Fleet briefs: Latest from Licence Check, Evri, FMG Repair Services, Steer Automotive and the Vehicle Remarketing Association

Evri’s HR chief takes the wheel to champion female drivers

Evri has announced its ambition to become the employer of choice for female drivers in the industry.

While 30% of its couriers are women, the number of female HGV, LGV and van drivers remains around 3%, only slightly above the industry average.

Lyn Warren, Evri's chief human resources officer, is spearheading the company's efforts to close this gap and is currently undergoing training to obtain her own CAT C licence.

Warren said: "I'm passionate about creating a workplace where everyone, regardless of background or gender, can thrive, the logistics industry has traditionally been male dominated, but I believe women have the talent and skillset to excel in this field.

“We're removing barriers and creating opportunities for women to join our team, and I'm confident that we can make Evri a place where they can reach their full potential."

Evri will launch several initiatives to attract and retain female drivers, including: a new recruitment and communications campaign to raise awareness; listening groups with existing female drivers to understand how Evri can make its workplace a more inclusive; and a mentoring programme with existing experienced female drivers to support new ones.

Martijn De Lange, CEO at Evri, said: "We know that a diverse workforce is a strong workforce. By creating a more inclusive workplace, we can attract and retain the best talent and build a more successful business.

“We're committed to making Evri a place where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of who they are."

Serversys integrates Davis platform to verify test driver eligibility

Serversys has integrated Licence Check’s driver and vehicle compliance management platform enabling users to check drivers before test drives take place.

The Reading-based company works with leading motor manufacturers such as Toyota and Honda.

Toyota GB was the first to go live with the system and is employing it for its entire 180-strong dealer network to manage demonstrator bookings and driver licence verification. Talks are also currently ongoing with other prospective clients.

Serversys sales director, Rodney Green, said: “This new automated licence checking process replaces manual verification, reducing the admin burden and cost, and provides a quicker experience for the driver while ensuring credentials are checked accurately and effectively, thus reducing the risk of liability and simplifying demonstrator management.”

Licence Check managing director, Keith Allen, added: “For high volume businesses such as vehicle manufacturers, dealer groups or car rental companies, this automated ability to verify the status of drivers’ licences is a sure-fire way to guarantee eligibility with maximum accuracy, reliability and efficiency.”

New tool kits for apprentices at FMG Repair Services

FMG Repair Services are presenting new and existing apprentices new tool kits to help kick-start their careers.

The kits, which contain more than £600 worth of new tools, are specific to each apprentice’s discipline, with spray guns for paint technicians and dedicated tools for mechanical, electrical and trim (MET) and panel technicians.

The investment is part of FMG Repair Services’ commitment to developing the next generation of vehicle repairers with an industry-leading apprenticeship programme.

Paul Wrigglesworth, operations director at FMG Repair Services, said: “There is a significant skills and talent gap in the automotive sector as a result of many years of rapid change in vehicle technology, fuel types and body materials.

“Bridging this gap is critical to the future of the automotive industry and that’s why we’re investing heavily in a truly holistic apprenticeship programme which includes practical skills and on-the-job training together with one-to-one mentoring and a programme of apprentice engagement events, to attract new talent to our sector.”

FMG Repair Services works in partnership with Morelli Group for the supply of the tool kits.

Dealers increasingly ignoring “scruffy” van stock

Dealers are increasingly ignoring “scruffy” van stock, especially larger models that need a high degree of work for sale, the first Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) meeting of 2024 heard.

 A light commercial vehicle auction discussion panel was organised for the event, with all involved agreeing that there were too many big vans in poor condition on the market.

 Julian Pullen, senior editor, commercial vehicles and motorcycles at Cap HPI, said: “It used to be said that if a van needed £1,000 of work, it sold for £1,500 less. Now that latter figure is more like £2,000 to £3,000. People just don’t want scruffy stock.”

Stuart Peak, national LCV manager, Manheim, agreed. “Dealers know that if they buy a vehicle that needs work, it could take between 6-12 weeks to get it done at the moment plus, given the present market, it’s value might fall £500-600 in the meantime,” he added.

The meeting also featured a section on developments in motor finance and insurance, featuring Adrian Dally, director of motor finance and strategy at the Finance and Leasing Association; Tim Kelly, managing director and owner at MotorClaimGuru; and Louise Wallis of Auto Strategists.

The next VRA meeting, on the theme of how new fleet disposal strategies are affecting remarketing, will take place at Geldards on Thursday, March 21.

Steer Automotive buys Lovells and Pronto centres

Steer Automotive Group has announced the acquisition of Lovells Auto Body Centres and Pronto Accident Repair Centres.

The integration of Lovells and Pronto's 11 sites across the East of England complements the group’s current East Midlands’ footprint, it said.

Richard Steer, chief executive of Steer Automotive Group, said: “This acquisition is not just about expanding our footprint; it's about integrating Lovells and Pronto's expertise with our own.  

“Their reputation for high quality repairs combined with first class customer service, sets us up to further extend our reach into the East of England. I’d like to personally thank Duncan (Exton) and Chris (Hammond) for choosing Steer to lead their business into the next chapter.

“We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and working with them to provide industry leading levels of service and support to our clients and their customers.”