In case you missed our MSO feature in the January/February issue where we talked to all the major groups we'll be publishing their interviews individually online. This week:
Strategic Collision Repair Group
Sites: 13
Employees:150
Type of work: All collision repairs
Established: 2019
No of apprentices:12
Funding: Privately funded
Sites in: QLD,NSW
Strategic Collision Repair Group (SCRG) was formed in 2019 when the company bought Stanley’s Panel Works, Bodyline Motor Body, Cowper Smash Repairs, Coulson Body Repairs, Silverwater Smash Repairs and CRA Group. That gave them 13 sites in two states.
Over the last two years the group has been busy working on integrating systems and processes. Dominic James is SCRG’s CEO and he gave us the group update.
“All the vendors are shareholders in the group. During COVID the group as a whole was able to trade through and we were able to do the right thing by our employees. Standing people down is a terrible outcome and we didn’t want to do that. It was tough, but I think we are in a better position now because we showed our people that we are committed to them.
“We also maintained our PCM (price cost model) throughout the lockdowns. which showed our insurance partners that we were able to deliver even in trying circumstances.”
It’s fair to say that it hasn’t been the ideal time for expansion but there are plans afoot. “We’ll be working with our insurance partners looking at where they have gaps in the market. We’re looking at a number of transactions at the moment and at how we grow our footprint and what type of work we want to add to the portfolio,” he said.
“Any business we do buy must be aligned with our values which is putting the insurance partners and their policy holders at the forefront of everything we do. It’s all about rapid quality repairs each and every time. There were a lot of unknowns during COVID but now that we’ve gone through that, we are looking to grow the network,” he said.
“There are plenty of opportunities and we are always fielding inquiries from business owners and greenfield sites are a possibility.
“We’re a really ambitious group and in early 2022 we’ll be looking to grow and grow quickly. The people who have come on board want to be part of something collectively.”
In terms of the talent pool James said it is import to invest in people.”You can’t complain about a skills shortage and not put people on. We are working in close partnership with a number of community groups giving many kids a chance. We have a number of deaf people in our organisation and we are reaching out to disability organisations.”
James said the cost of parts and lack of parts supply and new technologies are always challenging. “There are plenty of opportunities. I think there’s a sweet spot in the market for a reliable consolidated entity and the insurers prefer that one point of contact across multiple sites.
“We want to be seen as an employer of opportunity welcoming the right people regardless of background. If they’re willing to have a go, we’re willing to give them a go. Creating this kind of culture will help to ensure team stability and we’re already fielding enquiries from technicians asking how they can get involved because they’ve been told we’re a good place to work.”