The Award Goes To

And the Easi Drive Accident Management sponsored award for vehicle manufacturer networks goes to ...Ford Motor Company!

Congratulations to Ford Motor Company, which picked up the ABP Club Night of Knight’s award for Vehicle Manufacture Networks.This was the category (out of 11) sponsored by Easi Drive at the Auto Body Professionals Club’s third annual event.

The night was a triumph, with 394 delegates – a 21 per cent increase on last year.

Twenty-four of the top 30 bodyshop groups were represented at the evening, attended by guest speaker Debra Searle MBE, who captivated every single person in that room.

If reports are to be believed, Debra’s speech is the first and only time a convention of bodyshop industry folk has sat still and total silence, as they heard about her determination to row solo across the Atlantic in three-and-a-half months – through hurricanes and utter loneliness.

Debra stayed on to present the Night of Knights Awards.

Congratulations to all 11 winners.

Easi-Drive Strengthens Team with Key Appointment

Manchester-based accident management firm Easi-Drive, has announced a key appointment this week.

Liam Dunn, former sales team manager at Barclays, has joined the company as its new claims manager.

The 30-year-old will be responsible for overseeing the day to day running of the claims department, working alongside existing Team Leaders and Claims Negotiators, to provide excellent customer service to both clients and referral sources.

Liam, who lives in Failsworth, has been employed in the financial services sector since graduating from the University of Central Lancashire in 2000.

His career credentials include Regional Claims Manager for motor insurance company Quinn Direct and Outbound Operations Manager for business insurer Allianz.

On his appointment, Liam said: “Easi-Drive is a unique company with a great approach to business. This opportunity offers a new challenge in an excellent working environment, where the company really cares about its staff. This is the most exciting role I’ve embarked on and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”

Simon Bellamy, Easi-Drive founder and director, said: “Liam brings with him a wealth of knowledge in managing a team and producing results in terms of customer satisfaction. He will be an asset to the company as we strive to continue to take the business forward.”

Staff On The Road To Work-Based Qualifications

Employees at leading accident management specialists Easi-Drive are on the road to success after bosses enrolled them on a business training course to help them realise their full potential.

The company, based in Wythenshawe, which employs 150 people is committed to helping its staff build their qualifications and skills base encouraging them to advance through to higher positions within the organisation.

The Damar training is offered to employees at no cost to them, as they work towards national vocational qualifications (NVQs) or apprenticeships and work in areas such as administration, accounts, and customer service.

Leah Hambleton from Fallowfield was one of the first employees to benefit from the training.

The 19-year-old, a former pupil at Buckley High School in Wythenshawe, started her career at Easi-Drive as an administration trainee doing basic administration duties and was keen to undertake the Damar training to improve her skills.

She picked three courses, including call handling and filing, and over a 12-month period produced a portfolio of work and achievements before sitting her exams.

She said: “I started at Easi-Drive straight from leaving school and really lacked in confidence. The training has really given me that confidence to do the job and progress in the company, and now I’m a fully-fledged recoveries negotiator.

“I’ve got a really good team around me, who have been really supportive, and the training has been a positive experience.”

Managing Director Simon Bellamy said: “Damar training is a fantastic way to improve the skills of our workforce. As a business we are committed to the development of the team. We reward hard work and commitment and offer the opportunity for all employees to develop long-term career with Easi-Drive.”