AAMI steps up for 15th annual autobody repairer awards

As the new year gets underway, it is time to start to look at which shops will be in the running for the 2010 AAMI/Australasian Paint & Panel Autobody Repairer of the Year Award.

Much has changed in the 15 years since the Autobody Repairer of the Year Awards were started and it is fitting that as the 15th annual awards are launched for 2010 AAMI has again thrown its support behind the recognition of excellence in the autoboty repair industry.

AAMI has been a supporter of these awards since their inception and national relations manager Maureen Joseph said AAMI was delighted to again sponsor the Paint & Panel Repairer of the Year Awards for 2010.

“It marks the 15th year of our involvement in these prestigious awards. Since our sponsorship began back in 1995 there have been many changes in the smash repair industry and AAMI is proud to have been able to recognise those who have led the way in innovation and excellence through these Awards,” she said.

According to Joseph, the calibre of the entrants to the awards mirrors the rising standards of professionalism in the industry overall, with repairers increasingly realising that their future in the industry is no longer guaranteed by the length of time they have been in business, but rather by the quality and efficiency of their operation, and the levels of customer service they deliver.

“AAMI has also been delighted to see new entrants to the industry featuring in the awards, particularly over the last five years, and there is no doubt this is a clear indication that this industry has a strong future and is well equipped to adapt to whatever challenges may arise,” Joseph said.

“We have always been a strong supporter of initiatives that lead to improved industry standards as we recognise that we cannot meet our customers’ expectations when they make a claim without the support of the repairers who carry out our repairs.

“Our apprentice and training subsidy schemes, and our sponsorship of these awards, illustrate our commitment to supporting repairers who are prepared to invest in not only the future of their own businesses but in the future of the industry as a whole.

“While the Australia smash repair industry is recognised internationally for the high quality of its repairs and the skills of its tradesmen, there is no doubt the rate of change in paint materials and new vehicle technology over recent years has required repairers to adapt at an unprecedented rate.

“Repairers have had to upgrade their equipment and technical knowledge, and have had to do so while at the same time grappling with a significant skills shortage across the industry.

“The Paint & Panel Awards allow repairers to see what steps are being taken by their counterparts throughout Australia to meet these challenges, whether they run a large or small shop, whether they are new entrants to the market or have been in the industry for decades.

“Hopefully this also provides an opportunity for others to learn from some of these ideas, and where appropriate to adapt them to their own businesses, to continue to improve their own standards of operation.”

Looking to the future, Joseph believes that increased efficiencies and productivity within the workshop is the key to increased repairer profitability.

“Whether this be through new equipment, the quality of tradesmen or other initiatives I believe the repairers who focus their attention on improving their internal business operation, rather than looking for external intervention to assist them, will be those who will prosper and will be keenly sought after by insurance companies as future business partners,” she said.

“When we first sponsored these Awards, 15 years ago, repairers believed they were running efficient and productive businesses, and by the standards of the time they were.

“The same repairers will today acknowledge this was not the case when compared with the levels of efficiency being achieved today. Repairers are resilient and innovative and will continue to find ways to further raise productivity levels in the coming years, while maintaining the required standards of repair.

“For many years we have heard dire predictions about the future of the smash repair industry due to a variety of factors. I remain more optimistic about the future, and the relationship that can exist between insurance companies and repairers.

“Insurance companies and repairers need to work together to meet the ever increasing demands of the customers who are the ultimate purchasers of our respective services.

“I believe all insurance companies want to work with repairers who can deliver quality repairs, in a timely manner, and can do so cost effectively. If that sounds like we want it all that’s probably right, but in turn I think insurers are increasingly recognising that repairers who can deliver such a level of service are an important part of their business, and must be treated accordingly.”

Nominations are now being taken for the 2010 AAMI/Australasian Paint & Panel Autobody Repairer of the Year Awards on line at www.paintandpanel.com.au and an entry form will be distributed in the March/April edition of the magazine.