AVRO News & Magazine Issue 65 January

Inside

HEADLINERS

NEWS FROM AVRO MEMBERS

AND YOUR INDUSTRY

GRAHAM’S GAB

LATEST VIEWS FROM THE

INDUSTRY'S LEADING VOICE

OPINION

TACKLING THE HARD HITTING

ISSUES FACING OUR INDUSTRY

THE ASSOCIATION OF VEHICLE RECOVERY OPERATORS JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 65

NEWS

& MAGAZINE

A new

look for

2025!

GVS 24HR RECOVERY

A JOURNEY

OF GROWTH AND

RESILIENCE

Plus!

2025 DIARY DATES

KEEP INFORMED WITH THE

MUST ATTEND EVENTS OF 2025

COMPETITION TIME!

SHOW US YOUR BEST VEHICLE PHOTO AND WIN

THE COVER OF THE MEMBERS DIRECTORY!

THE VOICE OF THE BREAKDOWN & RECOVERY OPERATOR

NEW LOOK MAGAZINE!

Help when and where

you need it.

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Depots at Brentwood – Basildon – Chelmsford – Colchester – Ipswich - Cambridge

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LJ

TRANSPORTATION

AVRO EXECUTIVE WELCOME

Hello

Welcome to our first

magazine of 2025!

A new

look for

2025!

Welcome to our new look magazine and your AVRO

Executive committee have been busy in 2024.

We have had PAS43 since 2006 as

a single standard for our industry

(although it is only a statement

of work practices) that has been

universally adopted by work providers and recovery

operators as a standard we can all work to.

It had been updated regularly by members of the

SURVIVE EXECUTIVE up until 2018, the next review should

have begun in 2020, however due to COVID-19 it was

pushed back a further 12 months.

Due to retirement, no SURVIVE executive meetings

were convened during 2021 or 2022 despite requests.

The British Standards Institute wrote to possible

SURVIVE executive members in November 2022 stating

they were trying to contact members of the SURVIVE

executive steering group since they required feedback

on the future of PAS43 as there appeared to be a lack

of progress.

AVRO sent emails to SURVIVE members trying

to establish a meeting but all to no avail and in the

meantime it secured a meeting with BSI in order to

make some progress on the revision of PAS43, a meeting

with the National Recovery Industry Training Group was

convened where it was discussed as to how PAS43 could

be updated and emails and telephone calls were made

to the relevant parties and after discussions with the

group it was decide to pursue achieving an update for

PAS43 whilst continued communication was in progress

with BSI.

There was an attempt in October 2023 by leading

work providers to re-invent SURVIVE using a nonindustry

relevant management company, that failed by

consensus of the industry and for PAS43 to continue it

should stay within the industry.

After a meeting of interested parties Richard Goddard

of PROF came up with a solution that all relevant parties

should have an equal contribution to the PAS43 update

and the meetings were to be chaired independently by

National Highways to ensure progress.

The new group is called PROTECT and in December

2024 agreement was reached to equally fund the

charges made by BSI to stakeholders, RAC, AA, Green

Flag, Allianz, AVRO, IVR, Britannia Rescue and Call Assist,

suggested updates for PAS43 have already been written

and are awaiting review.

Thank you for continuing to support your

association and we hope that you enjoy the new

magazine!

Mick

Mick Puleston

Head of Association

mick@avrouk.com

AVROUK.COM AVRO NEWS & MAGAZINE | 1

AVRO

AVRO HEAD OFFICE

2-3 Allerton Road, Rugby,

CV23 0PA

Tel: 01788 572850

Email: sara@avrouk.com

graham@avrouk.com

www.avrouk.com

MANAGEMENT

Office Manager

Sara Needham

AVRO Business Consultant

Graham Steedman

Head of Association

Mick Puleston

Executive Committee Chairman

Gary Grieve

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Mark Crozier, Eric Hammond,

James Weedon, Craig Alexander,

Phil Richford, Nick Welch,

Jeff Bungey

MEMBERSHIP

Head Office - 01788 572850

AVRO BUSINESS PARTNERS

EFT Finance

Maxwell Grant Consultancy

Silvey Fleet

Howden

APEX

Licence Check

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Apex Networks Ltd

Boniface Engineering Ltd

Call Assist

Cougar Lubricants

ELP Engineering Ltd

Jactone Products Ltd

Hadleigh Breakdown

LV=Britannia Rescue

Maxwell Grant Consultancy

Network Training Partnership Ltd

Professional Recovery Drivers Club

Prosol UK

Tower Supplies

RED (Recovery Equipment Direct)

part of BHW Group Ltd

RecoveryVehicles.com

Roger Dyson Limited

Super Power Winch

NEWS

WELCOME TO THE FIRST

ISSUE OF THE NEW

AVRO NEWS & MAGAZINE!

I am very pleased that Mick and the AVRO Executive Committee have

trusted me to help the association re-vamp their magazine. We all firmly

believe that the publication still has a key role to play, communicating to

the membership and the wider industry about the important work that

AVRO continues to do on your behalf.

This is only the first issue and there is still a lot to do to improve content

and how it is communicated. But we can't do it all alone and appeal to you

to engage where you can with the magazine, whether that's entering the

competition to have your vehicle pictured on the front cover of the 2025

Members Directory or giving your feedback and opinions for publication.

No matter what, we welcome all reasonable suggestions and opinions to

keep the conversation moving forward.

I hope that you enjoy the features and articles that we have put together

in this first re-vamped issue. Please don't hesitate to send feedback and

suggestions to me at - content@avrouk.com or call 07977 481186.

James

& MAGAZINE

QR CODES - SCAN FOR MORE!

As you turn the pages of the new look AVRO magazine you will notice

that some articles, features and news stories are accompanied by

a QR code. The codes are here to help you quickly access digital

content on your smart phone.

Some QR codes will direct you to a website associated with the

story or business, some of the codes will open your email provider

and prepare an email to be sent.

Reading the codes is simple, open your smart phone and hold the

phone with the camera open over the QR code until you see a link

appear and then click the link.

2 | AVRO NEWS & MAGAZINE

AVROUK.COM

Inside

JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2025 | ISSUE 65

AVRO

NEWS & MAGAZINE

4 8

| GRAHAM'S GAB

Graham's latest observations

and thoughts on the hot topics.

| OPINION - THE AVRO MAILBOX

Enough is enough of this archaic rate structure - do you agree

with AVRO's Mick Puleston opinion on the current rate structure?

10 16

AVRO News & Magazine is

published by The Association

of Vehicle Recovery Operators

(AVRO).

PUBLISHER & DESIGN

James Baylis

content@avrouk.com

Tel: 07977 481186

ADVERTISING SALES

Sara Needham

sara@avrouk.com

Tel: 01788 572850

Graham Steedman

graham@avrouk.com

Tel: 07864 673533

EDITORIAL

James Baylis

content@avrouk.com

Sara Needham

sara@avrouk.com

BACK ISSUES

AVRO Head Office

Tel: 01788 572850

| NEWS FROM YOUR INDUSTRY

Historic recovery vehicle unveiled as British

Army gate guardian and much more!

| HEADLINE STORY

AVRO's round-up from the recent Recovery

Industry Review held at Hinckley Island.

AVRO News & Magazine is designed

and produced for AVRO by Penvale

House Publishing. (Trading as Plus2

Media Limited)

Contact: James Baylis

Email: james@plus2media.co.uk

Tel: 07977 481186

24 26

| GVS 24HR RECOVERY

GVS 24Hr Recovery - a journey

of growth and resilience.

| COVER STORY

Competition time - your chance to have your vehicle pictured on

the front cover of the 2025 Members Directory.

AVRO News & Magazine keeps you

up to date with news, features and

comments. Your letters comments and

story leads are always welcome. Contact

the Publisher at the address above.

Every care is taken over the accuracy

of material, but the publishers cannot

be held responsible for any errors

or omissions. Views and opinions of

contributors are not necessarily those

of the publishers who cannot accept

responsibility for such contributions.

© AVRO 2025

No part of this magazine may be

re-produced without the written

permission of AVRO or the publisher.


GRAHAM'S GAB

Graham’s

AVRO's Business Consultant Graham Steedman discusses

the important topics that effect your industry and business

Gab

Gab

A Happy New Year

greeting to you all and

may it be a prosperous

and safe 2025

Graham Steedman

Business Consultant

graham@avrouk.com

Tel: 07864 673533

Join the industry

association

Contact Graham today to

join AVRO's growing list of

members and help shape the

future of your industry.

Scan the QR code below to

email Graham.

You will by now be in receipt of our exciting new

AVRO News Media Pack.

Titled ‘AVRO News & Magazine’ the bi-monthly

publication will continue to deliver members

and industry stakeholders an informative

mix of news, features, industry trends and

legislation. Compiling the magazine from Penvale House

Publishing will be experienced publisher and graphic

designer James Baylis.

James is no stranger to our industry having

previously worked on Professional Recovery and the Tow

Show for over 15 years.

For information about submitting editorial content

please contact James on 07977 481186 / content@

avrouk.com or email myself, graham@avrouk.com or

Sara at sara@avrouk.com

Your new media pack offers you highly competitive

advertising rates which creates recognition and

familiarity, making it easier for consumers to remember

and choose you over competitors.

Importantly you are also supporting your trade

association AVRO to continue offering membership

access to significant member benefits such as

insurance, fuel cards, funding solutions, as well as saving

you money on your business overhead costs eg. Gas,

electricity and telecoms etc.

