Modern Insurance Magazine Issue 61

EDITORIAL BOARD
Inspiring Young Minds
at BASF
Just a few months into the Commercial
Sales Graduate scheme with BASF plc, I’m
excited to see first-hand how the company
is inspiring the next generation. I’ve been
impressed by the company’s commitment to
innovation and sustainability, the collaborative
work environment, and the diverse team
of professionals which create a culture of
continuous learning and development. There’s
plenty of opportunity to develop within this
industry, so inspiring new talent is vital to
ensuring its success.
BASF values diversity in people, opinions and experience as being
crucial to creativity and innovation. I have already been involved in
projects where bold ideas are embraced, and people from diverse
backgrounds are encouraged to look at challenges from different
perspectives. Working within the Coatings division, I enjoy having
the opportunity to witness what this means within the world of
Automotive Refinish, witnessing how BASF is playing its part to attract,
develop, and retain talented people. Examples I love are the R-M Best
Painter Contest and the global WorldSkills competition, both of which
are empowering the next generation of refinish painters and enhancing
their skills on the global stage.
As a leading chemical company, BASF aims to stimulate an interest
in science and foster curiosity, and this starts from a young age.
Across the globe, we engage in many projects – from nursery to
university level, especially near our company sites. BASF in the UK
is no exception. It has a long-standing commitment to support local
schools with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)
activities and projects, encouraging pupils from diverse backgrounds
to develop a passion for science.
Recently, a group of BASF STEM volunteers visited St Matthew’s
Primary School in Stockport, where our STEM and Coatings
ambassadors from the UK Automotive Refinish team gave young
learners the opportunity to design their own colours. Setting up a
new and exciting Colour Lab in the classroom was an engaging way
of demonstrating how colours are made, inspiring children to think of
car painting as a skilled and aspirational career. Then, using products
from our all new Glasurit 100 line, our technical team matched six
of the colours created by the children, mixing effects and tinters to
create one-of-a-kind replicas that delighted the young learners. Our
UK Automotive Refinish team is keen to continue introducing such
activities to young, curious minds, sharing our passion for sustainable
innovation.
Curiosity helps us to navigate a rapidly changing world, and forms the
basis of innovation for a sustainable future. By sparking that curiosity
and supplying diverse educational opportunities, BASF is investing
in the next generation of painters and continuing to display our
commitment to develop new talent within our industry.
Henry Mackley,
Commercial Sales Graduate,
BASF Automotive Refinish UK & Ireland
Collaboration: Strengthening
the e2e National Network
The e2e business model is the epitome of
cross-sector collaboration. We are a nationwide
network of independent salvage and automotive
recycling businesses, united behind common,
professional goals and operating as a powerful,
collective provider of services.
Our members represent regional centres of excellence, and cross
sector collaboration works wonders to increase the strength of
the national network. By working together, our members raise
standards in the marketplace, strengthen relationships, build trust,
share learning and best practice, embrace innovation, and gain
influence and credibility from a single, high-profile share of voice.
Jointly, they increase the overall value of the network, which leads
to greater opportunities and success for all member businesses. This
collaborative approach also means that our clients benefit from the
cross-sector expertise embedded in our members’ businesses, which
helps to inform network strategy. They can rely on the agility and
flexibility delivered by our network model, with added confidence in
consistent quality standards and service certainty.
As advocates for the benefits of collaboration, e2e has established
a cross-industry working party to facilitate collaboration between
all parties that are integral to the successful use of reclaimed
vehicle parts in motor claim repairs. The reclaimed parts market is
growing rapidly. The working party is focused on helping to steer
its development to ensure long-term sustainability; together with
commercial and environmental benefits for all parties involved in
the supply and use of the product. Representatives include I Love
Claims (ILC), the Managing General Agents’ Association (MGAA), Auto
Body Professionals Club (ABP), the National Body Repair Association
(NBRA), and the Vehicle Recyclers’ Association (VRA).
Earlier this year, research was carried out with insurers and
bodyshops to understand and benchmark the challenges and
opportunities represented by reclaimed parts. One aspect of this
feedback highlighted concerns about the market having inconsistent
approaches to the measurement of carbon reduction achieved
through the use of reclaimed parts. Collaborating to address this, and
to establish an industry standard, is a priority for the working party.
Consumers, investors and regulatory bodies are applying increasing
scrutiny to the practice of ‘green washing’. An agreed industry
standard - something to be used by all parties for the consistent
measurement of carbon savings generated by use of reclaimed
parts - will help to underpin the credibility of the product and serve
the market as a whole. The case for cross-sector and cross-industry
collaboration to protect industry reputation is incredibly strong, and
work has already begun.
If you are interested in supporting the Cross-Industry Working Party
for Reclaimed Parts in relation to this work stream, contact me via
email at jim.loughran@e2etotalloss.com
Jim Loughran,
CEO, e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management
MODERN INSURANCE | 23