In Conversation with Simon Smith: The New Chair of AutoRaise

Back in February, we were pleased to welcome Simon Smith as the new Chair of AutoRaise.

Now, with a few months under his belt, we took the opportunity to catch up with him – to hear his reflections on the sector, his hopes for the future of vehicle repair, and why he’s committed to helping shape the next generation of skilled professionals.

With a passion for people and a sharp eye on the future of the vehicle repair sector, Simon brings with him decades of industry insight, a commitment to progress, and a clear message:

“We must attract new people to come and join our industry and be the next generation vehicle experts.”

Simon’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for both the charity and the sector. As skills shortages deepen and the complexity of vehicle repair accelerates, Simon is focused on action.

“AutoRaise has raised the importance of addressing the skills gap and I was delighted to be asked and support the work they do.”

A Focus on Unity and Opportunity

Simon is a firm believer in collaboration and shared purpose. He’s already been inspired by the energy and commitment he’s seen across the industry.

“It has been great to see the industry coming together and showing support. Working together like this will be key to our success.”

His priorities are clear:

• Changing the perception of the industry
• Creating the right environment and culture for people to thrive
• Championing diversity
• Driving sustainability
• And addressing the skills gap

“I am excited about the changes we can make… but if I was to highlight one thing, it is giving people opportunities in the motor repair industry.”

On Skills, Reform, and Industry Engagement

Simon doesn’t shy away from the challenges facing apprenticeships — but he’s equally clear on the opportunity to do better.

“We must look at how the current apprentice scheme works, simplify it and change how people can qualify. I believe the current scheme should allow for people having different learning agility.”

And what’s the single biggest change needed to secure a sustainable future?

“Collaboration by everyone who is involved in the motor repair sector. By working together, we will get there quicker and be more effective.”

That includes businesses of all sizes:

“Everyone has a part to play… What comes across loud and clear is that people care and that is a great foundation to build momentum from.”

A Chair Who Leads with People First

As a leader, Simon brings openness, clarity, and the belief that real change happens through people.

“We deliver change through people; we have a clearly defined purpose and strategy which translates into action.”

And what will success look like in three to five years?

“Everyone coming together to tackle the key five pillars:

• Changing the perception of the industry
• Environment and infrastructure
• Improving diversity
• Sustainability
• Addressing the skills gap”

“This will allow our industry to continue to grow and see the next generation of vehicle experts taking the vehicle repair sector into the future.”

Getting to Know Simon

Simon’s first job in the sector was taking breakdown and recovery calls at the RAC — where he quickly learned the value of teamwork and service.

His advice to young people starting out?

“Be inquisitive – your destiny is in your own hands.”

His dream car? Something practical:

“A vehicle that is the right size to transport my family and dog comfortably and safely.”

And if you didn’t already know:

“I have a sporting background and grew up with horses, which remains an interest today.”

Simon’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for AutoRaise — one rooted in purpose, momentum, and collective progress. We’re thrilled to have him lead the way.

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Passion, Paint, and Potential: Meet Lauren, and See Why Apprenticeships Matter

What drives someone into the vehicle repair industry?

For Lauren, it wasn’t a job ad or a careers fair. It was a love of Japanese cars, late-night mods (modifications!) with friends, and a deep-rooted passion for understanding every part of a vehicle — and making it her own.

In our latest mini film, Lauren shares her journey from tinkering with her first Kia to earning a place in a professional bodyshop and finding her voice in an industry still battling misconceptions.

Apprentices like Lauren don’t just bring passion – they bring value. According to IMI research, most apprentices begin generating profit within 6 months, delivering a return of over 200% by year three. Give someone an opportunity of a lifetime – and strengthen your workforce for the future.

This film isn’t just about cars.

It’s about confidence, curiosity, and carving out a place in a career that’s often misunderstood — especially for young women.

Lauren talks honestly about:

• Being an apprentice in her 20s

• Learning new skills across MET, Panel, and Paint

• The challenge and reward of working on both personal projects and professional jobs

• Why more young people (and employers) should explore hands-on careers.

She also highlights what many in our industry already know — that the skills gap isn’t just about labour shortages. It’s about perception. And the only way to change that is to open the doors wider. The AutoRaise Bursary helps cover starter costs, so employers can say yes to the right apprentice, without the upfront strain.

Whether you’re an employer, an educator, or just someone who remembers the thrill of working on your first project car – grab a coffee and watch Lauren’s story.

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Richard Hammond Backs AutoRaise in New Membership Video

Richard Hammond, from our patrons The Smallest Cog, recorded a personal message in support of AutoRaise this month.

“I’ve spent a lot of my life around cars—driving them, breaking them, fixing them… occasionally crashing them,” he says in the video. “But I couldn’t do any of it without the skilled people who fix them up again. That’s where AutoRaise comes in.”