We are very grateful to our current advertiser’s

support but would very much welcome further support

from our ever-increasing membership, whether it’s a

bi-monthly box advert or double page spread.

There are plenty of options for you to choose from in

the media pack.

Please support your very own trade association!

Membership fees are always used wisely for the sole

benefit of our members.

They assist with things such as:

l Legislative and regulatory matters e.g.. negotiating

statutory fees.

l Lobbying for the benefit of our industry.

l Promoting and revising industry standards e.g..

PAS 43 which comes at a cost, however, it is vitally

important we have a relevant and up to date industry

standard.

l Ensuring quality and best practices within our sector

such as training and safety.

It is with great regret that we start the new year with

news of a double tragedy involving an off duty Police

Officer and a member of the public who were killed

in North Yorkshire assisting at the scene of a recent

accident.

My heartfelt condolences go out to their respective

families.


AVROUK.COM

GRAHAM'S GAB

I SIMPLY SAY AND APPEAL TO OPERATORS

– THINK AGAIN – IF IT DOES NOT WORK FOR

YOU DO NOT ACCEPT THE JOB

Graham Steedman

It yet again highlights the dangers of working at

the roadside for our employees and the need to

prioritise training to at least mitigate the chances

of further life-threatening incidents to our

employees while carrying out road recoveries

How undervalued is our Industry I ask myself,

when you hear of tragedies like this!

We continue the start of the new year as an

industry, more united than ever, demonstrated

by another AVRO/ PROF initiative which was held

at Hinckley Island Hotel in December with invited

industry guest speakers.

Further details of this event can be found on

page ……

I presume you all have received your 2025

maintenance planner and the next publication

we are working on is the very popular 2025 AVRO

Directory.

I strongly suggest there is no better publication

in our industry to promote your business and

I refer you back to our media pack for very

attractive advertising rates for our members.

Police Contracts

Reminder - the first consultation process was

for the Scottish Police contractors followed by

England and Northern Ireland twelve months

later.

AVRO worked tirelessly behind the scenes and

achieved an increase for statutory fees.

Nothing stands still and we are now about

to enter into consultation for new contract

commencing this year.

This will be an important phase in negotiations

as the emergence of electric vehicles has now

reared its ugly head.

The fact is to recover an EV is far more

expensive and even more so the storage of them

due to the 15 metre exclusion zone.

Thus far the work providers have yet to my

knowledge offered an increase and I assume

as usual expect our industry to foot the bill for

substantially additional costs.

Nothing new there I hear you say!

That simply cannot be allowed to continue.

I know of several members simply refusing to

recover EV ‘s back to their yard.

I also know that members are at last quoting

their fee and if it is not accepted, they refuse the

request.

Sensible industry conversation requires

to be had to reach amicable solutions to this

unsustainable situation.

I know I sound like an old record player but

when you hear on your travels vehicle recovery

operators continuing to work for futile, ridiculous

rates for the service they provide including the

safety implications I simply say and appeal to

operators – think again – if it does not work for

you do not accept the job.

Finally, I am preparing an itinerary to visit our

new members in the coming months and look

forward to seeing as many of you as I can.

Thank you all for your support and we are on a

recruitment drive, explaining the many benefits

a member may use which will make AVRO an

even stronger trade association increasing our

membership which ultimately gives us all more

kudos.

If you know of any past members or colleagues

who would consider joining us I would welcome a

referral.

Graham


M8 Recovery

AVRO MAILBOX

Opinion

Your association, AVRO - leading the conversation!

OUR INDUSTRY

CAN NOT

CONTINUE TO

SUBSIDISE AN

ARCHAIC RATE

STRUCTURE

WHICH

FINANCIALLY

PENALISES

THE RECOVERY

OPERATOR.

Mick Puleston

AVRO

What do

you think?

Do you agree or disagree

with Mick's comments on the

current rate structure?

Help AVRO move the

discussion forward!

Send your comments

for publication to:

content@avrouk.com or

sara@avrouk.com

Or send your message

via WhatsApp to:

07977 481186

Enough is enough of this

archaic rate structure!

Since at least the 1970s the recovery industry

has endured work providers rates being based

on a call out, fixed free mileage then a mileage

rate for all extra round trip miles, sadly 50

years on journey times no longer reflect being paid a

mileage rate.

The UK’s roads struggle to keep traffic flowing at

an acceptable rate with constant traffic jams, road

work diversions and closures together with constant

dynamic speed limits on our motorways where you are

restricted to 40 or 50mph, this all has a drastic effect

on the number of miles a recovery truck can travel in

each hour.

Currently the reported average rush hour travel

time is 15mph, with London apparently down to 3 or

4mph at that rate being paid per mile barely covers

the minimum wage for a trained member of staff. Our

industry can not continue to subsidise an archaic rate

structure which financially penalises the recovery

operator.

Recovery operators need to be paid by the hour to

accurately reflect the time taken to achieve a recovery,

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

(Mick Puleston, AVRO)


AVROUK.COM

24 Hour Roadside Assistance Tel: 0161 273 2000

Bus & Coach Specialists

Heavy Recovery

Off Road Recovery

Fleet Maintenance

Service Vans

Storage / Workshops

Nationwide

Breakdown

Coverage

MANCHESTER

BREAKDOWN

SERVICES

info@manchesterbreakdown.co.uk /

www.manchesterbreakdown.co.uk


AVRO INDUSTRY NEWS

News

Keep the industry informed with your news and events

Diary

Dates

Drivers facing winter

woe reports eBay data

IVR AGM &

Gala Dinner

2025

8 March 2025

Stratford Upon Avon

The AGM and the Gala Dinner

take place at the Crowne Plaza

Hotel, Stratford Upon Avon.

To book your space at the

evening Gala Dinner, contact

Dee on 01895 436426 or email

mail@theivrgroup.com.

Commercial

Vehicle Show

29 April - 1 May 2025

NEC, Birmingham

The Commercial Vehicle Show

stands as the UK's ultimate

event for road freight,

transport, distribution, and

logistics.

Since its inception in 2000,

it has evolved into the

largest and most influential

gathering of commercial

vehicle manufacturers, dealers,

distributors, and suppliers.

eBay data reveals motorists neglect basic vehicle maintenance

and a quarter fear wintery drives.

British motorists driving over the winter

months could be at risk of potential

problems, after research from eBay revealed

a significant number of drivers are neglecting

basic car maintenance tasks.

The data, from one of the UK’s leading online

automotive marketplaces, found that one in four

(25%) of drivers only checked their tyre pressure on a

quarterly basis, while 11% admitted to only checking

their tyre tread on a yearly basis. At the same time

almost two fifths (19%) of motorists only check their

brakes when their car is due its annual service or MOT.

Meanwhile, eBay’s research shows that only around

a quarter of people regularly monitor their washer fluid

(28%) or oil levels (23%) each month, with 5% saying

that they never check their vehicle’s oil and 16% stating

they only fill up their car’s washer fluid specifically with

antifreeze washer fluid once every year.

In addition, many are reluctant to tackle UK roads

in the more dangerous winter months. In fact, a

quarter (25%) of respondents admitted that they are

not comfortable driving their car in winter conditions,

with one in 10 (10%) respondents feeling that their car

was not adequately prepared for driving in wintery

conditions at all. Ten percent of all cars on UK roads

equates to more than 3.3 million vehicles, as of April to

June 2023.**

Some shoppers have already been stocking up on

key winter essentials, with car windscreen covers and

heated car seat cushions the fourth and fifth most sold

products on eBay Parts and Accessories in November

and December 2024. With a huge breadth and scale of

essential parts and accessories, eBay is a one stop shop

for everything motorists need for hitting the roads.

eBay’s Tyre Installation programme provides motorists

with a choice of hundreds of thousands of listings of

tyre sizes and types, ensuring that they can find the

right tyres for both their vehicle and their budget.

Moreover, after doubling the number of garages working

in its tyre fitment network last year, eBay UK now has

more than 3,000 installers across the country, making it

the UK’s largest tyre fitment network.

*Research commissioned by eBay and survey compiled by OnePoll in December 2024. Total sample size 2,000 UK

adult drivers aged 18+

**https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/vehicle-licensing-statistics-april-to-june-2023/vehicle-licensingstatistics-april-to-june-2023

(Accessed, January 2025)


AVROUK.COM

Send your news stories to: content@avrouk.com

AVRO INDUSTRY NEWS

Historic recovery

vehicle unveiled as British

Army gate guardian

n A Bedford Light recovery vehicle

being unveiled as a gate guardian at

Merville Barracks in Colchester.

(Picture: Cpl Stone, British Army)

Diary

Dates

Automechanika

3 - 5 June 2025

NEC, Birmingham

The event returns on the 3 - 5

June 2025 to the NEC, and is an

automotive trade show like no

other in the UK.

In 2025 it will bring together

500+ leading brands from 25+

countries and 15,000 senior UK

based visitors from across the

automotive industry, for three

days of networking, learning and

invaluable face-to-face time to

do serious business.

A historic recovery vehicle will stand guard over the

soldiers who repair and maintain the vehicles of the

British Army’s global response force.

A Bedford Light recovery vehicle has been

refurbished to go on display outside 8 Field Company

(Para) REME’s workshop at Merville Barracks in

Colchester.

The vehicle served in Macedonia, Iraq and

Afghanistan with the unit and was used by the personnel

for the recovery and repair of broken-down or damaged

vehicles.

