Fleet briefs: Latest industry news from Thatcham Research, VisionTrack, Activate Accident Repair and Fleetcor

Thatcham Research launches ‘EV Ready’ training programme

Thatcham Research has unveiled a new ‘EV Ready’ training programme to help businesses have the specialist EV skills and knowledge to handle electric vehicles (EVs).

The training programme will be interest to vehicle repairers, insurance companies and claims management organisations, as well as businesses operating in the fleet, salvage, recovery and vehicle auction sectors.

“New EV registrations are rising sharply,” said Dean Lander, Thatcham Research’s head of repair sector services. “Adoption will only continue to increase, so it’s imperative that businesses know how to interact with these vehicles safely and efficiently.

“Our EV Ready Training Programme provides tailored learning to all employees. The objective is to boost understanding at every stage in the customer journey and ensure that everyone who encounters an EV has the correct knowledge to do their job safely.”

Training is delivered via a blended learning model that combines e-learning and face-to-face training.

VisionTrack buys US firm SkyLab Solutions

VisionTrack has completed the acquisition of SkyLab Solutions to accelerate its expansion into the US market.

The multi-million-pound deal for the California-based, fleet technology business represents the company’s first major investment in North America and will support the roll-out of its award-winning video telematics solution in the region, it says.

The Skylab Solutions team will join the recently formed VisionTrack Inc business, while VisionTrack says it will rapidly scale-up the US venture, adding extra channel business development, account management and technical support resource, as well as creating a US-based development opportunities team.

In addition to increasing the headcount, the company will also expand its office network and warehousing capabilities to create the infrastructure needed to drive the targeted growth.

Simon Marsh, CEO of VisionTrack, said: “SkyLab Solutions has been a valued partner for the past three years. Their team has a detailed understanding of the fleet marketplace in the US and many years of telematics experience, so we are confident they will make a huge contribution to the business.

“We have ambitious plans in North America, and this is an important step in replicating our achievements in the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.”

Activate Accident Repair opens Manchester body shop

Activate Accident Repair has strengthened its presence in the North‐West with a new site in Manchester.

The opening of this site – Activate Accident Repair’s fifth – continues the growth of its hybrid repair network, which sees the strategic location of owned sites to complement its partner repair group relationships across the UK.

As with existing sites, Manchester is purpose built and has seen significant investment in energy efficient infrastructure, processes, and technology, making it possible to repair all vehicle types including the latest EVs and HEVs, it says.

The business has placed equal focus on investing in people, with dedicated training and support processes embedded into the day‐to‐day operation.

“Environmental, social and corporate governance is at the top of the agenda for us, and for the wider fleet and insurance industries, which is why we’ve focused heavily on ensuring our body shops deliver for the environment as well as our customers.” said Victoria Turner, CEO of Activate Accident Repair.

“From installing heat recycling paint ovens to integrating green and alternative parts into our supply chain, we’re serious about meeting our net zero carbon target.”

Activate Accident Repair is part of Activate Group, a group of companies that includes Motor Repair Network, Sopp and Sopp and Activate Parts.

The Group’s own chain of body shops works alongside its approved network of 200 repairers to service hundreds of thousands of claims a year for its fleet and insurance clients.

Fleetcor recognised by Mind for promoting staff mental health

Fleetcor has been credited with a Silver Award in its first entry into the Workplace Wellbeing Index awards by Mind, the mental health charity.

The Silver Award is given to employers who have made demonstrable achievements in promoting staff mental health, proving progress and impact over time. 

Mind’s 2020 research into the effects of the pandemic found that more than half of adults and over two thirds of young people said that their mental health had become worse during the first period of lockdown restrictions.

It also reported that some are experiencing anxiety around going back to their jobs after working from home or not working for so long.

The charity’s Workplace Wellbeing Index is a benchmark of best policy and practice, and its awards celebrate the achievements of its participants, recognising employers taking action to prioritise better mental health in the workplace.

Fleetcor has provided all staff managers training in managing mental health and providing specialised training to more than 20 employees to become mental health first aiders.

Alan King, Fleetcor Group president, Europe and Australasia, said: “We are honoured to have been recognised by Mind for our work in supporting our employees with their mental health and wellbeing with a Silver Award, and we owe it to our employees to continue this work and keep up the momentum.”