ILC ARTICLE

FIX AUTO UK MD CALLS FOR A ‘COBRA’ STYLE COMMITTEE TO SERVE THE VEHICLE REPAIR INDUSTRY

11th May 2020

Fix Auto UK’s Managing Director Ian Pugh is calling for a Government ‘Cobra’ style cross-sector emergency committee to be formed to help the vehicle repair industry battle through the COVID-19 and any future crisis.

His call to arms follows a spontaneous suggestion made during the recent ARC 360 webinar in which he implied a group of leaders representing every facet of the vehicle repair process should meet, be it virtually or, when the lockdown is lifted, in person, to provide clear and decisive measures to help and support all.

“Since making my comment my phone hasn’t stopped ringing with support,” said Ian, “It’s clear the suggestion resonates throughout the industry so we must make it happen. As I see it, we need a collective think tank of individuals representing the supply chain, repairers, networks leaders, insurance companies and vehicle manufacturers.

“The only agenda, as I see it and stated numerous times now, is safeguarding our industry either during the current COVID-19 crisis or any future predicament. To achieve an aligned view and thorough understanding we have to have a thorough understanding of the economic, social and technical impact of all areas.”

Ian’s suggestion came during his second appearance on the weekly webinar chaired by ARC 360 co-founder Mark Hadaway and featured Gary Barker, Claims Director for the AA, Chris Weeks, Executive Director for the NBRA and Mark Bull, Director of Trend Tracker.

He added: “For weeks now I’ve thought our industry needs more direction, it needs to be led by a specific committee, one that can be raised at a moment’s notice, to help steer us all through in a time of crisis. I was delighted when Gary and Chris instantly supported the idea.”

Commenting on the proposal, Mark Hadaway said: “It’s been great to see support already received for a ‘Cobra’ style committee to assistance the industry moving ahead. As ARC360 we are keen to play a role in supporting such an initiative and look forward to continue to help bring our industry together.”