It entered service from the 1970s before being

replaced by the Support Vehicle (Recovery) in the early

2000s.

Lieutenant General David Eastman, Deputy Chief

of the General Staff and Master General of the REME,

unveiled the vehicle as it officially started its new duty.

Sergeant Paul Gutteridge, who leads 8 Fd Coy (Para)

REME’s recovery section, organised the vehicle’s refurb

for its new role.

He said it looks “great now” following a “deep clean

and a respray”.

“It had been parked in our vehicle park for a few

years and needed a lot of TLC and elbow grease to get it

ready to go on display!” he said.

“The Bedford Light was a very capable vehicle when

it was in service – it could be moved by aircraft and was

small and agile enough to get to where vehicles needed

recovery, often a long way off-road.

“As a gate guardian, it’s come back into service to

remind us of our role, history, and ethos.”

t The vehicle entered service

from the 1970s before being

replaced by the Support Vehicle

(Recovery) in the early 2000s.

(Picture: Cpl Stone/British Army)

Thank you to BFBS Forces News for

permission to print this story for similar articles

visit: www.forcesnews.com


AVRO INDUSTRY NEWS


Diary

Dates

Don't get stranded on the

motorway - GEM's tips

for breakdown safety

The

Emergency

Services

Show

17-18 September 2025

NEC, Birmingham

Engage with ground-breaking

innovations at Europe's premier

emergency services event,

where technology and learning

propel emergency response and

public safety forward.

Professional

Recovery Tow

Show 2025

1 - 2 October 2025

Stoneleigh Park

New for 2025: The

Professional Recovery Tow

Show moves to Stoneleigh

Park!

Through exhibiting the

latest designs in vehicle and

equipment technology, product

innovations plus attendance

of all the major work providers

and key industry suppliers, this

is now firmly established as

the event in the calendar of

the vehicle recovery industry

to meet and talk business, do

business, and discover about all

of the important developments

within a fast-changing

marketplace.

Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM

Motoring Assist is urging motorists to ensure

they check batteries, tyres and fuel levels

before driving on the motorway. Regular

checks of tyres, battery and fuel/charge levels reduce

the likelihood of an avoidable and potentially dangerous

motorway breakdown, according to GEM.

Breaking down on the motorway can be frightening

and dangerous for you, your passengers and the

professional crew who come out to rescue you and

recover your car.

GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said:

“Figures show there are more than 500 breakdowns

every day on motorways in England alone, most of which

could be prevented through regular maintenance and

simple pre-journey checks1.

“Stopping on the motorway is very dangerous. That’s

why breakdown organisations like GEM urge you to make

it to the next service area or junction if you possibly

can.

We also encourage you to familiarise yourself with

motorway breakdown safety advice, so that if you do

break down and need to stop on the motorway, you will

know what to do to help reduce the risk to yourself and

your passengers”.

Before your journey

Check batteries and tyres. Also check you have

plenty of fuel or charge to avoid a potentially costly and

dangerous breakdown.

If you do break down

GEM’s tips support the road safety advice issued by

National Highways:

l If your car is malfunctioning, aim to leave the

motorway at the next junction or services. If this

isn’t possible, move left into the hard shoulder or the

nearest emergency area.

l Put your hazard lights on.

l If you can, get out of the vehicle via the passenger

door. Move onto the other side of any safety barrier.

Stand beyond the barrier or verge, in a position

behind the vehicle.

l Don’t attempt any repairs to your vehicle, and don’t

put out a warning triangle

l Call National Highways on 0300 123 5000; then a

breakdown provider for help

l If you cannot do the above, or in an emergency, stay

in your vehicle, keep seatbelts and hazard lights on.

Call 999 immediately.


AVROUK.COM


AVRO INDUSTRY NEWS

Exciting new opportunity

for NTTA members!

The NTTA have been working with DVSA and are

excited to announce that our Trusted Workshop

members have been offered the opportunity to

be the named workshops to carry out the PG9

Prohibition lifting notice.

Trailers that have been given a prohibition notice

will be brought to your workshop (all trusted workshops

taking part will be on a database accessible to DVSA) for

the PG9 Notice to be lifted.

To apply you will need to agree to terms and

conditions of DVSA and NTTA:

l Members must be a 5* Trusted Workshop member

of the NTTA and must maintain the QS Accreditation

to hold the Trusted Workshop status. The PG9

specifications will be checked during the QS

assessment.

l Members must attend relevant PG9 training to be

renewed every three years. More than one person

from the business may attend the training.

l The person(s) who attends the training is the

designated person for the PG9 lifting.

l If the designated PG9 person leaves the business,

then the PG9 accreditation is withdrawn from that

person and the company, both are Terminated from

the user’s account.

l The PG9 accreditation lasts for one year and the NTTA

will re-administer the accreditation during the QS

Assessment. No further training will be needed unless

(a) a new designated person is required or (B) new

rules from DVSA are brought in line.

l The Member will make the revenue on the repair.

l DVSA and NTTA reserve the right to visit the company

at any time without giving prior notice.

l The display of the DVSA logo is only permitted for

PG9 work, misuse of this will result in the immediate

disqualification of the company carrying out PG9.

l The business must have a permanent workshop,

unfortunately, mobile workshops will not be

accepted.

l The designated PG9 person(s) is solely responsible

for the online documents that are required to be

completed by DVSA and NTTA. You must adhere to

current GPDR rules at all times.

If you are interested in becoming a NTTA Trusted

Workshop PG9 Centre, please register your interest by

emailing: PG9@ntta.co.uk or sarah.smithurst@ntta.

co.uk or by calling 07498 311739.

AVRO

MEMBERS

DIRECTORY

2025

AVRO's annual A4 Members

Directory is distributed FREE

to every AVRO member,

associate members, key

industry stakeholders and work

providers.

For more information about

advertising and sponsorship

opportunities in the 2025

Members Directory please

contact Sara Needham on

01788 572850.

Achieved by startrescue.co.uk which is a

trading style of Call Assist Ltd.

We continue to grow through

innovation and a dedicated service

from our valued VRO Network

which receives 100% of our work.

VRO Hotline:

01206 771700

www.call-assist.co.uk

AVRO INDUSTRY NEWS


AVRO

BUSINESS

PARTNERS

Discounted insurance premiums for

AVRO members.

www.howdengroup.com/uk-en

Big diesel savings, service and

security with Silvey Fleet.

www.silveyfleet.co.uk

Greater Manchester

rules out clean air zone

Drivers in Greater Manchester will not face additional charges as the area is set to benefit

instead from 117 new lower and zero-emission buses in a £86 million scheme to help clean up

the region’s air, the Government has recently confirmed.

Defra and the Department for Transport have

rigorously assessed an investment-led plan

proposed by local councils and concluded

it will meet legal obligations to reduce

nitrogen dioxide pollution.

While local authorities in other areas have found that

a Clean Air Zone is the best route to cutting nitrogen

dioxide pollution, proposals submitted to government

included evidence that Greater Manchester can achieve

compliance with legal limits faster without charging.

The decision rules out a Clean Air Zone, meaning

motorists and fleets will not be charged to drive into

the area. Instead, there will be a fleet of new buses and

traffic-calming measures to improve air quality in the

region.

The investment-led package includes:

l £51.1m towards bus investment, including 40 zero

emission buses, 77 Euro VI standard buses and

charging infrastructure

l £5m for local traffic management measures

l £8 million to support moving Greater Manchester’s

taxi fleet to cleaner vehicles

l Up to £21.9m for administration, delivery, monitoring

and other associated costs.

Local leaders have also been told they can review and

cancel contracts relating to the Clean Air Zone, such as

signs and cameras.

Air Quality Minister Emma Hardy said: “Air pollution

is damaging people’s health and the environment. Its

impacts are felt more by low-income communities,

making health and social inequalities worse.

“To improve our health, wellbeing and the

environment, we must improve air quality. Local

authorities know their communities well and so they

need to develop plans that are most effective for their

local area, and I am pleased that Greater Manchester

has found a clear way to reduce emissions without the

need to charge motorists.

“I look forward to working with the teams across

Greater Manchester as they put this important plan

in place. Government will continue to take the action

needed to ensure everyone has safe air to breathe

across the nation.”

Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood

said: “Having completed the groundbreaking Bee

Network buses, Greater Manchester is making fantastic

progress in building a modern, sustainable and truly

integrated transport network.

“Manchester will be able to reduce pollution from

transport without having to charge motorists, and new,

cleaner buses will help Mancunians get around easily

while still bringing down emissions across the city.

“We will continue to work with local leaders to create

better connected communities, meet our climate

targets and make Britain a clean energy superpower as

part of our Plan for Change.”

Three months free license fee for

AVRO members who purchase Apex

RMS software. (New enquiries only)

www.apex-networks.com

NEW LOOK MAGAZINE!

NEWS & MAGAZINE

5,000

COMBINED PRINT

& DIGITAL

READERSHIP

NEW LOOK MAGAZINE!

NEWS & MAGAZINE

5,000

COMBINED PRINT

& DIGITAL

READERSHIP

2025 Media Pack

[MEMBER PICTURE - M8 RECOVERY]

NEW 2025

RE-LAUNCH

MAGAZINE!

2025 Media Pack

[MEMBER PICTURE - M8 RECOVERY]



NEW 2025

RE-LAUNCH

MAGAZINE!

