty.

MAM Software - move to new offices

MAM Software is delighted to announce that it will be relocating its headquarters from Deepcar in Sheffield to new premises less than four miles away at Tankersley just off J36 of the M1.

MMA - Bob Still claims director leaves

MMA customer services director Bob Still has handed in his resignation.

Newnham Body Repairs Plympton - fire last night

A car body repairs storage unit in Plympton was severely damaged by fire overnight on Wednesday.

Insurer owned bodyshops comparison

Currently there are 3 insurers with their own bodyshops: - NU has Solus with 18 shops - RBS has UKAARC with 16 shops - RSA has QRC with 4 shops It is interesting to compare the figures supplied by City Investigator for Solus and UKAARC (Solus are for 2006 UKAARC are for 2007) Turnover per shop - UKAARC £6.

Fortis - dividend cancelled as part of plans to boost solvency

Belgian-Dutch financial services group Fortis announced on Thursday a plan to boost its solvency by more than 8 billion euros including issuing new shares and selling assets.

Ni/Dor Bodyworks - change in partnership members as Andrew Dorey retires

Publication Date: Tuesday 17 June 2008 Notice Code: 2701 Change in the Members of a Partnership NI/DOR BODYWORKS Notice is hereby given that Andrew Keith Dorey retired on 31 March 2008 as a Partner in the Partnership of Ni/Dor Bodyworks of Unit 23 Dawkins Road Hamworthy Industrial Estate Poole Dorset BH15 4JY.

Chips Away (Liam Ivers) - bankruptcy

Publication Date: Monday 16 June 2008 Notice Code: 2503 Bankruptcy Orders IVERS Liam Patrick - Car Body Repairer of 21 Waine Close Buckingham MK18 1FF - carrying on business as Chips Away (liam Ivers) of 21 Waine Close Buckingham MK18 1FF.

Xl Garage - bankruptcy

Publication Date: Friday 20 June 2008 Notice Code: 2503 Bankruptcy Orders UNWIN Gareth Garath Unwin a Car Body Repairer of Xl Garage Unit 1 Croft Bank Skegness Lincolnshire PE24 4AN - lately residing at Castleton Boulevard Skegness Lincolnshire PE25 2TY - lately carrying on business as a Car Body Repairer at Xl Garage Unit 1 Croft Bank Skegness Lincolnshire PE24 4AN.

Surbiton Coach Works - bankruptcy

Publication Date: Tuesday 17 June 2008 Notice Code: 2503 Bankruptcy Orders BELL Daniel David a self employed paint sprayer - residing at Flat 3 The Hall 3 Eastern Road Ashburton Newton Abbot Devon TQ13 7AP - lately residing at 10 Lime Crescent Sunbury-on-thames Middlesex TW16 5NT - lately carrying on business as Surbiton Coach Works Upper Brighton Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 6JS.

B and D Holt Commercial Repairs Ltd - creditors meeting

Publication Date: Thursday 19 June 2008 Notice Code: 2442 Meetings of Creditors B AND D HOLT COMMERCIAL REPAIRS LIMITED (Company Number 05755368) Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 98 of the Insolvency Act 1986 that a meeting of the creditors of the above-named Company will be held at Clarke Bell Parsonage Chambers 3 The Parsonage Manchester M3 2HW on 02 July 2008 at 2.

ADP Coachcraft Ltd - liquidator appointed

Publication Date: Thursday 19 June 2008 Notice Code: 2443 Appointment of Liquidators Company Number: 05916112.

Northants Vehicle Refinishers Ltd - petition to wind up

Publication Date: Thursday 19 June 2008 Notice Code: 2450 Petitions to Wind Up (Companies) In the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division) Companies Court No 2646 of 2008 In the Matter of NORTHANTS VEHICLE REFINISHERS LIMITED and in the Matter of the Insolvency Act 1986 A Petition to wind up the above-named Company of Unit A Whitehouse Industrial Estate 80 Main Road Earls Barton Northamptonshire NN6 7TX presented on 1 April 2008 by the Commissioners for HM Revenue and Customs of Somerset House Strand London WC2R 1LB claiming to be Creditors of the Company will be heard at the Royal Courts of Justice Strand London WC2A 2LL on 2 July 2008 at 1030 hours (or as soon thereafter as the Petition can be heard).

