Suncorp's three-year plan to strengthen repair industry relationships

Suncorp has announced a raft of initiatives aimed at strengthening its partnership with the industry.

Suncorp's Strengthening Industry Partnership Plan outlines 40 initiatives to be delivered over the next three years.

The plan aims to build better partnerships between Suncorp and repairers; improve communication; enhance industry skills; and help address skills shortages.

Suncorp Head of Motor Claims, Sean Dempsey, said the plan recognised that a good working relationship was crucial to the success of Suncorp and of repairers.

“Without repairers, we can’t get our customers back on the road. It makes good commercial sense for us to work together so we are all sustainable, innovative and able to deliver exceptional service to our customers.”

Mr Dempsey said the plan focuses on achievable actions that would help address significant issues in the industry.

“With technology changing so rapidly, skills development is a key priority. Attracting and retaining staff is also an enormous challenge, particularly with the mines offering workers big dollars.

“We believe this plan can help make a difference in some key areas. The recent ICAR welding course run for our repairers in Melbourne is a great example of how we plan to target specific industry training needs through our training subsidy.”

Other key initiatives include:

• Hardship grants for apprentices who are considering leaving the industry for financial reasons

• Specialised banking packages offering exceptional rates and discounts just for our repairers

• A cost-benefit analysis of implementing “green” initiatives in shops

• New signage options for repairers to display a range of brands

• Establishing Repairer Advisory Forums in each state

The plan has been presented at a series of roadshows around the country to aligned repairers who work with the group.

“We’re committed to getting out and about to talk openly and honestly with repairers about our shared future,” Mr Dempsey said.