Copart’s HR Director and Learning & Development Manager recently attended a collaborative networking event with the Chamber of Commerce to discuss skills and training challenges, and explore potential solutions, alongside other local businesses.

 

We joined important debates and discussions around skills gaps, behaviours, health and wellbeing, and employee retention, and highlighted the success we have achieved with our Driver Academy and Apprenticeship programmes.

 

Follow this link to read the blog. 

The e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management Network is made up of a diverse range of independent, innovative vehicle recycling and salvage firms, operating collaboratively and united behind market leading service standards against which they are audited.  11 collecting members represent nationwide coverage with a further 14 non-collecting members competing to become active in the event additional capacity is required.  The ‘Meet the e2e Network Members’ blog has been developed to shine a light on the infrastructure, operational capabilities, knowledge and expertise embedded in the network and demonstrate the progressive culture inherent in its members.  

Established for over 60 years, Overton Automotive Group [Overtons] was acquired by John Collins in 2021.  Supporting John is a senior management team comprising  Sarah Allan – Sales Manager, Sarah Cruise – Business and Finance Manager and Mark Boden, Business Development Manager.  

Overtons is part of a wider group of companies ‘Keep it Green Solutions’, focused on recycling automotive parts.  Included in the group is Auto Enterprises which serves major OEM parts remanufacturers globally. Warehouse capacity in the UK exceeds 200,000 square feet with over 2,000,000 mechanical parts ready for dispatch at any one time.  The group also owns an automatic transmissions repairer business, demonstrating its overall strategic commitment to the 4 R’s of automotive recycling: Re-use, Recycle, Repair and Re-manufacture.  Re-branding is underway to bring all group companies under one banner and 2023 will see the launch of ‘Keep It Green Solutions’ a platform to promote the environmental benefits the group delivers in terms of carbon emissions reduction.  Overtons has a diverse customer base which includes insurers, fleet management companies, Fire & Rescue Services, bodyshops and garages, the general public and a growing export market.

On behalf of the e2e network, Overtons services Scotland via two main sites in Aberdeen and two further satellite sites in the country, providing capacity to securely store 4,200 end-of-life vehicles and 2,500 salvage vehicles.  The company is investing heavily in its geographical foot print and has recently acquired a new site in Lincoln, alongside a recently established site in Downham, Essex, providing capacity to hold a further 2,500 vehicles; enabling the business to service the east coast of the country in its entirety.  Further site acquisitions may follow.  Overtons is VRAC certified to the UK Standard for Reclaimed Parts.  Work to secure accreditations to ISO9001, 14001 and 27001 is underway with completion expected by the end of 2023. 

Overtons has a well-maintained fleet of 10 car transporters accommodating varying loads of up to eight vehicles, plus a low loader for off highway or commercial vehicles and offers vehicle collection and delivery nationally.  Four reclaimed parts delivery vans service the Aberdeen, Essex and Lincoln areas.  Tyre fitting and disposal and air-conditioning re-gassing is offered at all its sites. 

The company has retained its family heritage and the culture celebrates its people and remains focussed on customer service first and foremost.  As well as investing in infrastructure and transport, training is high on the agenda helping staff to grow, develop and remain up to date with industry standards and evolving requirements such as electric and hybrid vehicles.  Training creates opportunities and career paths which support talent retention whilst close links with regional colleges aid recruitment drives.  Overtons is also active in its local communities, donating vehicles to local colleges for students to repair and raise awareness of the vehicle recycling industry as a career choice.  Vehicles are also provided to local fire services to practice their firefighting techniques.    

Business operations are committed to sustainability and carbon reduction.  Waste is reduced by ensuring as many parts as possible are successfully dismantled and quality graded from each end-of-life or salvage vehicle.  Material separation is maximised for recycling purposes prior to baling vehicles.  The reclaimed parts delivery fleet includes an electric vehicle to reduce carbon emissions and alternative energy sources are used to power different aspects of company sites where feasible.

Overtons is proud to be a member of the e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management network and sees benefit in the power of the collective to secure national contracts, through the strength of the brand and the member commitment to market leading performance.  Collaboration with fellow members including shared insights and intelligence help to inform management thinking and business strategy.       

 

 

       Ticket Registration now open for the Complete Auto Recycling Show (CARS) and the Metals Recycling Event (MRE) 2023

 

 

 You can now get hold of your free ticket to CARS & MRE 2023 and what an event there is in store for us. Featuring the UK Depollution Challenge, site tours, meet the buyer events, and       Breakfast Club in addition to all of the traditional elements you would expect to see – expert speakers, practical workshops and live demonstrations.

The UK event for anyone connected to vehicle or metal recycling will take place on 24-25 May 2023 at Stoneleigh Park in West Midlands

 

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DEPOLLUTION COMPETITION

 In tandem with the launch of registration, the organisers are calling for entries into the first ‘it’s-a-knockout' style UK Depollution Challenge. The proverbial assault course, will pitch teams   against each other to test their skills against each other and be crowned champions. If you think your team has what it takes, you can enter via the ‘what’s on’ tab on the website  www.carsmre.com.

