UNITED WE STAND?

摘要

There now exist around 20 different affinity groups. Given this number, can the independents that continue to go it alone survive? Heather Grant investigates... In the last five years bodyshop networks have become a developing feature of our industry. These range from small numbers of repairers working together to offer regional coverage, to managed networks providing a complete outsourced solution on a national scale. The main driving force for this change is the constant search for efficiency and economies of scale, together with reductions in cost and price. Buying power, IT, HR, training and marketing can be shared. Potentially, bodyshop groups offer a stronger proposition to work providers, with one contact point, a reduction in administration costs, improved communication, and in the right model, consistent service. Neil Marcus, Marketing Director, Selsia Vehicle Accident Centres believes that being part of a national network is becoming more important as repairers can continue to engage in local business opportunities while at the same time, be included in national contracts which they couldn't have negotiated on their own. "Furthermore, with margins being so tight, many repairers don't have the resources to market themselves, so this is another reason to be part of a network such as Selsia which does have the resources and expertise in this area," he says.