The Axalta Sustainability Award is now on its sixth year. What began as an award to encourage businesses to think about their impact on the environment has progressed to one that celebrates the true definition of sustainability in business practices.
“Sustainability is central to Axalta’s business and we believe it has relevance to the smash repair industry too,” says Nancy Lane, marketing manager at Axalta Coating Systems. “Sustainability is not only about achieving a green rating or improving recycling processes. It’s about establishing a sustainable business model that will stand the test of time.
“From discussions with our customers, it’s evident that there is an increased focus on ensuring the longevity of their business. With pressures from insurance companies and other work providers, owners are looking for more productive and effective ways to run their business to secure their future. We’ve seen examples in all areas, including staff recruitment and retention programs to customer open days, just to name a few."
What counts as sustainable business practice?
Walker Crash Repairs, SA, was one of the three winners of the the 2014 Axalta Sustainability Awards. Their management team had broken down their business into staff retention and education, purchasing, energy, waste, accreditations, monitor and review, continual improvement, operational procedures / sustainable future and community. They use these categories to monitor the business and ensure that they meet or exceed the criteria they have set themselves with a view to always improve.
A sustainable business model will include a plan for the business, evidence of adapting to the changing market conditions, having a succession plan in place, and marketing the business. In short, everything that will ensure your shop is robust enough to survive and thrive where others falter.
Having a professionally produced website and marketing your business is another essential element of sustainability. If you don't have a website, you can't be considered for this award. Your local MTA or Chamber of Commerce is likely to offer a service with web designers experienced in creating websites for independent businesses, quickly and cost effectively.
Seeking out help to improve your business, whether it's from a business coach, your local MTA, your paint company or where ever you can find it, is another example of a sustainable business approach.
What do I have to do to be considered?
As with the other awards, you can self-nominate. We will also be urging suppliers to nominate businesses they feel are shining examples of sustainability. Nominees will be asked to fill out a form to detail their sustainable initiatives to help the judges make a short list. There is usually more than one winner for this award to highlight the different but equally important approaches to making smash repair shops sustainable businesses. The award is open to all bodyshops regardless of which paint supplier you use. Entries open on March 18 and close on May 29.
Sustainability checklist
You don't need to tick every box but here are some of the criteria the judges will be looking for:
- Strong vision for business and plan for future
- Staff training, especially encouraging the next generation, e.g. apprentices
- Marketing program
- Efficient operating procedures
- Environmentally responsible
- Community involvement
- Specialisation or diversification strategies
- Does your business invest in staff training and apprentices? Do you have a marketing strategy to attract customers? Do you use energy-saving equipment?
- What are you doing to ensure the continued success of your business in the future?
Axalta Sustainability Award Past Winners
2014 Walker Crash Repairs and Kilburn Crush Repairs from SA and Harvey Prestige from QLD.
2013 Musico Smash Repairs, NSW and Welland Crash Repairs SA
2012 Wales Truck Repairs, NSW
2011 Willmot Smash Repair Specialist, QLD
2010 Rosenthal Smash Repairs, SA