Gaining ground together
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
In this episode – recorded late in 2022 - we speak with Dean Lander, Head of Repair Sector Services at the insurers’ automotive research centre - Thatcham Research.
Dean offers up an insight into the continued evolution of Thatcham Research’s offering – from its updated approach to training combining the virtual with the practical, to it’s upgraded facility and development of its Gamston vehicle testing and research operation.
Dean also discusses the pace at which the ACE – automated, connected and electric – agenda is moving and highlights where he feels the industry might be headed in the future.
He also reveals his close association with social media stardom!
Wednesday Dec 07, 2022
Wednesday Dec 07, 2022
In this episode, we speak with Anthony Hughes, CEO of The Credit Hire Organisation - the trade body representing the credit hire sector.
Recorded back in October, we caught up with Anthony – only appointed a few months earlier in August 2022 – to find out his plans for the organisation and what we can expect in the coming months.
Anthony, who is no stranger to the sector, provides his thoughts on where the sector is currently at, the impacts the ‘perfect storm’ is having on the sector, and how he envisages the future shaping up.
He also divulges how professional development guru - Dale Carnegie helped influence one of the key learnings of his career to date.
Thursday Oct 06, 2022
Thursday Oct 06, 2022
In this episode, we speak with Phil Peace, Managing Director (International) of Repairify – a leader in advanced technology tooling and remote diagnostic support.
Phil offers up an insight into the evolution of the business – from ongoing market growth in the UK and further afield, to technological advances, business acquisitions, product development and future plans.
He also reflects on how life may have been very different had he not chosen a career in automotive rather than accepting a job offer in banking!
Thursday Sep 22, 2022
Thursday Sep 22, 2022
In this episode, we speak with Kelvyn Waugh, Managing Director of replacement parts giant Prasco UK who provides us with the lowdown on the sectors purported parts challenges.
Kelvyn provides insight on Prasco UK's recent developments – including ongoing increases in stock ranges; Amazon type enhances in service provision and technology; and all underpinned by his desire to provide a truly personalised service.
Recorded back in August, the session includes ‘at the time’ references.
Thursday Jul 28, 2022
Thursday Jul 28, 2022
In this episode, we speak with Matthew Stansfield, operations director - claims solutions, Davies Group who provides a fascinating insight into how the world of engineering is evolving – from day-to-day value add processes and procedures, to more involved investigative work and specialist requirements.
Matthew speaks with authority on the sector, highlighting how engineering continues to combine technology and human skillsets for ultimate claims accuracy and insight… with the overriding aim of ensuring a seamless customer journey.
He also reveals his award-winning podcast alter-ego and how a self-driving vehicle is not for him personally.
Thursday Jul 14, 2022
Thursday Jul 14, 2022
In this episode, we speak with Chris Brightmore, CEO at super brand vehicle repair operation Chartwell (Derby) Ltd who provides an insight into business – from how it all began and working with some of the world’s leading vehicle marques, to impacts of the pandemic and what the future might hold.
Chris openly discusses the key turn moments that have made the business what it is today and, not one to shy away from challenge, hints at a future full of potential.
He also reveals how his career may have panned out very differently should he not have craved a cup of tea but how music still play a big role in his life.
Tuesday May 17, 2022
Tuesday May 17, 2022
In this episode, we speak with Ranjit Gill, Director at Fix Auto Slough & Uxbridge who provides an insight into his journey of discovery – from a career in the financial sector to investing in his own repair business and all he continues to learn along the way.
Change, challenge, investment, people, relationships – Ranjit shares an insight into how he continues to adapt the business and develop solutions fit for the future.
Friday Mar 11, 2022
Friday Mar 11, 2022
In this episode, we catch up with Amy Brettell, Head of Customer, UK Claims, Zurich Insurance UK where she provides us with an insight into why she loves what she does; discusses the forever changing dynamics in satisfying customer wants and needs; and explores the role technology has to play in the claims process now and into the future.
She also reveals her inner ‘librarian’ and why her and pigeons' paths should not cross!
Thursday Jan 20, 2022
Thursday Jan 20, 2022
In this episode, we catch up with Lee Johnson, managing director at independent repair outfit LD Autovogue based in Norwich.
A thriving business, everything changed in the middle of last year when the business experienced a fire. Thankfully, no one was injured but the whole episode has not only proved a real challenge – physically and psychologically - for all involved – but so too has it been an ‘eye opener’ in many respects.
From the initial shock and ‘survival mode’ like mentality, to the learnings of business insurance and work partnerships… Lee explains and shares with fellow business owners just what the disaster has meant for the business and what he has learnt along the way.
Thursday Aug 05, 2021
Thursday Aug 05, 2021
In this episode, Phill Blowers, commercial director at Indasa Abrasives offers an overview of his 35 years in the industry – from technician on the shopfloor to overseeing UK and German operations for a multi-national organisation.
Phill tells us all about the business, explains the implications of the past 18 months and shares with us just what that now means for manufacture and supply.
Phil reveals how he’s mixing work with pleasure by organising a charity bike ride in support of industry charity AutoRaise – explaining how we can all join him - and delves into the reasons steel remains his material of choice for those long days in the saddle!