2025 MEDIA PACK

AVAILABLE NOW!

The AVRO Media Pack detailing all of the advertising and sponsorship

opportunities for AVRO's stable of publications for 2025 is now available

from Sara Needham - sara@avrouk.com or Graham Steedman -

graham@avrouk.com or call the AVRO office on - 01788 572850.


AVROUK.COM

AVRO HEADLINE

Headline

The headline AVRO stories making the news

s AVRO's Gary Grieve and Mick Puleston with Richard Goddard from PROF and host Derek Firminger.

Celebrating a united

industry at the

Recovery Industry

Review

Mick Puleston

Head of Association

mick@avrouk.com

Pictures by James Baylis

The Recovery Industry Review held at Hinkley island

with thanks to our sponsors and Stakeholders,

jointly presented by PROF and AVRO was a great

success, with our master of ceremonies, Derek

Firminger once again keeping us all in timely order

for a packed itinerary.

This event was a to celebrate a culmination of

twelve months hard work between Richard

Goddard of PROF and myself and Gary

Grieve representing AVRO where we have

presented a united recovery industry to stakeholders,

governmental departments and Police.

It has to be said, PROF’s unrelenting pressure on

MP’s in Government and the DVSA after picking up the

mantle of a long and weary campaign to achieve red

flashing lights for recovery operators to use at the scene

of an incident has opened doors that otherwise may

have stayed firmly shut but for his tenacity, we now have

authority with training to use red flashing lights.

We have finally resurrected the updates of PAS43

and it is now back on the updates process but that has

taken several years and in the past year, AVRO with the

assistance of IVR and PROF there is now an agreement

to jointly manage PAS43 independently chaired by

National Highways with the group of stakeholders that

includes work providers now named PROTECT.

The Metropolitan Police vehicle recovery department

was represented by Terry Hunt, Matt Wilkinson

and Mick Burke who presented where they are in

the process of providing evidence on the dangers

to recovery operators in dealing with alternatively

fuelled vehicles alongside electric scooters and illegally

modified electrical cycles and have been jointly working

with us to provide evidence based information to

present to Police chiefs and the Home Office.

Chris Keady the network manager for Britannia

Rescue part of LV took to the floor to give us an update

on their position as one of the work providers that

exclusively use the independent recovery industry,

this was followed Damon Jowett network manager

for Green Flag who gave us an update on how they are

building on the ethos of built on partnerships and their

understanding first hand of staffing issues and customer

expectations.

Ian Greenman, chair of PROSE stepped up to the

lectern where he gave us an update of their work on


AVROUK.COM

AVRO HEADLINE

s Chairman of PROSE, Ian Greenman.

s Amy Ellis from the Sunflower campaign.

s Network manager Chris Keady from LV= Britannia Rescue.

s Mark Hartell from the IVR on red flashing lights.

t Matt Wilkinson representing the

Metropolitan Police vehicle recovery

department.

safety and the focus on NHS17/17B.

The IVR were ably represented by trainer Mark

Hartell giving us an overview of where we are

with the use of red flashing lights.

Something that is high on everyone’s agenda in

our industry is being able to recognise a disabled

person when attending the scene of a

breakdown or road traffic collision which

is fine if there is evidence around the

vehicle of disability aids. Where there

is no obvious evidence of a disability,

we have the very eloquent Amy

Ellis who champions the hidden

disability campaign Sunflower, she

herself suffers but to others her

disability is not obvious, with the assistance of National Highways a video

was presented on how to recognise someone with a hidden disability and

what action to take, the Sunflower emblem either displayed an the vehicle or

about their person assists us to provide care and consideration at the scene.

Stakeholders of the industry are giving support to this campaign so please

look out for the Sunflower emblem so that compassion can be part of

the assistance you provide, the support and effort that Amy and the

team put into this campaign will make it more recognisable.

All said what an exceptional year of achievements but

there is still a long way to go and to continue working on the

statutory fees review with particular focus on the cost of

dealing with EV’s with the NPCC and the Home Office as well

as the impending statutory fee review consultation for

Police Scotland together with the continuing work

on PAS43.


AVRO HEADLINE

The

Results

THANK

YOU!

AVRO would like to thank all of

the operators who replied and

helped to contribute to this EV

/ Hybrid vehicle recovery and

storage survey.

EV / HYBRID

VEHICLE RECOVERY

& STORAGE SURVEY

2024

AVRO Executive Committee Chairman, Gary Grieve presented to the

recent Recovery Industry Review the following findings of AVRO's recent

consultation of members on electric vehicles and the impact they are

having on the industry. The findings have been presented to the NPCC and

the Home Office as part of their EV Stat Fee review.

Question 1

Are you currently dealing

with EV / Hybrid vehicles that

are accident damaged or in

other situations which pose

a risk?

l - Yes

l - No

(87 responses)


AVROUK.COM

AVRO HEADLINE

Question 2

Are you seeing an increase in EV / Hybrid

vehicles as well as those involved in

accidents or other situations which pose a

risk?

l - Yes

l - No

(85 responses)

Question 3

In order to deal with EV / Hybrid vehicles have you invested in any of the following?

Tick all that apply.

(84 responses)

Question 4

If you ticked training, what level of training are you undertaking? Tick all that apply.

(76 responses)


AVRO HEADLINE

Question 5

If you ticked safety equipment and PPE what items are you currently using?

Tick all that apply.

(72 responses)

Estimated Cost for Training, Safety Equipment & PPE

6.15%

4.62%

4.62%

9.23%

10.77%

30.77%

Statement 1

Estimated cost for training, safety equipment

and PPE.

l £100 - £1,000

l £1,001 - £5,000

l £5001 - £10,000

l £10,001 - £20,000

l £20,001 - £50,000

l Over £50,001

l Ongoing Costs

10.77%

£100 - £1,000 £1,001 - £5,000 £5,001 - £10,000 £10,001 - £20,000

£20,001 - £50,000 Over £50,001 Ongoing Costs

Question 6

Are you storing EV / Hybrid vehicles in

isolation?

l - Yes

l - No

(85 responses)


AVROUK.COM

AVRO HEADLINE

Question 7

Have you constructed specific EV / Hybrid

vehicle storage areas?

l - Yes

l - No

(85 responses)

Estimated Cost of Construction of Specific EV / Hybrid Vehicles Storage

Areas

Statement 2

9.68%

9.68%

Estimated cost of construction of specific

EV / Hybrid vehciles storage areas.

19.35%

22.58%

l £1,000 - £5,000

l £5,001 - £10,000

l £10,001 - £20,000

l £20,001 - £50,000

l Over £50,000

19.35%

£1,000-£5,000 £5,001-£10,000 £10,001-£20,000 £20,001 - £50,000 Over £50,000

Question 8

In order to deal with damaged EV / Hybrid vehicles have you invested in any of the

following? Please tick all that apply.

(54 responses)


AVRO HEADLINE

If you have answered yes to any of the above, what was the estimated cost?

2.39%

4.76%

7.14%

4.76%

Statement 3

If you have answered yes to any of the

above, what was the estimated cost?

9.52%

l £100 - £1,000

l £1,001 - £5,000

l £10,001 - £20,000

l £20,001 - £50,000

l Over £50,000

l Unknown

71.43%

£100 - £1,000 £1,001 - £5,000 £10,001 - £20,000 £20,001 - £50,000 Over £50,000 Unknown

Question 8

Have you had to invest in vehicles with a

higher carrying capacity in order to deal

with EV / Hybrid vehicles?

l - Yes

l - No

(84 responses)

Question 9

Are you seeing an increase in your

insurance premium with dealing with EV /

Hybrid vehicles?

l - Yes

l - No

(84 responses)

SCAN ME

To visit the GVS website


AVROUK.COM

AVRO HEADLINE

Question 10

Do you agree there should be a higher

removal and storage tariff within the

Statutory Fees for EV / Hybrid vehicles?

l - Yes

l - No

l - Maybe

(86 responses)

Question 11

Have you had any incidents in dealing with

EV / hybrid vehicles that have caused you

operational concern such as fire, thermal

runway, disposal of vehicle or contaminated

water from container?

l - Yes

l - No

(84 responses)

Help shape the

future of YOUR

industry!

For all membership enquiries or to discuss how

becoming an AVRO member can benefit you and your

business please contact the AVRO head office on

01788 572850 or email Sara on sara@avrouk.com


AVRO MEMBER PROFILE

Profile

Putting the spotlight on AVRO members and their operations

GVS 24Hr Recovery

- A journey of growth

and resilience

GVS 24Hr

Recovery

Recovery House, Unit 7 Galax

Business Park, Fitzwilliam

Road, Eastwood Trading

Estate, Rotherham S65 1SL

Tel: 01709 610016

info@gvsrecovery.co.uk

From humble beginnings GVS 24Hr Recovery, under the stewardship of Brain Guest

has grown significantly and recently moved into new premises.

Since its inception in 2007, GVS 24Hr Recovery

has blossomed from a humble part-time

endeavour into a prominent vehicle recovery

business serving the Rotherham and south

Yorkshire area. Founded by Brian Guest, a dedicated

individual with a single 3.5t truck, the company

has overcome numerous challenges and expanded

significantly over the years.

A humble beginning

Starting with a self-built 3.5t LDV truck, the journey

began as a part-time recovery and transport service,

run from home while still holding down a regular job

working shifts. By 2009, the need for a larger truck and

more space became apparent. A 6.5t Iveco Daily crew

cab was built, and the search for a suitable yard began.

