Gallagher Bassett, a premier multiline claims services provider, is the latest company to become an AutoRaise Partner. The Ipswich-based company, with branches nationwide, joins a growing list of motor vehicle repair supply chain Partners, that include joins a growing list of motor vehicle repair supply chain Partners that includes Audatex, Axalta, BMS, CAPS Consortium, Car-O-Liner, eca Group, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, esure, Fix Auto UK, Indasa, Industry Insights, LV=, Morelli Group, R-M Paint, S&G Response, U-Pol, VRVE and 3M.
"We're delighted that Gallagher Bassett has decided to support the work that AutoRaise is undertaking on behalf of the vehicle repair industry. This is another extremely positive step forward for the AutoRaise charity," said Mark Bull, Head of Engagement for Business at AutoRaise.
"I felt it was important that Gallagher Bassett was involved in some capacity with AutoRaise," commented Mark Garnham, Networks & Engineering Manager, Gallagher Bassett. "We have a strong ethos on delivering the right training throughout our business and having started on the shop floor as an apprentice myself, I felt there was a perfect synergy; to provide support to an organisation dedicated to locating and developing fresh talent for the motor industry."
Mark Garnham continued, "At Gallagher Bassett, we are extremely proud of the strong relationships we hold with our approved network of Bodyshops who work so hard to support our business and client base. It is widely known that apprentices are becoming harder to find in recent years, therefore having an opportunity to support AutoRaise with their initiatives which will ultimately support all of us in the long term is very refreshing and immensely satisfying."
Claire Elliott, Branch Manager (Ipswich), agreed, "At Gallagher Bassett we recognise the importance of Learning, Developing and Nurturing young talent. We strongly believe that young people should be encouraged to grow, be inspired and to gain the skills and knowledge required, that will help set the foundation for the industry of the future.
"Our partnership with Auto Raise allows us to reach out and support others with the same ethos and values as ourselves," said Claire. "Actively taking part in preserving and maintaining the skills we currently have, enables us to guide the way to a sustained and robust future together."
AutoRaise has taken great strides in its quest to support the vehicle repair industry since it was launched just over twelve months ago. The charity's aim of helping vehicle repairers to address the current skills shortage has resulted in approximately 100 new apprenticeships being created.
Bob Linwood, AutoRaise CEO commented: "It is marvellous to know that companies who rely on vehicles being repaired by a skilled workforce are understanding and acknowledging the good work that AutoRaise is undertaking. We look forward to working with Gallagher Bassett along with our other Partners and industry stakeholders as we strive to bridge the current skills crisis."
AutoRaise say that it's essential that the vehicle repair industry gets behind addressing the current skills shortage, whether it be taking on new apprentices, hosting Industry Showcase Events or simply helping to spread the word.
Mark Bull concluded, "Any company associated with the safe repair of accident damaged vehicles has a vested interest in creating an environment whereby young people are attracted to our sector. The work that AutoRaise is undertaking involves promoting what the vehicle repair industry has to offer directly into schools, and we encourage young people to join a Cadet programme from the age of 13; this is a vital part of the AutoRaise work as it will create a pipeline of young people choosing a career path within the automotive sector."
It's essential that the industry gets behind addressing the skills shortage, whether it be taking on new apprentices, hosting Industry Showcase Events or simply helping to spread the word.