 

NETWORKING EVENTS

Connect face to face with customers, industry leaders and suppliers to discuss challenges and opportunities at one of a range of networking events. Secure tickets to the charity dinner on day one, grab a free breakfast roll at the Breakfast Club networking event, board the bus to one of the site tours or send one of the team to the young people in the sector networking event.

 

 

 

NET-ZERO, WASTE CLASSIFICATION & BUSINESS GUIDANCE

CARS’ unrivalled conference content hits the mark this year with focus on net-zero, issues around waste classification, green parts, lithium-ion batteries and much more.

Back by popular demand, 2023 will also see the return of business experts, The Business Doctors delivering workshops in addition to vehicle depollution experts Salvage Wire and trainers providing practical guidance on social media, mental health, careers and employment and much more.

Set to welcome more exhibitors than ever, CARS is much more than just a trade show, it’s an opportunity to stay up to date with leading voices in the industry, help visitors find their next business ventures in one place, maximise ROI, and futureproof your auto and metals recycling business – which we think you just can’t afford to miss!

To make sure you don’t miss out on all of the above, plus private meetings, offsite events and much more, all you need to do is register for FREE here!

With more than 80% of space sold, any businesses looking to exhibit are encouraged to get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible to reserve a space.

 

 

Copart UK partners with ABI for ‘Securing Futures’ programme 

Global leader in online vehicle remarketing and recycling, Copart UK, took part in an exclusive programme ‘Securing Futures’, produced by ITN Business for the ABI Annual Conference.

 

Anchored by television presenter Simon Thomas from the ITN London studio, the programme looked at the important work taking place across the insurance sector and showed how working together is the key to success for a secure future for all. 

 

As a strategic partner to the insurance claims industry, Copart is committed to supporting their customers’ policy holders, providing fast and efficient response to extreme weather events and handling accident damaged vehicles.

‘Securing Futures’ premiered at the ABI Annual Conference on 21st February 2023 and featured key industry and news-style reports along with sponsored editorial profiles.

 

Jane Pocock, CEO of Copart UK & Ireland, who featured in the programme, said:

“Over the 15 years that Copart has been in the UK, we have worked incredibly closely with our insurance partners and more broadly in the sector. 

 

“Our involvement with this programme demonstrates how we fully align with ABI’s ongoing advocacy and campaign work to highlight the role of the insurance sector in supporting customers and society. We are, as market leader, proud and honoured to have been offered this opportunity.

 

“With motor claims volumes increasing and large-scale extreme weather events becoming more common place, it is great to be able to raise awareness to both individuals and companies of the ways that the industry can support them. 

 

“At Copart we provide trusted and valuable partnerships to the insurance, automotive, and accident management sectors, continually investing to strengthen our operational capabilities, transport, and technology to ensure that we can collect, process, and resell vehicles as quickly as possible with minimum disruption and economic impact.”

 

The ‘Securing Futures’ programme is available online at https://www.abi.org.uk/securingfutures/

 

Silverlake Automotive Recycling [Silverlake] welcomes Rob Lewis to the management team as Social Media Manager, a newly created role developed as part of the business’ continuous improvement strategy. Rob will be the online custodian of Silverlake’s reputation for quality products and excellent customer service; responsible for further building the brand’s presence and its online community, adding value to both.  Reporting to the senior management team, Rob will work closely with Silverlake’s marketing team to deliver the business’ objectives.      

Rob is an FLTA qualified engineer whose early career was as a field service engineer maintaining fork lift trucks.  His passion is motor sports and his in-depth knowledge of car repair and maintenance comes from having built his own racing car which he races in the BRSCC Modified Ford Series.  He has become a well-known figure in online motor sports commentary, running a motor sports podcast for UK Club Racing since 2020 and as the official commentator for the C1 Racing Series. 

Commenting on his appointment Rob said: “I had used Silverlake’s self-service U-Pick-It yard to dismantle parts that I needed for the build and maintenance of my racing car for a number of years, so I had first-hand experience of the company and its services.  This role is my dream job combining my passions and working for a business that is so progressive in the vehicle recycling market.  We have so many online channels available to reach our broad customer base including insurers, public sector organisations, bodyshops, garages, the general public and motor sports industry and I will be creating content that is relevant and relatable for all.  My aim is to build trust and preferentiality for all our services including our Online Auction and Sell My Car Service and our quality graded, warranty assured reclaimed parts and part-worn tyre bay.  Then there’s the people themselves that work at Silverlake, our charity scheme and all our community initiatives.  I’m looking forward to sharing what’s under the bonnet at Silverlake!” 

Allen Prebble, managing director at Silverlake said: “We are excited to welcome Rob to the team.  *84.3% of people in the UK are active on social media and we recognise the opportunity this represents to communicate and add value to our existing customers and prospects.  Creating an in-house marketing role dedicated to social media will allow us to further boost our activity in this discipline and support our business’ growth goals.  Our mission at Silverlake is to make vehicle repair and maintenance cost effective, efficient and sustainable and to continue to educate and build confidence in the use of reclaimed parts.  Vehicle recycling is a dynamic and competitive market and success comes from understanding your customers’ needs, building trust and continually evolving and innovating to exceed their expectations.”