NRMA launches small business course

News

NRMA Insurance launched its first Small Business Management course in May at the Sydney Institute of Technology's state-of-the-art vehicle repair department. An initial 15 Preferred Smash Repairers are taking the course with a further 30 Sydney repairers participating in June. The course is due to be rolled out into other areas of New South Wales, starting with Coffs Harbour and Tamworth this month.
Barry Hurley, owner of Hurley Bros Smash Repairs in Brookvale, Sydney was pleased to be embarking on the course. "With the many complexities associated with successfully running a smash repair operation, we are continually looking at ways to improve business management. We appreciate NRMA Insurance's response to our feedback during the development of the Preferred Smash Repairer program."
At the launch of the course, Paul Pemberton, NRMA claims and assessing manager, said "Participants will develop greater skills in employee relations, writing business and financial plans, and interpreting profit and loss statements".
Also at the launch were apprentices on the NRMA-sponsored Autobody Apprenticeship scheme. These apprentices will go on to find placements at NRMA Preferred Smash Repairers.
Cap: Fifteen PSR owners took part in the first NRMA small business course, including Steve Hurley, Hurley Bros. (left), Alan Keates, A&J Smash and George Askew, Mona Vale Smash Repairs (right).

AAMI releases Code of Practice
AAMI has released its Repairer Code of Practice to the smash repair industry. The aim of the document according to AAMI is "To promote compliance with the unconscionable conduct provisions of the Trade Practices Act and the law generally". The code seeks to provide "natural justice and accountability between the parties through an effective, timely and independent Disputes Resolution Process".
The Code is supported by the AAMI Accident Repairs Standards (which is to be rolled out in New South Wales later this year) and AAMI national director, corporate affairs, Ralph Johnston said the Accident Repairs Standards draw together and formalise AAMI's expectations and requirements of repairers in terms of quality and timeliness of repair. He said they have been developed over the years by AAMI in consultation with repairers.
"Given that the Standards formalise long-held requirements, essentially they [the Codes of Practice] do not change AAMI's existing relationship with repairers," he said. "They have the benefit of removing any shades of grey in the understanding of both parties. Additionally, having the Code working in tandem with the Standards provides repairers with a formal mechanism for airing any major concerns they may have regarding their relationship with AAMI.
The Code is to be regulated by an executive director; Bob Davison who will serve as an independent disputes conciliator. The Code will be fully implemented by the end of this year.
 
NRMA makes changes to PSR
Paul Pemberton, NRMA Insurance manager, assessing and claims, said in mid-May that 311 repairers had signed to the company's Preferred Smash Repairer program. NRMA had planned to have up to 750 repairers from its 1300-strong network in New South Wales signed up to PSR by May 2001.
Pemberton revealed NRMA is continuing to refine its Competitive Partnering Repairer system with the establishment of a repairer consultative group and a new TAFE Small Business Management program.
Perhaps in recognition of the controversy surrounding PSR, NRMA has acted to take on board repairers' suggestions through a new NRMA Insurance Advisory Panel consisting of leading Preferred Smash Repairers who according to NRMA "will provide feedback on industry issues". NRMA has also acted to reiterate that repairers outside the NRMA network can apply to be 'Partnered Repairers' "if they meet quality, cost, service and business need criteria".
All existing Competitive Partnering contracts can be renewed for one year from the expiry of the previous contract "where the repairer has met our business criteria", said the company.
"The new Preferred Smash Repairer consultative group will ensure repairers have an open communication channel to discuss industry trends and provide input on the program to NRMA," said Pemberton.