AIM Accident - Injury Management Ltd - petition to wind up

Publication Date: Monday 23 June 2008 Notice Code: 2450 Petitions to Wind Up (Companies) In the High Court of Justice (Chancery Division) Leeds District Registry No 555 of 2008 In the Matter of AIM ACCIDENT & INJURY MANAGEMENT (UK) LTD (Company Number 03915991) and in the Matter of the Insolvency Act 1986 A Petition to wind up the above-named Company of Astley Park Estate Kennedy Road Astley Manchester M29 7JY presented on 17 April 2008 by Smooth Radio Midlands Limited claiming to be a Creditor of the Company will be heard at Leeds District Registry The Courthouse Oxford Row Leeds on 8 July 2008 at 10.

Millennium Paint Techcraft Ltd - creditors meeting

Publication Date: Wednesday 11 June 2008 Notice Code: 2442 Meetings of Creditors MILLENNIUM PAINT TECHCRAFT LIMITED (Company Number 04102786) Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 98 of the Insolvency Act 1986 that a meeting of the creditors of the above-named Company will be held at Holiday Inn Coventry M6 Jct 2 Hinckley Road Coventry CV2 2HP on 20 June 2008 at 10.

Autotech - article from Bodyshop

Autotech has three of its four sites in Slough and a strong focus on expansion.

Toyota - new training centre in Nottingham includes a bodyshop

Today (Wednesday 25 June) His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent KG KCVO officially opened the new £14 million Castle College Highfields Automotive & Engineering Training Centre and Toyota Academy.

Two-thirds of motorists cut down mileage

More than two thirds of Britain's motorists have cut the number of journeys they make by car because of the spiralling cost of petrol.

Admiral to create hundreds of jobs

From Walesonline MOTOR insurance group Admiral is to open its first office in Newport in an investment that will create hundreds of jobs.

Money fears drive fraudulent motor claims

From The Telegraph By Yvette Essen Insurance Correspondent The number of fraudulent motor claims made in the last three months has increased by 13 per cent as people invent accidents to help ease their money troubles created by the credit crisis.

Insurance cutbacks likely as credit crunch hits

As the credit crunch hits many people are likely to reduce their household spending on insurance services according to an expert.

Levern Body Repair Centre has its roof stolen

A long-standing Black Country car repair company has been left with a £3500 bill after thieves stripped the roof of lead in two vandal attacks.

Insurers fear cutbacks will cost them £1.5bn

From The Birmingham Post Cut backs in consumer spending could cost the insurance industry up to £1.

The Fleet News Interview: Nick Brown FMG Support

Midway through our interview Nick Brown’s gaze wandered towards his office window.

Mercedes - to end need for petrol and diesel by 2015

Mercedes is planning to end the need for motorists to fill their cars with either petrol or diesel within seven years.

Standards best achieved through self regulation says RMI's Holloway

'Improved standards of service and consumer care are best achieved through industry self regulation' said Ray Holloway director of the RMI’s Independent Garage Association (IGA) speaking at the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) Consumer Affairs & Trading Standards Conference & Exhibition 2008 starting today in Bournemouth.

Trend Tracker and Audatex presentations available in Club website library section

The Trend Tracker presentation delivered by Chris Oakham and the exclusive member offer* for purchase of the UK Car Body Repair Market report (£995 plus VAT instead of £1250 plus VAT) has been placed in the library section of the Club website.

Innovation Motorcare - win 3 year contract with -specialist UK motor insurer-

The Innovation Group plc which provides outsourcing services and software solutions to the world's insurance providers is pleased to announce that it has agreed a three year outsourcing contract with a specialist UK motor insurance company which provides a range of services including classic car and classic motorbike cover as well as commercial and fleet insurance.

