AutoRaise, the industry charity that works with the vehicle repair industry to address its skills crisis, has formed a new partnership with FMG
AutoRaise recently engaged with the industry's key insurers and work providers to gain financial and partnership support and the Redde Northgate group didn't hesitate in getting behind a "Stepping Up" initiative to help support the charity through a challenging time.
"I'm so pleased to have the support of the FMG business, part of Redde Northgate Plc, during what has been a difficult time for our charity" comments Bob Linwood, AutoRaise CEO. "We have been in dialogue with Redde Northgate for a while and our call for emergency funding from the work provider sector was the catalyst for FMG's involvement.
Andrew Chandler, FMG Sales Director, said, "As a business in the provision of repair services to the automotive industry, we are fully supportive of AutoRaise and the work that they do to maintain and improve standards of skill, knowledge and workmanship across the sector. AutoRaise's mission goes hand in hand with the sustainability of the skillset required to meet the evolving repair methodology of modern-day vehicles. The work of AutoRaise will inch the industry ever closer to filling the gaps already seen today. If every business with an interest in this sector considered what the next 5 years may bring, besides the likelihood of continued decline in those entering the repair industry - and those qualified, it would be shrewd to start to address this issue today, collectively rather than worrying tomorrow."
It is envisaged that this new relationship will also extend to provide a closer working partnership between AutoRaise and the former Nationwide vehicle repair sites, now operated by FMG Repair Services. Bob added "We hope to support these sites and to involve their apprentices with the AutoRaise initiatives as we do with so many other apprentices across the UK."
AutoRaise are still asking insurers and work providers to support the charity to help ensure there is a sustainable, trained workforce for the future of the vehicle repair industry. Please contact Jen Evans at
[email protected] if you want to get involved.
Jennifer Evans