This led to a partnership with another small recovery

company, allowing for shared resources and eventual

expansion into a larger yard.

Here, the company transitioned to a full-time operation,

with an increasing workload necessitating more staff

and vehicles. Collaboration with Simon Smith at Central

Garage Kiveton Recovery further boosted the company’s

capabilities, enabling coverage of a larger area with

quicker response times. Eventually, GVS acquired CGK

Recovery, integrating its services and continuing to

uphold its high standards.

The old yard and new heights

The old yard, though modest, was a cornerstone of the

company’s growth. With a portacabin for the office,

waiting area, storage, and basic amenities, it was the

heart of the operation for nearly a decade. Through

determination, teamwork, and training, GVS achieved

ISO9001 and PAS43 certifications, paving the way for

even more contracts and customers. As the years

passed, the need for a larger, more suitable premises

became inevitable.

SCAN ME

To visit the GVS website

Growing pains and expansions

By 2012, the business had outgrown its shared space

and moved to a new yard in Masbrough, Rotherham.

A new era begins

On January 1, 2025, GVS 24Hr Recovery officially moved

into its new premises on the Eastwood Trading Estate.


AVROUK.COM

To feature your business contact: content@avrouk.com

AVRO MEMBER PROFILE

IF ANYONE WISHES

TO VISIT OUR NEW

SITE TO HAVE A

LOOK ROUND,

THEY ARE MORE

THAN WELCOME,

WILL EVEN PUT

THE KETTLE ON!

Brian Guest

GVS 24Hr Recovery

This strategic location offers numerous advantages,

including a more comfortable office space, a dedicated

staff area, and a secure reception. The new site also

boasts a large heated indoor storage area and workshop,

providing optimal conditions for storing and maintaining

vehicles.

As GVS 24Hr Recovery embarks on this new chapter,

the team reflects on the journey that brought them here.

The memories of the old yard, the support from other

operators, and the dedication of past and present staff

have all contributed to the success of the business. With a

solid foundation and a clear vision for the future, GVS 24Hr

Recovery is poised for continued growth and success.

Join us on our journey

As we settle into our new home, we invite you to be a

part of our story. Whether you need recovery services or

just want to connect, we are here to help. Contact us via

phone or email, and let’s continue this journey together.

s With the addition of office space GVS now

have more room for control staff and a safe

space for customers who need to wait.


Competition

COVER

STORY

Share your best recovery vehicle

photo and win the prestigious

cover picture of the 2025 AVRO

Members Directory!

AVRO are once again offering members the opportunity to have your vehicle

featured on the front cover of the 2025 edition of the Members Directory!

How to Enter

1. Send your entries to sara@avrouk.com

2. Please display your company name clearly in the email.

3. Please send your photos in either .jpeg / .png or .pdf format

and saved in high resolution (300dpi).

4. Smart phone images are accepted.

5. Closing date for entries is FRIDAY 14 th MARCH 2025.

Competition Rules

1. Entry is open to AVRO members only.

2. A maximum of 2 photos per member per

company please.

3. By submitting photos to this competition

you agree to allow AVRO and Penvale House

Publishing to use them for any promotional

activity, printed or digital.

4. All photos will be credited to your company

and remain the copyright of the holder.

2024 WINNER

Congratulations to Manchetts, whose photograph of their heavy unit

with fireworks in the background was chosen as the 2024 Member

Directory cover photo competition winner.

This year

it could

be you!


AVROUK.COM

Enter

Today!

AVRO

MEMBERS

DIRECTORY

2025

AVRO's annual A4 Members Directory is

distributed FREE to every AVRO member,

associate members, business partners, key

industry stakeholders and work providers.

For more information about advertising

and sponsorship opportunities in the

2025 Members Directory please contact

Sara Needham on 01788 572850 or email:

sara@avrouk.com or contact Graham

Steedman on 07864 673533 or email:

graham@avrouk.com

FIRST PRIZE SECOND PRIZE THIRD PRIZE

1

Your vehicle picture

on the front cover

of the 2025 AVRO

Members Directory

and a framed print

for your wall as well

as a feature in AVRO

News & Magazine.

2

Your picture

featured on the

AVRO Facebook

homepage and

highlighted in a

future issue of AVRO

News & Magazine.

3

Your picture

featured on the

AVRO Twitter and

Instagram header

and highlighted in a

future issue of AVRO

News & Magazine.

QUICK TIPS FOR TAKING A GREAT PHOTOGRAPH

Due to printing requirements we can only use high quality pictures that are at least 300dpi.

Photographs taken on a DSLR camera will be of the highest quality but pictures from smart phones

can also be accepted as long as they are saved in the highest quality option.

1. Composition - try to place the vehicle in the centre of the frame

2. Background - keep the background clean and free from clutter,

blue sky or a neutral building make for great backgrounds

3. Portrait or landscape - choose either orientation but try to

make sure that you leave some space around the vehicle

4. Perspective - Try to keep the vehicle full in the frame, don't

stand too far back from the subject and make sure it's the focal

point and not too small

5. Remember to choose a side of your vehicle that proudly shows

off your logo and company branding

6. Save your image in high resolution, preferably 300dpi


NEW LOOK MAGAZINE!

The voice of

the breakdown

and recovery

operator!

For more information about advertising

and sponsorship opportunities in the

new look AVRO News & Magazine please

contact Sara Needham on 01788 572850

or email: sara@avrouk.com or contact

Graham Steedman on 07864 673533 or

email: graham@avrouk.com

NEWS

& MAGAZINE

IsisRescue

www.isisrescue.co.uk

WE ARE ISIS RESCUE.

AN OXFORDSHIRE BASED VEHICLE

BREAKDOWN, RECOVERY AND

REPAIR SERVICE.

FOR ALL CARS, COMMERCIALS, BUSES AND COACHES

01865 43 43 43

OXFORD

control@isisrescue.co.uk

BANBURY


AVROUK.COM


AVRO INDUSTRY NEWS

Furness Cars cuts

costs with AES UK cam

aligner system

AVRO

BUSINESS

PARTNERS

Trust us to get the best financial

deal for you.

www.eftfinance.co.uk

AVRO memeber Furness Cars & Commercials has

saved more than £5,000 a year and transformed

its workshop efficiency since using a Josam cam

aligner wheel alignment system, supplied by

Automotive Equipment Solutions (AES UK).

The family business was founded by current

director Kevin Grieve’s parents in 1983, and he and

his brother took the helm in 2003. It specialises in

light and heavy vehicle recovery but also conducts

servicing, repairs and MOTs on anything from

motorbikes to articulated HGVs.

The garage previously used an external specialist

for wheel alignment but purchased the Cam Aligner

system three years ago, both for use on customers’

vehicles and on its own fleet, which includes fourwheel

drive vehicles, vans, rigids and articulated HGVs.

“We were using a wheel alignment company a

couple of times a year,” said Grieve, “we’d get them

to do half the fleet one time, then come back in six

months and do the other half. We’d just end up tying

up the workshop doing our own alignments.”

The time between inspections took its toll on tyre

wear and the checks themselves were expensive. “We

were spending £4-5,000 a year just getting someone

in to do the alignment,” said Grieve, “and then there

was the cost of changing tyres prematurely.”

The Josam Cam Aligner compact wheel alignment

system enables commercial vehicle workshops and

tyre service centres to offer fast, accurate wheel

alignment services, with an emphasis on ease of use.

Since Furness acquired the system, Kevin estimates

the business has saved £5-6,000 a year by bringing

wheel alignment in house and checking tyres more

frequently, with a greater degree of accuracy.

“If we change a set of tyres – or bring a vehicle

in for a safety inspection and the tyres are starting

to look like they’re rubbing on the edges – then we

can immediately see what’s going on and do the

adjustment in less than half an hour.

“Adjusting it doesn’t take long. You just take the

laptop with you into the pit, save the correct settings,

and by the time you’ve got out of the pit and put your

equipment away, the printout’s already done in the

office.”

AES advise that correct tyre set-up reduces

operator costs by improving fuel economy and

extending tyre life. Safety is improved and steering is

enhanced - which increases driver comfort.

In this regard, Furness Cars’ drivers have noted

improvements in vehicle handling since the garage

adopted the Josam Cam Aligner, and tyre wear has

significantly reduced.

“We’re not changing tyres because they’re wearing

prematurely,” he added, “we’re changing them now

because they’ve run their life.”

Grieve also speaks highly of the aftersales service

he receives from AES UK, including regular visits and

contact from director, Russ Coad.

“Russ comes round to do the servicing and the

calibration, and if we have any problems – which are

very minimal – we just ring him up and say, ‘we’ve got

this or that issue’ and he sorts it. There’s no faff at all,

so it’s up there with one of the best bits of kit we’ve

bought for our workshop.”

Established in 2005, AES UK is the sole UK

distributor of Josam products and provides

commercial vehicle alignment and CV workshop

equipment, along with on-site training, servicing and

equipment calibration to operators throughout the

UK.

Licence Check, AVRO's driving licence

verification service at preferential

rates.

sara@avrouk.com

The best deals on utilities, business

rates, telecommunications and IT.

mark@maxwellgrant.co.uk


AVRO NEWS EXTRA

Electric car sales to

increase to 44,000 in

2025, but still missing UK

industry target

l Electric car sales in

the UK will increase

to 440,000 in 2025,

representing 24% of

total new car sales of

1.84 million, according

to forecasts from

leading EV leasing

company DriveElectric

l This means that the

2025 ZEV mandate

target for 28% of new

car sales to be zero

emission will be missed

Electric car sales in the UK will increase to 440,000 in

2025, representing 24% of 1.84 million total new car

sales, according to forecasts from leading EV leasing

company DriveElectric.

