Indasa Abrasives UK's Commercial Director, Phill Blowers, and European Sales & Marketing Director, Andrew Tindall, will embark on a 229-mile bicycle ride from Shrewsbury to Colchester. Joining Phill and Andrew are friends and family: Dave Blowers, Gregg Easteal, Nuno Vilao and Stuart Hopper. The pedal- powered team will cycle for two-and-a-half days and complete the journey in three stages:
Stage 1: June 1st - Shrewsbury to Loughborough - 87 miles
Stage 2: June 2nd - Loughborough to Cambridge - 91 miles
Stage 3: June 3rd - Cambridge to Colchester - 51 miles
The purpose of the ride is to support and help raise funds for AutoRaise with a target of £3,000.
Training is well underway... "150 miles on the bike whilst on holiday in Cyprus," said Phill.
"The purpose of doing this ride is twofold," explained Phill. "Firstly, my wife Rachel wants her slim, fit husband of yesteryear back. Secondly, I want to raise some money for AutoRaise; to address the skill shortage within the vehicle repair industry by actively promoting the industry to 13-24 year olds via an apprentice scheme. Due to a lack of skill shortage today the efforts of AutoRaise now will benefit the industry in the long term and create an excellent opportunity for young people to develop a trade/skill."
Bob Linwood, Chief Executive Officer, AutoRaise, said: "AutoRaise are grateful for Indasa's support as Silver Partners and this further commitment from Phill, Andrew and their team of cyclists is truly admirable. There really are going the extra (229) miles to help us secure tomorrow's talented apprentices ."
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.