News from North East Accident Repair Centres
There is always something happening which is worth knowing about at North East Accident Repair Centres – NEARC.
To reinforce our position of being the natural choice for motor accident repairs in the North East, we are constantly moving forwards – investing in innovative equipment, introducing smarter ways of working, winning industry awards and encouraging personal staff achievements.
Collectively each item of news contributes to a narrative whose meaning for customers is the continual improvement of an already outstanding service.
At the recent Vizion Conference at Donnington Park, North East Accident Repair Centre’s Newcastle site, were awarded the Best Repairer Category for Region One and the overall Vizion Body shop of The Year award for 2015. The awards were presented to Roger Collings and Bob Taylor from NEARC by Eamonn Dunne, Vizion Chairman, in front of 750 guests.
Roger Collings commented, “It was a surprise and honour to win this award when Vizion selected our Newcastle site as the top Body shop out of its 450 strong network. It is a reflection on all the hard work by all our staff at Newcastle, particularly Tom Widdrington our Manager and Tracey Anderson”
Roger added “the last three months have been an extremely challenging period following the hailstorm that hit a few small areas of Durham on July 2nd. We received nearly 700 claims notifications in the 24 hours following the hailstorm. I would also like to thank Dave Ditchburn our Vizion Regional Manager for supporting us through this period.”
North East Accident Repair Centres completes phase 1 of a £100,000 investment programme.
The £100,000 programme will involve switching every light at the premises to new ultra efficient LED lights.
Phase 1 has been completed at the Darlington site and will reduce the sites CO2 emissions by 36 tonnes, and will give energy savings of 74.35% and save 109 acres of rain forest.
As well as this the premises will benefit from a much cleaner light and brighter working conditions.
The company will continue with the programme over the next few months to upgrade the Sunderland and Newcastle sites.
A summer of fundraising ends spectacularly
A summer of successful fundraising by North East Accident Repair Centres ended with a ball at Ashbrooke Sports Club on 5th September.
This year’s Summer Ball, the second after its inauguration in 2014, was held in aid of North Down Syndrome North East, and in support of Sunderland based fitter Paul Russell and his wife Louise, and their daughter Leona.
Hosted in a marquee in the grounds of Ashbrooke, the ball was attended by 300 guests who enjoyed an exciting evening of fundraising and action-packed entertainment.
Previous fundraising in summer 2015 saw the two directors of North East Accident Repair Centres, Roger Collings and Bob Taylor, along with friends, cycle the gruelling 180 mile Newcastle to Edinburgh Coast and Castles Cycle route, into a continuous headwind; on the weekend prior to the ball, Bob Taylor and his daughter Danielle, climbed Ben Nevis to raise funds for charity.
“It has been a fabulous summer of fundraising and we are delighted to have raised a significant sum of money for Down Syndrome North East.” said Roger Collings. “I would like to thank everyone who participated and donated to such a worthwhile cause, and to all those who helped organise this memorable event”.
LOCAL EMPLOYER TREWICKS NAMED AS VQ SME OF THE YEAR
5th June 2013: Trewicks Accident Repair Centre in Newcastle has been named national winner of the VQ Employer of the Year (SME category).
The Newcastle-based business, which is part of the North East Accident Repair Centres group, was named as winner of the first ever SME-focused award in recognition of the outstanding support it has provided to those undertaking vocational qualifications (VQs) within its workforce.
Throughout its 50+ years in business, Trewicks Accident Repair Centre has placed vocational learning at its core to help staff reach the highest standard of workmanship needed when repairing an accident damaged motor vehicle. Its careful selection and intense training of apprentices has given it an enviable reputation for craftsmanship and efficiency.
The company was presented with its award at a prestigious event in Westminster last night, which was hosted by Skills Minister, Matthew Hancock MP and former Education Secretary Lord Baker, who is Chairman of independent education charity, the Edge Foundation – which leads VQ Day.
Matthew Hancock, Skills Minister congratulated Trewicks on its continued investment in vocational learning saying:
“Vocational qualifications provide immense benefits to both businesses and learners alike. I am delighted to be able to reward those who take part with the recognition they deserve, whether they are a business of any size or a learner who has started his own company.”
All apprentices are recruited locally and are trained in conjunction with Gateshead College. They also attend specialist training at Thatcham and are teamed up with one of Trewicks employees who acts as a mentor.
The local business also recruits apprentices by offering work experience placements to full-time students at Gateshead College.
Thomas Widdrington, Manager, Trewicks Accident Repair Centre, said:
“We are deeply honoured to be recognised as VQ SME of the Year and thrilled that our investment in people and vocational learning has been acknowledged in this way. We know how important vocational learning is in helping our people reach their full potential, as well as delivering real business benefits and hope to stand as an example to others looking to do something similar.”
Jan Hodges, CEO of the Edge Foundation commented:
“I am delighted that Trewicks Accident Repair Centre has been named as VQ SME of the Year. It has shown a significant investment in its current and importantly, future workforce. There is a huge range of vocational qualifications available, and people can undertake these at any point in their life. Through employers like Trewicks Accident Repair Centre, we can demonstrate how incredibly valuable such qualifications and vocational training is.”
The VQ SME of the Year Award, forms part of VQ Day – an annual celebration of people who gain vocational qualifications every year in the UK. It aims to celebrate practical and vocational achievements, not only for the individual but for UK PLC. From 16 year olds to those over 60, VQ Day celebrates the acquisition of new skills and encourages parity of esteem between high quality vocational qualifications and academic ones.
Held on the 5th June, the sixth annual VQ Day recognises the value of vocational qualifications and celebrate vocational achievement.
For more information about VQ Day and the VQ Employer of the Year Awards, please visit www.vqday.org.uk