ABP Club Social Golf Day - 25 September 2008

The ABP Club third annual industry social Golf Day will be held at Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel & Spa - Nr Chester Shropshire on 25 September 2008.

Helphire Group plc - major shareholders

15.

PPG / Brown Brothers - interview with the md

Q Why did PPG buy Brown Brothers from Unipart? A As one would expect given the trading relationship between the two companies PPG and Unipart have always had close dialogue.

Motor insurers will face repair capacity shortfall by 2010

As a result of a largely static vehicle repair market and ongoing margin pressure the UK analysts Trend Tracker forecasts a decline of over one-fifth in the number of bodyshops over the next five years leading to seasonal and regional shortfalls in repair capacity as soon as 2010.

Crash repairs fall behind rise in car numbers

The UK car population increased by 18% between 1998 and 2008 but the number of collision repairs to cars rose only 1% thanks to a 10% decrease in the average distance travelled per car over the same period.

RBS Insurance - Allstate get serious

Allstate the American financial giant has appointed Lehman Brothers to mastermind its purchase of the £6bn insurance arm of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBSi).

Motorists Say A Sad Farewell To 'Fully Comp'

A report in today's Mail On Sunday accuses insurance companies of 'rewriting the English language' when it comes to the definition of the word 'comprehensive'.

OFT Closes case on NIBS Group - Morelli Group response

In Reply to: '56436.

Ai appoints Broughton as Chairman

Ai Claims Solutions PLC is pleased to confirm the appointment of Steve Broughton as Chairman of from 1 July 2008.

Further 'cash for crash' arrests

Two men have been arrested following a joint investigation by the Insurance Fraud Bureau and West Yorkshire Police into ‘cash for crash’ motor insurance scams.

Graduating Apprentices Make the Grade at Thatcham

The achievements of over 40 young crash repair vehicle technicians were being celebrated at Thatcham’s Automotive Academy this week in a specially arranged Apprentice Graduation ceremony.

esure - Peter Wood delays his exit due to credit crunch

Esure founder and chairman Peter Wood is understood to have delayed any decision to exit the company until the financial markets settle.

HBOS - esure motor -growing strongly-

HBOS owners of esure have issued a trading update this morning which contains the following brief section on insurance: 'In Insurance new policy sales in household and motor are growing strongly and we continue to gain market share in both sectors.

UK motor insurance market - the detailed Deloitte analysis

Insurers are still propping up the UK motor market with reserve releases but for how much longer? Deloitte insurance partner Catherine Barton analyses the figures.

UK motor insurance market - losses continue no underwriting profit since 1994

The profitability of the UK motor market took a battering in 2007 as insurers were forced to release almost £1bn in prior year reserves to stem underwriting losses an exclusive analysis of FSA returns has revealed.

Audatex - achieve ISO standard for information security and BS25999 for business continuity

Audatex UK leading provider of claims management solutions is the first company in the world to simultaneously attain ISO 27001 the international standard for information security and BS 25999 the new British Standard for business continuity with BSI Management Systems.

MFBI report - repair capacity shortages from 2010 total losses up 86% in last 10 years

The UK car population increased by 18% between 1998 and 2008 but the number of collision repairs to cars rose only 1% thanks to a 10% decrease in the average distance travelled per car over the same period.

CORGI scheme - to be replaced by new gas installer registration scheme run by Capita (owners of MVRA)

The Capita Group Plc (owners of the MVRA) has been selected by the Health and Safety Executive as the preferred partner to operate a new gas installer registration scheme in Great Britain.

Audatex Technical Committee output

The Audatex Technical Committee have released 6 items since 1 May.

Audatex - Software updates within GCC - Automatic Message Display

Automatic software updates are available via AudaEnterpriseGold.

WNS - buy UK software company BizAps

WNS (Holdings) Limited a leading provider of global business process outsourcing (BPO) services today announced it has acquired Business Applications Associates Ltd.