This is a 4.4% increase compared to electric

car sales equating to 19.6% of the total new

car market in 2024 (381,970 units) - although

new electric car registrations accounted for

31.0% of the market in December 2024 as manufacturers

aimed to hit the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV)

mandate target.

The continued growth in electric car sales shows that

more and more motorists are embracing EVs, but the

forecast of electric cars representing 24% of total sales

this year means that the 2025 ZEV mandate target of

28% will be missed.

DriveElectric’s 2025 electric car sales forecast is

informed by a number of factors. Good news includes

that there are increasing numbers of new EVs coming

to market in 2025, with smaller and more affordable

models, including new entrants from China, as well as

battery costs reducing and more EVs being offered at

price parity with petrol

cars. The latest EVs have

longer driving ranges and

faster charging, helping to

break down the barrier of

range anxiety which has

been cited as a blocker to

adoption, and amplified by

misinformation.

The UK’s charging

network is continuing to

expand, particularly with

more rapid and ultra-rapid

chargers, giving consumers

added confidence to switch

to EVs.

There are still also

significant financial

incentives for businesses

and fleets to transition to

EVs, thanks to low benefit

in kind (BIK) tax rates (2%

until April 2025, then

rising by 1% each year

to 5% in April 2028). These low BIK rates have fuelled

the increasing popularity of salary sacrifice, which can

reduce the monthly cost of driving an EV by up to 40%

for the employees of an organisation. Businesses will also

be incentivised to electrify to enable them to report on

carbon emission reductions, helping to secure existing

contracts and win new business.

However although financial incentives exist to support

businesses and fleets to transition to EVs, there are

currently no similar measures such as grants for private

motorists, which will continue to hold back retail EV

sales.

DriveElectric’s forecast for 1.84 million overall car

sales in the UK in 2025 is slightly lower than some

other industry figures because it is expected that some

manufacturers will reduce sales of petrol and diesel

cars in an effort to meet the ZEV mandate targets – a

development that was already evident in 2024.

Adam Kemp, Partnerships Director, DriveElectric,

comments: “We are forecasting that electric car sales

in 2025 will experience an increase of just over 4%

compared to 2024 figures, taking them to 24% of the

total new car market, which is significant progress, but

this still falls short of the 2025 ZEV mandate target of

28%.

“A key factor in the shortfall is that while businesses

and fleets enjoy financial incentives to make the switch

to electric cars, and although EVs have lower whole life

costs than petrol and diesel cars, there are currently no

incentives for private motorists to purchase new EVs.”

DriveElectric, one of the UK’s leading electric vehicle

leasing companies, uses its own model built from its

intelligence of the UK market to forecast registrations of

battery electric cars and vans each year. In January 2024

DriveElectric accurately predicted that the percentage

of EV sales for 2024 would be closer to 19% of the total

market rather than the industry forecast of 22%, the

latter being revised downwards later in the year to

around 19%.

Electric vehicles are seen as a key solution to help the

UK achieve its net zero greenhouse gas targets, as well

as helping with the problem of local air quality. EVs also

have lower running costs than petrol and diesel vehicles,

however an overwhelming factor in the rapid increase in

EV adoption is that the vast majority of motorists prefer

the driving experience of EVs compared to petrol and

diesel cars and vans.

DriveElectric is an electric vehicle leasing company

that has been helping organisations and individuals to

adopt EVs to save money, lower emissions and transition

to low carbon energy since 2008. DriveElectric aims

to make the switch to electric cars and vans simple

for business fleets, offering added benefits including

monitoring and optimising emissions from charging fleet

vehicles.

www.drive-electric.co.uk


AVROUK.COM

GOLD ACCREDITATION · GOLD ACCREDITATION ·

SSILVER ACCREDITATION ·

Help shape

the future

of YOUR

industry

JOIN THE LEADING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION TODAY!

AVRO MEMBERSHIP LEVELS & SUBSCRIPTIONS 2025

GOLD

ACCREDITATION

Is a member who meets AVRO

membership standards and is

accredited with PAS 43.

As Gold accredited members

are required to be accredited with

PAS 43 they are not subject to an

AVRO membership inspection.

AVRO membership levels are determined by the

standard to which a member is accredited to - either

AVRO membership standards and / or PAS 43.

ILVER ACCREDITATION ·

SILVER

ACCREDITATION

Is a member who meets AVRO

membership standards but is not

accredited with PAS 43.

The member will have accented

from Bronze accreditation

following a successful AVRO

membership inspection and

will continue to undergo such

inspection on a bi-annual basis.

If the member were to become

accredited with PAS 43 their

membership level would increase

to Gold accreditation.

MEMBERSHIP UNITED KINGDOM REPUBLIC OF IRELAND ADDITIONAL PREMISES

Members operating

three roadside and

recovery vehicles or less

£250.00

£50.00 VAT

£300.00 TOTAL

£230.00

£0.00 VAT

£230.00 TOTAL

£100.00

£20.00 VAT

£120.00 TOTAL

Members operating more

than three roadside and

recovery vehicles

£450.00

£90.00 VAT

£540.00 TOTAL

£400.00

£0.00 VAT

£400.00 TOTAL

£100.00

£20.00 VAT

£120.00 TOTAL

For all membership enquiries or to discuss how becoming an AVRO member can benefit you and your

business please contact the AVRO head office on 01788 572850 or email Sara on sara@avrouk.com

01788 572850 | sara@avrouk.com | www.avrouk.com

AVRO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

AVRO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

HEAD OF ASSOCIATION EXE. COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN BUSINESS CONSULTANT

MICK PULESTON

Region: South East

Email Address:

mick@avrouk.com

GARY GRIEVE

Region: Northern

Email Address:

gary@avrouk.com

GRAHAM STEEDMAN

Region: Scotland

Email Address:

graham@avrouk.com

MARK CROZIER

Region: Scotland

Auto Services Perth Ltd

Email Address:

m.crozier@asp.scot

ERIC HAMMOND

Region: West Midlands

Fillongley Garage

Email Address:

eric@fillongleygarage.com

JAMES WEEDON

Region: South Midlands

Isis Rescue

Email Address:

james@isisrescue.co.uk

CRAIG ALEXANDER

Region: Eastern

Norfolk Recovery

Email Address:

craig@norfolkrecovery.com

PHIL RICHFORD

Region: Republic of Ireland

Richford Motors

Email Address:

phil@richfordmotors.com

NICK WELCH

Region: South West

GRS Recovery (Bournemouth)

Email Address:

nick@grsrecovery.co.uk

JEFF BUNGEY

Region: South West

Ashley Wood Recovery

Email Address:

jeff@ashleywoodrecovery.com


AVROUK.COM

AVRO REGIONS

AVRO REGIONS & HQ.

Head Office

2-3 Allerton Road · Rugby · CV23 OPA

Tel: 01788 572850

www.avrouk.com

Office Manager

Sara Needham

Tel: 01788 572850

Email: sara@avrouk.com

1

14

2

15

3

4

5

7

6

9

8

12

11

10

1 Scotland

2 Northern

3 North East

4 North West

5 North Midlands

6 West Midlands

7 South Wales

8 South Midlands

9 Eastern

10 Greater London

11 South East

12 South West

14 Northern Ireland

15 Republic of Ireland


Unity.indd 1 8/9/11 15:41:38

CONNECT

Member to member AVRO Connect keeps

you in touch with your fellow operators!

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with

AVRO

members

Call Sara Needham on 01788 572850

to advertise in AVRO Connect.

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DE55 7RH

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• Full workshop repairs and diagnostics equipment

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T: 01159 444 944

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• Full accident repairs centre for cars and commercials

Fulwood Road South

Huthwaite

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Roll Call

PROUD TO REPRESENT OUR TRUSTED AVRO MEMBERS

Scotland 1

North West 4

South Wales 7

South East 11

ADJ Stevenson T/A Spean Bridge Garage

A & R Mechanical Eng. & Recovery

Andrews Garage Recovery Ltd

Argyll Recovery Ltd

Auto Services Perth Ltd

Auto-Tec (Scotland) Ltd

Bellsburn Motor Services

BIG Recovery & Transportation Ltd

Bill Stephen Motors Ltd

C & C MOT & Service Centre

Chisholm’s Recovery Specialists Ltd

CVS Recovery

D C Diagnostics

Elite Recovery Falkirk Ltd

G-Sport Autocentres

JT Cormack

Karen Yuill Recovery Ltd

Kinnons Garage

LJC Haulage / Recovery

L M Recovery

Loch Shiel Garage 2010 Ltd

M8 Recovery

Morar Motors Ltd (Head Office)

Morar Motors Ltd (Kyle)

Reeds Roadside Recovery

Roadside Vehicle Services

R K Roadside Recovery Ltd

Ross’s Garage Ltd

Station Garage

S.S Walker

T G Simpson (Ninewells Garage) Ltd

Westside Motors

Yes Recovery

Northern 2

Alan Sewell Ltd

Chambers Garage

Eden Garage

Fred Henderson Ltd

Furness Cars & Commercials Ltd (Head Office)

