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Solera names new CEO
- 31/05/2019
- Posted by: Alan Feldberg
- Category: News
Solera has named Jeff Tarr as director and new CEO, replacing Tony Aquila. He has two decades of experience leading data and technology-enabled services companies spanning multiple sectors. Most recently, he served as CEO and president of DigitalGlobe, Inc. where he led the launch of innovative products that [...] -
Fix Auto UK sets new benchmark
- 31/05/2019
- Posted by: Alan Feldberg
- Category: News
Latest figures show that the first quarter of 2019 was Fix Auto UK’s highest ever revenue quarter since its formation in 2005. Earlier this year, the network announced it had acquired its first wholly owned independent repair centre through its new acquisition strategy, while continuing to add more franchisees [...] -
Breath tests set so soar
- 31/05/2019
- Posted by: Alan Feldberg
- Category: News
Motorists have been warned that the number of roadside breath tests carried out in June is 50% higher than any other month apart from December. Police breathalysed 36,041 drivers in England and Wales in June 2017 (the latest year for which figures are available). This compares with a monthly average of 23,840 [...] -
SME hiring hits 10-year low
- 31/05/2019
- Posted by: Alan Feldberg
- Category: News
Just 30% of British SME manufacturers plan to hire in the coming months. The findings, published in the national Manufacturing Barometer, show that 44% of SME manufacturers had increased their investments in new premises and machinery in the last six months, up on the previous quarter’s 37%. Whilst the [...] -
SMF bolsters development team
- 31/05/2019
- Posted by: Alan Feldberg
- Category: News
Specialist Motor Finance has appointed Jim Cowell to the senior role of business development manager with the company. Jim joins Chester-based SMF following seven years at Moneybarn where he worked in a deal management capacity, liaising with both finance brokers and car dealership groups. At SMF he will take [...] -
Engine production down almost quarter
- 31/05/2019
- Posted by: Alan Feldberg
- Category: News
British engine manufacturing fell 23.4% in April, with production for home and international markets down 41.1% and 12.8% respectively. Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, 'April’s engine figures show the impact of Brexit upheaval across the supply chain. With summer shutdowns at many British car factories [...] -
APC announces innovation funding
- 31/05/2019
- Posted by: Alan Feldberg
- Category: News
The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) is supporting 15 UK technology developers in sectors from fuel cells to batteries with £1.1m over the next 18 months. This brings to 101 the number of SMEs so far supported by the APC, which aims to make UK a world-leader in low carbon propulsion technology. The APC’s [...] -
Bentley tops employer poll for school leavers
- 30/05/2019
- Posted by: Alan Feldberg
- Category: News
Bentley Motors has been named the number one automotive employer for school leavers in the UK for the second year running. The awards – presented by careers guidance company AllAboutSchoolLeavers and voted for solely by Apprentices – highlighted Bentley’s focus on future talent, learning and development and [...] -
McLaren chief to lead CLF
- 30/05/2019
- Posted by: Alan Feldberg
- Category: News
Ken Smart, executive director of business strategy for McLaren Automotive, has been announced as the new chair of the Composites Leadership Forum (CLF). He takes over from Alex Aucken of the group that provides direction to the UK composites industry and that brings together businesses, academia and [...] -
Skills shortages at crisis point
- 30/05/2019
- Posted by: Alan Feldberg
- Category: News
Staff shortages in repair workshops have reached crisis point, with more than half of vacancies unlikely to be filled in the near future. This is according to FTA’s 2019 Logistics Report. Lawrie Alford, head of automotive at FTA, the organisation representing the interests of the logistics sector, said, [...]