Further expansion in Midlands for JCC

Just Car Clinics (JCC) the UK’s second largest independent collision repair chain has acquired its 22nd branch.

Forty Charged For 'Cash For Crash' Scam

Forty people have been charged in connection with an alleged £5.

Surveillance fears force Norwich to scrap 'pay as you drive' car policies

From The Independent By Kate Hughes Britain's biggest insurer Norwich Union has withdrawn one of its flagship car insurance policies less than two years after its launch.

RAC - dumps 60% of its accident management business

RAC Accident Services is dropping 60% of its least profitable accident management customers as part of a revamp that also sees staff numbers drop from 140 to 60.

Audatex - issue updated seam sealer and corrosion protection info

Audatex have produced a new detailed listing by manufacturer of the time for applying sealers and underseals.

Kitemarked (PAS125) shops - total now up to 124

Five new Kitemarked bodyshops have been added to the BSi Kitemark website since our last list on Monday 9 June taking them up to 124 sites – 79 in groups and 45 single sites.

Right to Repair Campaign - to go public

The Right To Repair Campaign is preparing to spread its message to the public at the British International Motor Show on July 23rd.

Adrian Hobbs of EuroNCAP - awarded CBE in Queeens Birthday Honours

Euro NCAP is delighted to announce that the organisation’s former Secretary General (2003-2007) Professor Adrian Hobbs has been awarded a CBE in Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honours List.

Christopher Macgowan - awarded OBE in Queens Birthday Honours list

Mr Christopher John Macgowan Residing in Essex Lately Chief Executive Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Awarded the OBE for services to the Automotive Industry

• '56400.

Water-emitting cell car on way

A hydrogen fuel cell car that emits only water from its exhaust pipe has started to come off a production line.

Esure drops 'few bodyshops'

Esure has dropped only a handful of its approved body repairers following its mandate of the BSI/Thatcham Kitemark.

Better Health and Safety could mean better profits

Businesses taking a positive approach to managing health and safety are more profitable according to new research published last week.

RBS Insurance - looks likely they -will be forced to hang onto - it

From The Independent RBS eased its debt worries on Friday with the £3.

Sarah Sillars - awarded OBE in Queens Birthday Honours list

Mrs Sarah SILLARS Residing in Codicote Hertfordshire Chief Executive Institute of the Motor Industry.

Alton’s success proves a bonus for employees

Tony Parish owner of two-time AM bodyshop of the year Alton Cars is looking uncharacteristically nervous.

Seward staff gain Vehicle Damage Assessor ATA as two shops pass the BSi Kitemark

Seward Accident Repair Group are delighted to announce that they have achieved the Thatcham BSi Kitemark (PAS 125) at two of their sites Langstone ARC in Portsmouth and Priory Park Coachworks in Bournemouth .

Coles Motor Repairs - Cycle Sales Ltd -winding up and liquidation

Publication Date: Friday 6 June 2008 Notice Code: 2443 Appointment of Liquidators Company Number: 01406055.

Bullard Auto Refinishers - final meeting

Publication Date: Thursday 29 May 2008 Notice Code: 2445 Final Meetings BULLARD AUTO REFINISHERS LIMITED Final Meetings of the Members and Creditors of the above-named Company have been summoned by the Joint Liquidators for the purpose of receiving an account of the acts and dealings of the Joint Liquidators and of the conduct of the winding-up under section 106 of the Insolvency Act 1986 and determining whether the Joint Liquidators shall have their release under section 173 of the Insolvency Act 1986.

Millenium Body Repairs - creditors meeting

Publication Date: Wednesday 11 June 2008 Notice Code: 2442 Meetings of Creditors MILLENNIUM BODY REPAIRS LIMITED (Company Number 04001253) Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 98 of the Insolvency Act 1986 that a meeting of the creditors of the above-named Company will be held at Holiday Inn Coventry M6 Jct 2 Hinckley Road Coventry CV2 2HP on 20 June 2008 at 10.

