SBT1917 Modern Claims 26 Supplement v5[1]

INTERVIEW

Technological change is as rampant as I’ve ever seen it, and we need to be helping to deliver upon the implications of that change in the aftermarket deeper information from their own data, in order to work more efficiently and at the right time to further improve supply chain processes. Pulling off increasingly complex and diverse reports from their systems calls for increased software capability and commuting power at the bodyshop. For example, automatic stock and re-order systems and inter-sector and parts procurement platforms are becoming increasingly prevalent, making the supply chain work harder. This is all aimed towards a further improvement in those critical key-to-key times and a satisfied end consumer. Q What is being done to attract talent into the industry? In what job roles are the skills shortages most pressing? A Across the collision sector, there is real awareness of our own skills shortage but, as an industry, we are trying hard to alleviate matters through initiatives like AutoRaise. AutoRaise traces its origins back to 2012, when vehicle repairers came together to build an apprenticeship standard, gaining governmental approval in 2015. It is all about attracting young talent into the industry, by working in conjunction with key bodyshops to build relationships with local colleges and schools to attract a new generation of employees. We also have our own IMI-approved training centres, as well as a team of 20 technical demonstrators. As a sector, we need to continue to improve our own image, making sure that schools and colleges are more aware of the options available. Roles include estimators, managers, process consultants, production controllers, bodyshop managers and IT specialists – the list is endless. The only constant is the need for people with a positive attitude who can deliver exemplary customer service at what can be a stressful time for the end customer. But it’s an invigorating, challenging, £4 billion industry, and we want to attract the best recruits for the next generation. Q What effect do you foresee Brexit having on the UK aftermarket/collision repair sector? A The looming issue of Brexit is the same for the entire marketplace. It has given everyone an element of uncertainty to deal with, but I sense something of a sea change now. Many see that we are in a state of hiatus, of negotiation for the next two years and, therefore, the prevailing mood seems to be one of getting on with things. The attitude seems to be: ‘this is what we’ve got for two years, so let’s crack on’. That sense of pragmatic positivity, despite various macro-economic issues, is to be welcomed. Q What else is on the horizon for the UK aftermarket/collision repair sector, and how will Euro Car Parts respond to the challenges ahead? A For sure, there are big changes afoot. We are on the cusp of the most accelerated period of technological change since the car was invented, with changing patterns of vehicle ownership and cultural shifts in the way the vehicle is perceived, as well as more car sharing and different formats of vehicular usage. As an industry, we have always adapted to change and this will hold us in good stead over the next five years.

Martin Gray

As CEO of Euro Car Parts, Martin has contributed substantially to the growth and success of the company.

During 2008, Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia, Euro Car Parts’ current Chairman and Founder, brought Martin in as People/ Performance Director before promoting him to CEO during 2013. Prior, Martin was a Managing Director in the Caudwell Group of Companies (Logistics, Retail and B2B), helping to grow the Group from 2,000 to 15,000 employees, becoming the UK’s fastest growing company for three years in a row. Since Martin has been at the helm, Euro Car Parts has more than tripled its turnover, £272m in 2010 to over £1 billion in 2016, and has grown the number of employees from 2,500 in 2010, to over 10,000 today. The Euro Car Parts network provides 95% coverage across the entire UK and, over the past four years, the branch network has been increased from 90 to over 220 locations.

Martin Gray is CEO at Euro Car Parts.

July 2017

The Aftermarket Supplement 09