Challenging decisions lie ahead for bodyshops, as modern vehicles trigger need for specialised repair strategies

• Independent bodyshops should specialise due to wide range of equipment and skills investments necessary for the repair of new vehicles, experts say
• Industry-first coaching programme to forearm repair leaders for tough decisions on the horizon
• Strategic partnership with Business Success Global announced to support development and leadership skills for the bodyshop industry

Dean Lander Head of Repair Sector Services, Thatcham Research comments, “Gone are the days of accepting every job that comes into the workshop – the investments required to cover all bases are just not feasible. Tough management decisions lie ahead for independent bodyshops, as they define what their business should focus on.”

The proliferation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and new materials used in the construction of cars were the subject of hotly debated panel discussions at Thatcham Research’s Repair Focus event on June 6 2017. Many independent repair outfits raised concerns around investing in expensive and specialised equipment, with potentially short shelf lives.

“Taking these business critical investment decisions from the most informed position possible is now vital. Bodyshops should begin with a clear vision of the area in which they will specialise, and then reverse engineer an equipment and skills investment strategy that will get them there,” said Lander.

However, there is currently no bespoke leadership coaching available for top tier management in the repair sector, an issue which partners Thatcham Research and Business Success Global (BSG) are addressing by bringing a unique leadership and management development programme to market.

Lander continues, “This course will provide bodyshop business leaders with the tools to move forward decisively during a challenging and uncertain phase for the industry.”

Bodyshop-specific

The all new Leadership & Management Foundation Programme provides an introduction to four systems of business: Productivity, Revenue, Asset and Activation. Programme content is bodyshop-specific and has been tailored to audience needs.

Lander said, “This foundation programme is for owners, managers and supervisors of the bodyshop industry, or related business, who are seeking to develop, enhance and improve their personal and managerial skillset. This is essential as the industry continues to experience rapid change, with an ever-increasing imperative to attract new talent and skills for the long term.”

World class content

The Foundation in Leadership & Management course is a three month development programme that includes three face to face coaching sessions. The programme will support delegates to translate learning from each session into practical plans and actions that will ultimately benefit the business they run.

Following the foundation course individuals may choose and identify other key development opportunities that can then build into further ongoing learning streams. Further advanced and complimentary programmes will be launched in the future, creating a suite of courses for all commercial and customer support roles in a business from drivers, through to advisors, supervisors, managers, owners and leaders.

Robert Snook, BSG co-founder said, “The Thatcham Leadership and Management Foundation programme delivers world class content in a bodyshop-specific context, by a company that own and run successful bodyshops and smart repair centres today. It provides a Sat Nav route map to more time, more money and less stress, so that bodyshop business leaders don’t have to waste valuable time and energy working out a plan through trial and error.”

The courses include three full day sessions, one session a month from September 2017 to November 2017.

Interested parties should email customerservices@thatcham.org or call 01635 293174 to apply.