Doug Holdsworth Body Repairs - creditors meeting

Publication Date: Monday 9 June 2008 Notice Code: 2442 Meetings of Creditors DOUG HOLDSWORTH BODY REPAIRS LIMITED (Company Number 04802537) Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 98 of the Insolvency Act 1986 that a meeting of creditors of the above named company will be held at the offices of Fergusson & Co Ltd Shackleton House Falcon Court Preston Farm Industrial Estate Stockton on Tees TS18 3TS on 27 June 2008 at 11.

JPC Auto Refinishing - liquidation and winding up

Publication Date: Tuesday 10 June 2008 Notice Code: 2443 Appointment of Liquidators Company Number: 05091296.

J B Crash Repairs - final meeting

Publication Date: Friday 6 June 2008 Notice Code: 2445 Final Meetings JB CRASH REPAIRS LIMITED Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 106 of the Insolvency Act 1986 General Meetings of the Members and Creditors of the above-named Company will be held at Insol House 39 Station Road Lutterworth Leicestershire LE17 4AP on the 3 July 2008 at 2.

Sovereign Accident Repair Centre - final meeting

Publication Date: Thursday 5 June 2008 Notice Code: 2445 Final Meetings SOVEREIGN ACCIDENT REPAIR CENTRE LIMITED (Company Number 2495182) Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 106 of the Insolvency Act 1986 that Final Meetings of the Members and Creditors of the above Company will be held at the offices of Sale Smith & Co Carmella House 3 & 4 Grove Terrace Walsall West Midlands WS1 2NE on Monday 7 July 2008 at 11.

Former RMI boss calls for higher workshop rates

Former RMI president Colin Parlett has called on workshops to be “brave” in raising their labour rates.

Business mileage down over 17%

Business mileage is down 17.

Apollo's West Sussex site achieves the Kitemark and VM approvals

Joint managing directors of Apollo Motor Group Graham Eyles and Dave Perkins based on the south coast are pleased to announce that their West Sussex site has passed the Thatcham BSi Kitemark (PAS125).

SMART repairs - the view from Franchise magazine

The introduction of SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) repairs to the UK almost 14 years ago spawned an entirely new sector within the automotive services industry in turn giving rise to the lucrative franchise opportunities available today The process of Small to Medium Area Repair Technology (SMART) originally developed by ChipsAway in the USA in 1989 enables minor damage to car paintwork -scratches scuffs and chips for example - to be repaired within a matter of hours and at a fraction of the price of a traditional body shop.

RBS raise £3.6 billion by selling Angel Trains business

RBS is exiting the train leasing business after 11 years in the sector.

Pennell joins Audatex Technical Committee

Audatex is delighted to confirm that Andy Pennell of Balgores is joining the Audatex Technical Committee.

ABP Club meeting - Thursday 19 June - don't miss it

The ABP Club meeting at Thatcham on Thursday 19 June is very nearly full with just 8 spaces left before we reach our limit of 150 – email carole@abpclub.

Jobs worry for Zurich's Cardiff workers

An insurance firm says it is too early to say if jobs will be lost from its Cardiff office as part of hundreds redundancies it is making.

British Insurance Awards - finalists

A selection of the awards (there are 21 in all) is below together with the finalists a number of whom also have dealings with the body repair industry.

Swiftcover - chief exec resigns

Swiftcover chief executive officer Andrew Blowers has stepped down from his position at the online insurer after three years at the helm.

IAG - to decide future of Hastings by early July

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) will decide the future of two of its companies - broker Hastings and its Gibraltar-based underwriting arm Advantage - by the end of this month according to sources.

Pendragon forecasts fall of 20%

Pendragon profit forecasts have been cut by a fifth after May registrations fell by 9.

Vision Vehicle Solutions appoints Business Development Executive

Vision Vehicle Solutions has appointed Jeremy Constable as Business Development Executive.