Furness Cars & Commercials Ltd (Milnthorpe)

Glendinning Bros

Jackson’s Recovery T/A Blackwood Service

Lionheart Garage Ltd

Mids Auto Service

OJS Commercials Ltd

Quickfit Supercentre 24/7

Ron Perry A19 Testtune Ltd

North East 3

AHM Autos Recovery & Storage

BDV Recovery Ltd

Bell Truck Services

Commercial Services (Tadcaster) Ltd

Gallows Wood Recovery

GVS Recovery

Highway Recovery (Head Office)

Highway Recovery (Blyth, Worksop)

Lowes Breakdown & Recovery

Richford Motor Services Ltd (Barnsley)

Sparrow Recovery

Stoneywood Ltd

T C Salvage Ltd

Yorkshire Rescue Services

AAA Road Rescue

Auto Rescue (1990) Ltd

Bowers Threeways Garage Ltd

Bradburys Garage

FAM Commercials

First Point Commercials Ltd

Gwalia Garage

H K Motors

Hardy’s

Hough Green Garage

Howley Quay Motors

M6 Recovery Services Ltd

Macadams

Manchester Breakdown Services Ltd

Morfa Garage

Motor Move (UK) Ltd

Oates Recovery Ltd

Recovery North West (Head Office)

Recovery North West (Liverpool)

Recovery North West (St Helens)

Recovery North West (Deeside)

Toms Motors Chadderton Ltd

North Midlands 5

Anderson Commercials Ltd

Crouch Recovery (Head Office)

Crouch Recovery (Lutterworth)

Jon Beech Recovery Ltd

National MOT Centre Ltd

N T Shaw of Louth

Richford Motor Services Ltd (Head Office)

Richford Motor Services Ltd (Cossall)

Richford Motor Services Ltd (Derby)

Richford Motor Services Ltd (Huthwaite)

Richford Motor Services Ltd (Lincoln)

Richford Motor Services Ltd (Newark)

Richford Motor Services Ltd (Stoke on Trent)

Richford Motor Services Ltd (Tuxford)

Richford Motor Services Ltd (Wigston)

Tears Recovery (Head Office)

Tears Recovery (Spalding)

Unity Recovery Service (Head Office)

Unity Recovery Service (Adjacent A50/M1)

West Midlands 6

Auto Support Ltd

Autorite Recovery

Beeches Recovery

Bennnets Vehicle Services Limited

Burke Bros Recovery

Concorde Auto Recovery & Repairs

E A Downes Ltd

Fillongley Garage Ltd

GRS Recovery Warwickshire Ltd

Jacksons Recovery Limited

Oasis Rescue & Recovery Ltd

Rescue & Repair Automotive Services Ltd

R S Recovery Ltd

Rockhopper Rescue & Recovery Ltd

Rogers Rescue Ltd

Rowley Auto Services Ltd

Walls Truck Services Ltd

Cambrian Car Care Ltd

CGCR Trading Ltd (T/A Caldicot Group)

Chris Spiteri & Son

Krislyn Motors Ltd

Lamb Recovery Services Ltd

Lanes Recovery

Lynwood Garage

Millforge Garage Ltd




South Midlands 8

Able Assist Ltd

Bud Rescue & Recovery Ltd

Cotswold Vehicle Recovery Ltd (CVR)

Cowan Recovery Ltd T/A CMG

Isis Rescue Ltd (Head Office)

Isis Rescue Ltd (Banbury)

M24 Recovery

R & S Recovery Services

Richford Motor Services (Dunstable)

Saunders Garage Ltd

Shaw Recovery

Eastern 9

A W & D Hammond

Admiral Recovery

AASP Group Ltd

Boyer’s Service Centre Ltd

Bus and Coach Repairs Ltd

D J Recovery Ipswich

Edan Recovery

Fairlight Vehicles Ltd

Heavyhaul (Chelmsford) Ltd

J S Holmes Ltd

GAA JD Ltd T/A J D Recovery & Transport

L J Transportation

Manchetts Recovery (Head Office)

Manchetts Recovery (Burwell)

Manchetts Recovery (Cambridge)

Norfolk Recovery Services Ltd

Tears Recovery

Tec41 Ltd

Greater London 10

Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services Ltd

Boleyn Recovery & Fleet Services Ltd

Bushey Hall Garage

CCK London Ltd

D & G Trucks

Eastern General Recovery Service Ltd

GMC Commercial Repairs Ltd

Impact Group Plc

Recoverymen Ltd

S B Recovery UK Ltd

365 Recovery Ltd

Amber Rescue Ltd

Bartletts Service Station

Brenhaul Commercial Services

Boarhunt Garage & Recovery Services

DRS Kent Ltd

D H Price Motors

D R Recovery Limited

Firstline Recovery Ltd

Gatward (Maidstone) Ltd

Hobbs Recovery Service

Lee Hire Ltd

M4 Rescue & Recovery Ltd

Mendem Motors

MGH Autos T/A Noble Autos

Mick Gould Commercials Ltd

Midhurst Engineering

Neil Yates Recovery Ltd

Online MBT

On Point Recovery Limited

Owl Motor Services

Reliance Recovery Ltd

Stag Lane Motors

Traceys Recovery Ltd

Thompsons Garage Ltd


Westbourne Motoring Assistance




Woodlands Rescue Ltd

South West 12

A J Autos Recovery Ltd

Ashley Wood Recovery

Avon Commercial Recovery

Bourne Transport Services

Cannon Commercials Ltd

Cockerham Commercials

C R Edwards

D J Recovery

Field Services

Foundry Garage Ltd

Fourwinds Garage

GRS Recovery (Bournemouth)

H P Transport (Garages) Ltd

Heywoods Recovery Ltd

Highfield Garage (Head Office)

Highfield Garage (Marsh Barton / Exeter)

R S Recovery

Slades Garage

TLC Garage Services ltd

Townsend Garage



Weston Recovery Services (Head Office)

Weston Recovery Services (Wellington)


1 Scotland

2 Northern

3 North East

4 North West

5 North Midlands

6 West Midlands

7 South Wales

8 South Midlands

9 Eastern

10 Greater London

11 South East

12 South West

14 Northern Ireland

15 Republic of Ireland

Northern Ireland 14

A1 Recovery Specialists

ABC Recovery

Agnew Recovery Services

Ballymena Recovery Services

BTS Recovery

Burnside Garage Ltd

CCRS Recovery Ltd

Crash Services Ltd

H & H Recovery

John Beers Ltd

Lakeland Recovery

SGK 24hr Recovery Ltd

Toal Truck Services

Two Trees Recovery Services

Watson Auto’s Services

1

Republic of Ireland 15

Ardfallen Motors (Local Garage Ltd)

Canning Motors Ltd

Corcoran Auto Bodyworks Ltd

Comerford Recovery

Culkin Commercials

Derek Beahan Mobile Mech Servs

Gannon City Recovery

GT Recovery (Michael Ferguson T/A G T Recovery)

Hamills 24hr Recovery

Howard Recovery

J & S Motor Repair

James Foy Auto Service

Jer Coffey & Son Ltd T/A Glen Motors

Kylemore Service Station

McConnons Vehicle Recovery

MDS Commercial Centre (Europe) Ltd

Pat Keogh Recovery

Recovery Ireland

Rice Recovery

Sheehy Tow N Go Recovery Ltd

Swift Tow Towing and Recovery

Young’s Recovery

AVRO Associate Members

Apex Networks

Boniface Engineering Ltd

Call Assist

Cougar Lubricants

ELP Engineering Ltd

Jactone Products Ltd

Hadleigh Breakdown

LV General Insurance Group Ltd T/A LV=Britannia Rescue

Network Training Partnership Ltd

Professional Recovery Drivers Club

Prosol UK

Tower Supplies

RED (Recovery Equipment Direct) part of BHW Group Ltd

RecoveryVehicles.com

Roger Dyson Limited

Super Power Winch

15

14

AVRO Business Partners

7

12

EFT Finance.............................................. 01788 572850

Maxwell Grant Consultancy.................. 01788 572850

Silvey Fleet............................................... 01788 572850

Howdens................................................... 01788 572850

APEX.......................................................... 01788 572850

Licence Check......................................... 01788 572850

4

6

2

3

5

8

11

10

9


AVRO PARTNERS

Partners

Business and operating advice from AVRO's associates and partners

Company failures

It’s a sad fact of business life, but from time to time companies with which members

trade will fail. Often such failures leave large debts to creditors, so what do you need

to know if you become a creditor to a failed company?

MOTOR

INDUSTRY

LEGAL

SERVICES

Motor Industry Legal Services

(MILS Legal Ltd) provides fully

comprehensive legal advice

and representation to UK

motor retailers for one annual

fee. It is the only law firm in

the UK which specialises in

motor law and motor trade

law.

MILS currently advises over

1,000 individual businesses

within the sector as well as

the Retail Motor Industry

Federation (RMI) and its

members.

What will happen?

When a company is failing it will have a number of

options. If the company is capable of being rescued,

or there is a tangible benefit to creditors, then it may

enter Administration. Here all debts are frozen and an

independent expert appointed to run the company as a

going concern, or to achieve the best possible outcome

from creditors if this is not possible.

Alternatively the company will enter Liquidation.

Here it is not possible to rescue the company and an

independent expert will be appointed to wind it up.

In order to enter administration the company must

either:

l be insolvent, but still be able to achieve a specific test

laid down by current insolvency legislation, or

l have significant creditor pressure so that entering into

administration would prevent compulsory liquidation.