Richard’s message emphasises the importance of apprenticeships, the impact of membership, and the real-world barriers young people face when entering the industry.

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ARC360 2025: Industry Gathers to Shape the Future of Repair

The ARC360 Conference 2025, taking place on Thursday 22 May at the iconic British Motor Museum in Gaydon, is set to be one of the year’s most important events for the motor claims and vehicle repair sector.

Under the theme “A new era – the changing dynamics of a sector,” this year’s conference will bring together a powerful mix of over 150 leading repairers, 30+ insurance brands, and 20+ vehicle manufacturers to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

What to Expect:

A stellar line-up of speakers includes:

• Chris Downing, Stellantis
• Paul Llewellyn, Ageas
• Kate Nash, Tesco Insurance
• Peter Randhawa, Steer Automotive Group
• Vic Turner, NARG

BTCC driver Ronan Pearson will also join for a live Q&A, sharing insight into his racing journey and the season ahead with Toyota Gazoo Racing UK.

A new breakout session will focus on commercial vehicle repair, hosted by NBRA/VBRA’s Tom Hudd and featuring voices from Scania, AkzoNobel, Spectrum VR, and Steer Automotive Group.

Meanwhile, the Showcase Stage will give attendees a first look at innovations and product insights from Thatcham Research, Entegral, Repairify, Solera Audatex, and e2e.

Why It Matters:

With so much change reshaping the sector — from electrification and ADAS to shifting customer demands and workforce challenges — ARC360 offers a vital space for leaders, repairers, and partners to align, collaborate, and plan for the future.

Supported by industry names including BASF, Enterprise, S&G Response, Mirka, Sherwin Williams and more, this conference is a must-attend for anyone committed to driving sustainable progress in vehicle repair.

📅 Thursday 22 May 2025
📍 British Motor Museum, Gaydon
🎟️ More info and tickets: https://iloveclaims.com/product/arc360-conference-2025/

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Introducing the Industry Taskforce for Automotive Apprenticeships (ITAA)

Uniting the sector to secure a skilled, sustainable future

The UK automotive repair industry is facing a critical challenge: a growing skills shortage that threatens to slow down repairs, drive up costs, and limit the industry’s ability to adapt to new technologies.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a new, unified response.

The Industry Taskforce for Automotive Apprenticeships (ITAA) has been formed to bring together key leaders from across the sector — from training, education, and repair to manufacturers and policy. Our shared mission: to shape apprenticeships that meet the needs of a modern, electrified, digitally driven repair environment.

 What the Taskforce Is Campaigning For:

🔹 Modernised Apprenticeship Standards & Funding

• Align training with EVs, ADAS, and net-zero goals
• Update funding bands to reflect real-world training costs
• Introduce specialist funding for advanced skills

🔹 Core Skills Access

• Fund Maths and English pre-training programmes
• Remove age restrictions on Levy access to support over-19s

🔹 Support for Training Providers

• Improve funding to attract and retain experienced trainers
• Invest in essential kit for EV and ADAS repair

🔹 Long-Term Reform & Economic Growth

• Work with Skills England and Government to embed futureproof standards
• Ensure apprenticeships are a credible, accessible route for all

Who’s Involved?

Our Managing Director, Emma Speed, has joined the Taskforce alongside respected leaders from across the sector:

• Thomas Hudd – NBRA/VBRA (Chair)
• Zac Moodie – NFDA
• Hayley Pells – IMI
• Dean Lander & Max Norstrom – Thatcham Research
• Maxine Blake – Nottingham College
• Benjamin Silverstone – University of Warwick
• Jenna Richards & Rebecca Smith – SMMT
• Steve Hoe – Steer Group
• Eleanor Baker Barnes – Apprenticeship Central
  …and more.

The Taskforce has already submitted evidence to the Education and Skills Select Committee’s inquiry: “Making Further Education Fit for the Future.” We’re urging decision-makers to reform how apprenticeships are funded and delivered — because the next generation of technicians can’t be trained on yesterday’s systems.

If we want a future-proof workforce, we need future-fit training.

This is the moment to push for it.

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Become an AutoRaise Advocate – A small gesture. A powerful message.

To all of you who’ve supported AutoRaise — thank you. Whether you’ve shared our content, helped place an apprentice, offered funding, or simply championed our work in conversations that matter — you’ve helped us move closer to fixing the skills gap in the vehicle repair industry.

Now, we’d like to make it easier than ever to show your support.

We’re inviting you to become an AutoRaise Advocate.

This is new, and it’s for people and businesses who are already in our corner. And if that’s you — we’d love you to make it official. We’d love to keep building momentum and shouting about what we’re doing. And let’s keep showing young people that this industry is worth choosing.

Become an advocate here: AutoRaise Advocates The Future of Vehicle Repair Apprenticeships

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