The role of the UK Competition Commission

In the light of the possible sale of RBS Insurance we have been asked by several members about the rules of the Competition Commisssion.

Dow Jones story on RBS Insurance - second round bidders selected in next few days

Bidders for Royal Bank of Scotland Group PLC’s insurance business are due to find out whether they have been selected to enter the second round of the auction within the next few days several people familiar with the matter said Wednesday.

Higher fuel cost drives cars off the roads

by Jonathan Prynn Evening Standard Drivers are starting to cut back on the amount of fuel they use because of the soaring cost of petrol.

Debra Williams quits Confused.com

The managing director of car insurance comparison site Confused.

SSVG trading announcement update

Dear customer Further to our letter dated 13th May 2008 I can confirm that the consultation with the SSVG business is reaching its conclusion and the business plans to cease trading on panel products on 10th June 2008 with a final delivery date of Friday 8th June.

RSA Affinity appointed by Ford Insure

RSA Affinity is delighted to announce that it is the new provider of Ford Insure Motor Insurance This new arrangement which will formally start on 26 September 2008 will run for five years and will deliver significant benefits to both parties and their customers Further details regarding this exiting news will be provided over the coming weeks For those that don't know ABP Club members comprise of professionals employed by insurers accident managers credit hire companies paint distributors and manufacturers industry bodies (Thatcham Audatex Glass's MVRA IMI etc) and the majority of the UK's leading independent and franchised bodyshop businesses.

RBS - confident of achieving good price for insurance business

Royal Banks of Scotland chief executive Fred Goodwin has insisted that the bank will be able to achieve its desired sale price for its insurance business.

Innovation Group complete NSN acquisition

As previously reported by ABP Club on 16 May 2008 The Innovation Group (owners of Motorcare) which provides outsourcing services and software solutions to the world's insurance providers yesterday confirmed the completion of the acquisition of National Service Network (NSN).

'Cash Cow' repair bill

The below letter appears on page 18 of Motor Industry Management the IMI magazine from one of IMI’s Fellow members.

RBS - Pre close trading update

ABP - RBS have issued the following pre-close trading update this morning but there is no mention of RBS Insurance The Royal Bank of Scotland Group will be holding discussions with analysts and investors ahead of its close period for the half year ending 30 June 2008.

IBIS update - Thatcham and the missing manufacturers repair methods

Andrew Marsh of Thatcham has reported that in the 18 month period between January 2007 and May 2008 Thatcham have looked at 90 vehicle models in depth to see the exent of the manufacturers repair methods.

IBIS update - Thatcham have crash tested 3 repaired cars

Andrew Marsh of Thatcham revealed at todays IBIS conference that Thatcham have had crash tests carried out on 3 cars which had been repaired using manufacturers methods and parts.

RBS - successful rights issue eases need to sell insurance business

Royal Bank of Scotland’s record £12 billion rights issue has proved a success after more than 95% of shareholders took up the offer by Friday’s deadline.

Kah Systems from Mannheim Auctions gets Thatcham approval

Kah Systems part of the Manheim Group has achieved Thatcham accreditation for its Kah:Inspect electronic appraisal system.

Insurance issue 'not on drivers radar'

One reason for the large number of uninsured drivers on Britain's roads is because they do not view it as a serious crime according to industry experts.

Virando appointed as Head of Commercial Development for UPD

Barrie Dudey Chief Executive of UPD (UK) Ltd is delighted to announce the arrival of John Virando who will join the Group at the beginning of September in the role of Head of Commercial Development.

ReMIT - to begin training apprentices by end of year

Remit hopes to begin training franchised dealers’ apprentices by the end of the year.

New safety system

A groundbreaking safety system that literally braces your car for impact could be just round the corner.

UPD retains Pendragon contract

UPD (United Paint Distributors (UK) Limited) has once again been successful in retaining the contract as sole supplier of paint and bodyshop consumables to Pendragon PLC.