Once a company entered into administration an

independent insolvency practitioner is appointed to run

the business with an aim to preventing the company

being liquidated. They will have 8 weeks from the date

of administration to inform creditors, employees and

Companies House what they intend to do. The options

are:

l negotiate a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) in

order to keep the company trading

l sell the business as a ‘going concern’ ensuring that the

business can carry on

l Enter into an agreement with the company creditors

to close the company as part of a creditors’ voluntary

liquidation, sell company assets and pay any creditors

from the money raised

l close the company and enter into liquidation if there’s

nothing to sell

Do I have to pay them?

Yes. Any debts due will still be owed to the company. If

the company is in administration, when it is restructured

it will be sold and start again and any debts will be dealt

with. If not, then once the liquidation has been finalised

the company will cease to exist.

Will I get my money?

This will depend on your status. If the company enters

Administration, then payment is possible once it is

returned to a going concern. If the company enters into

Liquidation, the company will collect all debts as part

of the insolvency process. Once all debts are collected,

the amount recovered will be distributed between the

creditors. Any secured creditors will be paid first, and in

full, in line with their securities. Once these are settled,

any preferential creditors such as employees will be

paid in full, followed by any remaining creditors who will

be paid a percentage of their debt from the remaining

funds .

Rarely do unsecured creditors get paid if the company

enters Liquidation. Even if a payment is made, it is highly

unlikely that a significant percentage of the debt will be

recovered.

Am I a secured creditor?

It depends. You can gain a security over company assets

in a number of ways.

The most likely will be a specific charge, either over an

asset, similar to a mortgage or a more general floating

charge. Most securities require a legal agreement between

the parties. If you believe you hold such a security, you

should review any written agreements as a matter of

priority.

If there is no specific agreement, the most likely

security held by a motor trader is a ‘Lien’ on the vehicle or

goods held. Where you have carried out work that is more

than maintenance, you may hold a ‘Lien’ on any vehicle

or goods. If you are normally paid before you release

the vehicle or goods to the owner and the company fails

before you are paid but while you have the vehicle or

goods, you may be able to withhold the vehicle or goods

from the owner until you are paid. Furthermore you may

be able to sell any vehicle or goods to settle your debt.

This is complicated, so it is essential that advice is taken

as soon as possible.

Offsetting your debts

Where you have supplied a product to the failed company,

check your terms to see if legal ownership has transferred

at the time of failure. If the goods remain your property,

then it is essential that the rights of ownership are

exercised immediately. Any goods may be recovered to

you and their value used to reduce the money owed.

If you bought and sold products and services to each

other, and any goods and services have already passed

to the failed company, you may have ‘a history of mutual

credits and debits’. In this case you can offset that money

owed to the failed company against that money owed to

you by them.


AVROUK.COM

AVRO PARTNERS

For example where the motor trader owes the failed

company £1,000, and the failed company owes the motor

trader £500 then the motor trader can withhold their

£500 in order to reduce the amount they owe.

This right cannot be excluded under the contract.

If there is the potential for such a relationship, it is

essential that advice is taken as soon as possible.

Who is liable for any failures if the company

entered liquidation?

This is a trickier question and, to a greater extent, will

depend on the nature of the contract and services

provided.

Where the failed company is a supplier of work. You

will have a liability to the failed company in the event

they are sued for a fault on your work. However, this is

unlikely if they are in liquidation.

A much more difficult question is whether the

ultimate customer can overreach your supplier and

hold you responsible. Again statutory protections apply,

but this is arguable where your contract with the failed

company excluded the Contract (Rights of the Third Party

Act) 1999. Again it is essential that advice is taken as soon

as possible on this point.

What to do next

The effects of a company failure will depend on how

much money you are owed, and prevention is much

better then cure. Often the first sign of a problem will

be difficulty in obtaining payment and an increase in

the length of time taken to pay. You should maintain

accurate records of the payment terms between you and

your suppliers/customers and monitor these regularly.

As this is a general guide only, any motor trader who

is looking for more advice on this matter, or even

assistance should us for more detailed position.

Don’t forget, this advice is general in nature and will

need to be tailored to any one particular situation. As

an RMI member you have access to the RMI Legal advice

line, RMI template documents, including a disciplinary

process, as well as a number of industry experts for your

assistance.

The RMI Academy of Automotive Skills provides all the training you need to run

your MOT station effectively. We deliver high quality, cost effective training

across the country at prices that cannot be beaten. All sites are COVID-Secure

and strict social distancing and hygiene measures are in place.

• MOT Tester Training Class 4 & 7, Class 5

• Motorcycle Tester Training

• Vehicle Technician Accredited Assessment

• MOT Centre Management

• Refrigerant Handling (F-Gas)

• MOT Annual Training

• ADAS Training

• Hybrid/Electric Training

• Technical Training

Classroom social distancing VTAA


AVRO BUSINESS PARTNERS

How does your

insurance broker

score?

Annual insurance renewals can be rather underwhelming as at first glance it

usually seems like you’re paying more for no additional cover. You may well ask

yourself what value your insurance broker is providing you with.

Russell Winch

Howden Insurance

russell.winch@

howdeninsurance.co.uk

07970 481416

Contact Howden

Insurance for discounted

insurance premiums for

AVRO members.

How can you effectively measure the

performance of your broker and what are

the key elements that you should be looking

for when selecting a new one?

Let’s look at the considerations that you can use to

benchmark a broker against its competitors.

How will this insurance broker represent you

in the market?

If you’re choosing a new insurance broker and want to

move your existing insurance arrangements to another

market, then understanding how your potential broker

is going to represent you in the insurance market is

vital. You need to be certain that the way your business

is being presented not only showcases your risk in the

best possible light but also that they open doors with

insurers to secure you the best value.

How good is the broker’s access to market?

Something you can only assess by talking to other

brokers is if your dedicated broker has a wide reach in

the insurance market. By that we mean, do they go out

to many insurance companies or just a few, and do they

even possess the capability to cover the entire market?

If you’re only being shown a couple of insurers, this may

indicate you’re not getting the best value, coverage, and

access to and from the market.

How accessible is this potential insurance

broker?

If something happens, you need a broker that is

contactable as soon as possible so assess how easy

to reach yours is. In addition, with some brokers the

process can be even more complicated if you’re only

able to contact them via email or a call centre, which

leaves you waiting for anything from a short while to a

very long time for your request to be seen by the right

individuals.

For commercial clients who rely on an expert’s

support, it’s vital that your broker is there when you

need them most.

How easy is it to make a claim?

The true value of the insurance policy your broker

has sold you is never clearer than when you need to

make a claim.

Your broker should be able to provide effective

support regardless of how complex the situation is.

Making a claim can be stressful, time consuming, and

at points confusing. A good broker helps you navigating

this process to ensure you’re well equipped to make

your claim – as well as encouraging a speedy response

from all parties involved. This allows you to focus on

your business and address affected areas in what is

likely to be a demanding period.

Will they be adding value?

As well as selling you insurance, does your broker

offer you any other specialist services? Some may have

a risk management team that can help you assess your

hazards, support you with compiling risk assessments,

undertake site surveys, and provide you with relevant

legislative updates. Do they provide you with regular

market developments and news? It’s always worth

looking at what your broker can do for you above and

beyond simply placing your insurance cover.

Can you trust them?

A broker can earn money in a variety of ways,

whether they charge you a broking fee, admin fee,

or earn commission income paid by your insurance

company. But sometimes there might be other earnings

behind the scenes by virtue of volume arrangements

with specific insurers, or the insurers themselves may

also apply additional fees.

Your broker should, on request, disclose all of the

money they earn from placing your business. For larger

placements, fees tend to be the preferred option to

ensure that anything the broker earns is commensurate

to the work they’re doing for you; if you’re paying a

certain amount in excess for your insurance and you

don’t pay a separate fee to your broker, then it’s worth

discussing this with them to ensure you’re getting the

best value for money from the services they provide to

you.

Above all – do you like them?

We’ll happily talk to you about your businesses

and explore how we can support you, addressing and

answering any or all of the above questions we’ve raised

in this article.


AVROUK.COM


Benevolent

Fund

SUPPORTING THE WHOLE RECOVERY INDUSTRY SINCE 1989

£

£

£

Donations

always

welcome

l HELPING FELLOW RECOVERY

OPERATORS IN THEIR TIME

OF NEED

l NOT JUST AVAILABLE TO

AVRO MEMBERS

l FIRST AID FINANCIAL AND

TRAUMA ASSISTANCE

l BEREAVEMENT AND SERIOUS

ILLNESS COUNSELLING

l NO ONE SHOULD FEEL ALONE AT

A TIME OF NEED

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Tel: 01676 540636 | eric@fillongleygarage.com

FIRST-MOVER R3500 -

THE ULTIMATE

RECOVERY SOLUTION

Exclusively Distributed by:

KEY STATS

Lifting Capacity: Up to 3,500 kg

Compact Design: Fits tight spaces like multi-storey car parks

Precision Control: Safely handles high-value vehicles

All-Terrain Tracks: Reliable on any surface

Environmentally Friendly: Reduces recovery-related emissions

CALL: 07973 858 509

EMAIL: SALES@RICHFORDMOTORS.COM

AVRO News & Magazine Issue 65 January - February 2025

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

AVRO News & Magazine Issue 65 January - February 2025

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

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