ARC360 Podcast

In this episode we speak with Carl Norton, Regional Business Manager at Fix Auto UK and, perhaps more relevant to today’s conversation, the man behind the network’s Mental Health First Aid programme – which has already surpassed training over 100 colleagues across the network. Carl reflects on his time within the industry which saw him start out in the family business, move to the mechanical side of motor, and then return to become general manager for, at the time, the UK’s largest repair group… all those experiences bringing him to where he is today and giving him the impetus to do what he does with his support work. Extremely engaging, open and honest this is an interview which really helps signify the importance of mental health for everyone and within any place of work. Enjoy the listen…

In this podcast we have an indepth discussion with Crescens George, CEO of Wiser Academy. Cres talks about where his passion for training and development evolved and his journey to create opportunities for talent attraction and retention into the insurance industry wherever he can. Cres and the Wiser team have certainly made an impact in this area and he shares ideas on how we can recognise potential talent pools and how to nurture the development of skills and knowledge at all levels with effective training and development programmes.

In this episode we get the opportunity to talk to Chris Mcilduff, Chief Customer Officer at Davies Consulting to discuss his role and how the processes we adopt and the training we offer industry colleagues is vital to support customers. We cover customer journeys, the role technology can play and how the human touch is essential. You will also hear a bit about Chris and what his alter ego might be doing now if he hadn’t followed his current career path, interesting stuff…

In this episode we visit Repairify in Luton to sit down with Managing Director, Martin Brown to discuss the role its tools and diagnostics support has across the sector. We talk usage cases, challenges and opportunities, keeping pace with technology, and – that consistent theme – education and training. Martin also reveals his inner ‘shredder’ snowboard talents and how he’s already driving his dream car…

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

We have the pleasure of catching up with Volkswagen Group UK bodyshop development manager, Franco Iannotta who shares with us how his love of cars and a passion for knowing how things work got him started in the automotive sector. Franco is now involved in a host of aftermarket activity including crash testing, insurance ratings, and post-collision vehicle management. He also talks passionately about his interests in F1 and his unwavering desire to 'make sense of it all' which stems from his enthusiasm for Astro physics!

In this episode we talk with Donna Scully, director/owner of Carpenters Group about whole host of subject matters – from how she started out within the legal profession to how she has helped propel Carpenters Group to where they are today. She shares her thoughts on the evolution of the sector - mentioning whiplash only once - and provides her ideas on how claims could be positively impacted for the future. And in true open style we talk about the role of social media; the importance of being yourself; giving back; inspiration; and ‘the secrets of success’. She also reveals her Irish dancer alter ego and how the idea of self-driving vehicles continue to baffle her.

In this episode we speak with Mike Monaghan, business owner at mindset development specialists, Auto-Motivate who shares his passion for empowering individuals and the industry with positivity. Mike provides an insight into just what mindset development is and how it can impact on business, plus shares his thoughts on how the industry has and continues to evolve. He also reveals his inner jedi self. Enjoy.

In this episode we catch up with Tony Ward, managing director of non-structural repair training specialists Cornerstone Technologies. Tony provides us with an insight into his journey to get to where he is today highlighting the major milestones achieved to date. He talks collaboration and new ways of thinking; and gives his thoughts on skillsets; the 'perfect' repairer; and what the future may hold. He also explains why snowboarding with a melon on your head might not be the best idea. Enjoy the listen.

In this episode we talk to Richard Smith, managing director of RS Motors ARC who provides us with an insight into the business and takes us on a bit of a journey explaining how his love for 'fixing things' all began in his younger years modifying bikes, moving on to modern day classic cars and now culminates in him heading up a multi-vehicle manufacturer approved accident repair operation. Richard also reveals his Bear Grylls type adventurer ‘alter ego’ and suggests that self-driving cars could cause him a bit of a headache!

In this week’s ARC360 podcast we catch up with well-known and highly respected industry figure – Steve Plunkett, Volvo body and paint business development manager. We focus on his career path to date; how the ‘day job’ has evolved in recent times; his perceptions of the repair sector; and where he sees the future of the industry. And it will come as no surprise to anyone that knows him… there’s also a mention (or two) of football.