Colebrook and Burgess achieves BSi Kitemark for Structural Steel Aluminium and Composite materials

Colebrook and Burgess is delighted to announce they have been awarded Thatcham BSi Kitemark (PAS125) accreditation for the repair of motor vehicles in Structural Steel Aluminium and Composite materials.

Thatcham Accredited parts

In the light of the closure of SSVG Thatcham is receiving multiple enquiries on how and from where a repairer may purchase Thatcham Accredited parts.

NU - up to 1800 UK job cuts; the full press release

Aviva plc's UK general insurance business Norwich Union Insurance (NUI) today (Fri 6 June)announces more detail on the next phase of its move to a new operating model designed to maintain the company's position as the UK's leading insurer by improving service and driving growth.

Kitemarked (PAS125) shops - total now up to 119

Four new Kitemarked bodyshops have been added to the BSi Kitemark website since our last list on Friday 30 May taking them up to 119 sites – 76 in groups and 43 single sites.

Car insurance for women launched by More Th>n

A new car insurance specifically tailored for women has been launched by More Th>n.

Norwich Union job cuts up 'brutal' and 'devastating' says Union

Up to 1800 jobs at Aviva a tenth of the workforce of Britain's biggest insurer are to be lost by 2010 the company said today.

Minister quizzed about 'cash-for-crash' scams

Worries over 'cash-for-crash' insurance frauds staged by criminal gangs have been raised in Parliament this week.

ABP Club meeting reminder (plus accommodation availability)

I am pleased to remind Platinum and Gold members to reserve their places for the next ABP Club meeting which is being held at Thatcham on the morning of Thursday 19 June.

BMW Embrace Bodyshop ATA

Support for the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) as the de facto vehicle repair technician qualification continues to grow with leading vehicle manufacturer BMW now embracing the scheme through their own training and assessment programme.

Morelli Group appoints Thorogood

Morelli Group has appointed Richard Thorogood as Business Manager for the South East.

Repair methodology

With cars using an increasing number of materials repairers need the correct information.

Hastings - IAG fly in for -crisis talks-

Insurance Australia Group's (IAG) new chief executive officer is understood to have flown to the UK last week to conduct crisis talks on the future of two of its businesses: broker Hastings and its Gibraltar-based underwriting arm Advantage.

Zurich - to cut up to 900 jobs in the UK

Zurich could cut as many as 900 UK jobs in a bid to shave 10% off its costs base by the end of the year.

USA - -The accident repair industry has reached a point where enough is enough-

Bodyshops have been watching their bottom lines drop to a point that is becoming dangerous.

RBS Insurance - only 4 companies submit initial bids

This report is from Reuters: Four suitors have put in first-round informal bids for Royal Bank of Scotland's insurance operations people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

SSVG - closes on June 10

SSVG the crash repair parts division of Unipart looks set to close following an announcement that the business is for sale.

IMI - introduces ATA for management

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is introducing a management equivalent to its technician qualification Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA).

SMMT - welcomes Commission’s proposals on Block Exemption

SMMT supports EU desire to simplify regulation Following publication of the European Commission’s evaluation report on the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation SMMT is looking forward to furthering its dialogue with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) in order to validate the Commission’s findings.

Thatcham receives thumbs up from OFSTED

Thatcham’s Apprentice Training Centre has been given a glowing report following the insurer supported centre’s first inspection from OFSTED the government’s Office for Standards in Education.

Call Zebra launches website

Call Zebra has launched its website callzebra.

BER - Concerns grown over impact on the UK aftermarket

We reported a news article on Block Exemption / Right to Repair Campaign on Monday however below is a related article from Motor Trader that is of interest: The UK Right to Repair Campaign has expressed concern that the European Commission proposals for the future of the Block Exemption Regulation would add uncertainty to the repair sector and marginalise the independent aftermarket.

Motorcare appoints Riley as Head of Network and Engineering

Innovation Motorcare is pleased to announce the appointment Colin Riley as Head of Network and Engineering.

