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.