What an inspiring 2 days at the Kinetic conference, with speakers representing Insurers, manufacturers, and key suppliers, joined by host, the charismatic Quentin Willson and Chris Mckie, Group CEO, Vizion who stands apart for his fortitude, commitment, resilience, and insight of what our industry can truly achieve by working together.
The Vision: Let's move forward together.
The message at Kinetic was clear from the start, a strong focus on collaboration, joined-up thinking and the need to move boundaries and obstacles, in order to face the challenges and opportunities of the automotive industry together.
Supported by two arenas of exhibitors and sponsors from the automotive supply chain, Kinetic brought together the very best of the industry, showcasing the latest products, services and personalities.
To demonstrate the overarching theme of collaboration and embracing all elements of the industry, Vehicle Manufacturers were also there in abundance, providing a great presence, bringing their latest technologies to showcase BEV, hydrogen and digital capabilities amongst others, as well as a nostalgic trip with classic models from enthusiasts within the industry which went further to demonstrate the huge leap in the use of technology and materials over the years.
The focus: Empowering a new generation, Automotive 2.0
Chris McKie explained that although the path forward may sometimes feel uncertain, one thing has never been clearer. To change the trajectory for the better, we have to come together, work together, and support each other in building a better repair and automotive industry, where we promote new technologies, attract new talent and seize opportunities to ensure that we can be as sustainable as possible whilst fixing ineffective and redundant thinking in process, supply and services.
Our next presenter was Waseem Malik, Chief Claims Officer, Aviva, who spoke about the 4 C's, Customer, Change, Collaboration and Commitment and how customer expectations continue to evolve in an increasingly digital world, and how Aviva are adapting and looking ahead with skill shortages and sustainability ambitions to support the sector and the customer. Next was Sander Knipp, Country Cluster Manager VR BeNeLux & UKI, Akzo Nobel, who explained the pioneering work Akzo Nobel are doing to make a positive contribution to net-zero transition within the industry asking repairers to 'ReThink' with their range of sustainable products.
After lunch the importance of sustainability continued with Steve Silverwood, Managing Director, ECA energy, explaining the current energy markets, costs and how repairers can future-proof their business to make cost savings whilst also becoming more sustainable. With digital being at the forefront of Automotive 2.0, Sean Peapell, VP Global Threat Services, Rootshell Security Ltd, gave an insight into how your business and individuals can be compromised by cyber criminals and how everyone can better prepare to reduce the risk and severity of attacks.
The first panel discussed the changing needs of the customer, the environment and claims, Stefan Elks, Head of Retail Operations, AXA, Jodie Graham, Head of Motor Claims, UKGI Claims, AVIVA and Nick Blacknell, Head of Claims Supply & Services, NFU Mutual.
To summarise day one, Quentin was joined once again by Chris McKie with a spirited and honest conversation focussing on the opportunities.
The first day ended with Shine Awards, Vizion's recognition of repairers who have demonstrated outstanding customer service and exemplify Vizion values. Tom Waller, Chichester Cars said "I took great pride in handing the Awards to the team who were bursting with excitement, and quite rightly so! They now reside in prime position in reception. A phrase I took pleasure relaying to the team quoting Quentin Willson, "We are the Michelangelo of the Automotive industry"! We are going to be placing this amazing news into the local newspaper and will be approaching 'Trade press' also."
Vizion Shine Awards are won based on a strict scoring mechanism and are very hard-fought categories. They recognise individuals, repairers and companies that exemplify the very best of Vizion Values in customer service, behaviours, sustainability, and forward thinking.
The evening event saw over 900 people enjoy a powerful but casual networking event, with entertainment provided by magicians, caricaturists, silhouette artists who mingled with the crowd, alongside a pop up casino where delegates had the opportunity to have a bit of fun gambling with Vizion dollars whilst socialising with some old and also new friends.
"The evening event is all about coming together, networking and enjoying the company, it's as simple as that, and something that everyone embraced and enjoyed, A great night" Marcus Laird, Creative Director, Vizion
Day 2 kicked off with Chris McKie 'Together we Move Mountains' an insight of what's to come with new solutions and updates to existing data platforms, the increase in new bi-directional connections, saving up to 80% of processing time and to ensure intelligent digital integration remains seamless and ahead of the wave, and how Vizion platforms are expanding into other regions, including into France with Ford.
Next up we heard from Andy Robson, Director Parts Operations, Parts & Service, Stellantis, and Chris Downing, Head of Sales and Operations, Distrigo Parts Distribution & Accident Repair, Stellantis, on how much Stellantis have achieved by daring to be different and their outline to move forward with their repairer and parts programmes.
Farrell Dolan, Strategic Sales Director Axalta Coating Systems, Refinish EMEA keynote explained how Axalta Refinish technology can re-imagine how we tackle sustainability with FCLE technology and that is one of the most sustainable refinish E2E paint systems available on the market today.
After Lunch, Sarah Brettle, Director, Ford Customer Service Division, UK & Ireland, presented a compelling presentation on 'A new era of digital connectivity', with an insight into FordLiive, a truly connected car ecosystem, showcasing the true potential of the future and its opportunities.
To continue the theme of manufacturers, Steve Plunkett, Global Bodyshop Program Manager, Lotus Cars, treated us to an insight into Lotus, heritage, present and future. Steve also explained the new Lotus bodyshop programme and how this will be delivered alongside the customer assistance platform, working with Vizion and WRC.
Our final panel session welcomed Stefan Elks, Head of Retail Operations, AXA, Yvonne Holden, Head of Aftersales Business Development, BMW UK Limited, James Roberts, Business Development Director, Europcar, Benjamin Challinor, Senior Data Investigator, UKGI Motor Claims , AVIVA, and Chris McKie, Group CEO, Vizion Network. The audience enjoyed the panel's perspectives on several topics including enhanced data, digital customer, hire cars and what all this means, and the need for all brands to do more, communicate better and move forward together.
Closing the day, Quentin was joined once again by Chris who informed and inspired the audience, and provided insights and positive perspectives on a connected digital future, taking us through a journey of the 2 days, sharing a few realities and home truths to remind the audience that our industry is going through unstoppable and also required change, and hoped that the 2 days provided a clear and concise look into that future for all in attendance! Chris challenged everyone to go back to our businesses and do more to build sustainability into policies, embrace digital transformation and collaborate to be part of Automotive 2.0, so we can all continue to move forward together.
We need to believe in our power, as repairers and suppliers, to reshape the automotive and repair industry into one that works for everyone.
Chris Mckie said "We need to believe in our power, as repairers and suppliers, to reshape the automotive and repair industry into one that works for everyone. We must stay focused on all our potentials, as individuals and as an industry, to make change possible. What we do now, together, will shape what happens next."
This year's event, Kinetic, was bigger and bolder than ever before. Did it deliver? We genuinely hope so, from the incredible feedback we believe it did, but we are always keen to improve, so please take a moment to complete the feedback, your thoughts are appreciated. Everyone at Vizion would like to thank our speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, partners and of course all the delegates who attended, without whom none of this would have been possible.