Obsolete approach to estimating

The lack of accurate estimates in our industry has up until now been anecdotal.

Repanet conference success

Repanet the network of leading independent accident repair specialists has just completed its second international conference in Sardinia.

Cheap insurance can be good says Moneysupermarket.com

Peter Gerrard head of research at the price comparison site Moneysupermarket.

An interview with Jamie Miles Miles Accident Repair

Miles Accident Repair was established in 1997 and is now run by Shaun and Jamie Miles.

Bodyshop closure trend will continue

Club chairman David Cresswell recently spoke at the New Solutions Conference on current market conditions.

Diversifying replaces lost work at Minimec

Recent moves by major insurers to sack their body repair networks and replace them with a handful of group contracts nationwide have put many bodyshops at risk.

ABI introduce new car insurance groupings

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has introduced a new grouping system for car insurance which could have an impact on the amount consumers pay for their cover.

AUTOonline appoints Stuart Devereux

AUTOonline is pleased to announce that Stuart Devereux has joined AUTOonline as their Buyer Network Manager for the UK.

NIG director departs

NIG the broker only arm of RBSI has announced the resignation of managing director commercial Michael Rea.

EurotaxGlasss premiers all new Glassmatix at Triple Focus

EurotaxGlasss is premiering the all-new version of its GlassMatix repair estimating system at Thatchams Triple Focus event on 18-19 June.

UK R2RC calls for sector specific Block Exemption Regulation to remain

• EU proposals would penalise the independent aftermarket • Block Exemption Regulation provides certainty and effective competition • Proposed legal patchwork will be an administrative burden The UK Right to Repair Campaign (UK R2RC) has welcomed the Commission’s statement that its evaluation of the operation of the automotive Block Exemption Regulation does not prejudge any decision on the future of that legislation.

RBS Insurance - Dow Jones view on the sale

Royal Bank of Scotland's up-for-sale insurance business is proving less of an attractive asset than the UK bank was expecting which helps explain why it has extended the deadline for indicative bids.

Admiral Insurance - open in Italy

Admiral Insurance Group is pleased to announce that its operation in Italy trading under the name of ConTe has opened from its offices based in Rome.

LV (Liverpool Victoria) - to provide Nationwide Building Society with branded motor insurance

LV and Nationwide Building Society have today announced a new six year partnership.

Copart (Universal Salvage) - new UK md

Copart Inc.

MVRA appoints two new regional managers

MVRA has appointed two new regional managers Andrew Felthouse and Andrew Robertson to serve its members in the West Midlands region and across Scotland.

RBS select SEL Imperial as preferred supplier for Non OE parts

ABP Club has been informed of RBS's decision to change preferred supplier for Non OE parts to SEL Imperial Ltd following SSVG's announcement to withdraw from the UK market.

An interview with Derrick Walton D Walton Ltd

D Walton Ltd is a single independent vehicle body repairer operating out of Trafford Park in Manchester.

Tesco to buy RBS out of joint venture for £1bn

Tesco has agreed to buy out Royal Bank of Scotland’s share of their Tesco Personal Finance joint venture in a deal estimated to be worth close to £1 billion.

The rate at which bodyshops go into liquidation isn’t going to slow down due to the increasingly small amounts of profit to be made, according to the ABP Club.
Eight bodyshops went into liquidation in May.

David Cresswell, ABP Club chairman, said: “There’s not much profit to be made and its and insurer-dominated industry. An analogy would be that insurers are to bodyshops what supermarkets are to farmers. There are a lot of big buyers and a lot of small sellers.”

Repanet conference success

Repanet, the network of leading independent accident repair specialists, has just completed its second international conference in Sardinia.

Building on the achievements of the first conference held three years ago in Seville, the second conference brought together some 600 independent repairers from 12 countries across Europe. There was great interest in presentations from David Lingham of Orbis International on the effect of car manufacture on repair technology, and from Matthew Whittall of the Innovation Group plc on the future role of accident management companies in the refinish market.