Supporters Club
 | UK AutoTalk is the UK's No1 online network of Automotive Technicians and Independent Garage owners. We have 12 forums containing 35,000 ongoing posts, plus constantly updated archives about common (and not so common) faults on the UK's most popular vehicles. Join the UK AutoTalk network and get access to all the technical forums. Non members can view our The concept is simple. Like minded technicians from across the UK, sharing information about today's sophisticated vehicles, plus helpful information towards running an Independent Garage with increasing public demand and expectations. We have now established a UKAT network of technicians contributing to the UK AutoTalk forums. "UK AutoTalk is pleased to be able to support the Open Road West Norfolk Trust. One of the most challenging aspects of the Motor Trade is being able to find young enthusiastic Technicians that have the appropriate skills to deal with modern vehicle technology. With the training that Open Road can offer, the future of the Independent Garage in Norfolk and beyond can be assured" Peter Warman UK AutoTalk | |
 | In the late 1930's, a 16 year old Alfred Johnson began a cycling repairing and retailing business in Wimbotsham, West Norfolk. After a short time he moved his business into Downham Market and in time expanded into selling radio, television and electricals. He sold the electrical and radio side of the business in 1951 and discovered that he had a flair for selling cars so he headed to Denver and started a new business. In 1956 he moved into larger premises at Tottenhill where he sold new and second-hand vehicles and also moved into selling car spares. His business flourished and stayed at Tottenhill until 1970 when he moved back to Downham Market to concentrate on the factoring side of the business, this move also enabled him to move back into cycles and accessories, which are still sold to this day. Today, as a company, A.T.Johnson trades from its main depot at Downham Market and also at Kings Lynn, which opened in 1983. It is East Anglia's largest family run independent motor factor and both shops carry a huge stock of tools, garage equipment, spares and consumables. We are delighted to be able to support the Open Road West Norfolk Trust and believe that there is a need for more enthusiastic and motivated young people to join our industry.
| |
 | The West Norfolk Partnership (WNP) is the Local Strategic Partnership for West Norfolk comprising a group of public, private and voluntary sector organisations which work together to improve services and the quality of Life in West Norfolk. We are proud to have funded and supported the set-up of the Open Road West Norfolk Project. Preventing exclusions from schools through early intervention is a key priority for the WNP's Children and Young People Partnership. Open Road offers a tried and tested form of alternative education that helps to interest and motivate young people which can help to achieve this priority. The day release scheme is an excellent example of the kind of provision that is required for young people who require something a bit different from the education system. Some attendees will see it as an activity in its own right; others will see it as a stepping stone to a course at one of the colleges in the region or maybe an apprenticeship with a local employer. The West Norfolk Partnership wishes the project great success for the future. | |
 | The IMI is the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail sector and the professional association for individuals working in all sectors of the motor industry. The need for competent, ethical individuals has never been more crucial to the future success of the motor industry and our mission is to help employers in generating demonstrable improvements in productivity and performance, through a workforce which is better trained, qualified and recognised, not least through IMI membership. The IMI is also the governing body of the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme which is the UK 's first national voluntary accreditation scheme for vehicle technicians. The scheme has grown in strength with now over 18,000 accredited individuals already achieving the standard and carrying ATA photo ID cards. The IMI is pleased to support Open Road and I was delighted to be asked to officially open the training facility. It is wonderful to see so many organisations working together to give young people the opportunity to succeed in what is a very well equipped facility. The motor industry is an evolving sector and to ensure it is viewed as a robust and respected industry in the future, it needs to attract and retain capable young people who have got what it takes to make a career in what is a highly credible and professional sector. We support the work Open Road is doing to help achieve this." Sarah Sillars OBE, Chief Executive of the IMI: | |
 | Bluecycle is the online marketplace for car salvage auctions, allowing customers to trade from anywhere at any time. A wholly owned subsidiary of Aviva, the UK's largest insurer, Bluecycle holds hundreds of auctions each week and since the business was formed in 2000, it's handled well over 600,000 vehicles. It manages the complete disposal process and extra services, including the provision of replacement vehicles, sets Bluecycle apart from its competitors, giving customers the reassurance of dealing with a team whose expertise and professionalism is second to none. Bluecycle ensures that any salvage deemed not suitable for repair is either destroyed through its network of salvage partners or sold to UK based Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs), which operate in accordance with the ABI Code of Practice. Every vehicle is checked for outstanding finance and legal issues before being cleared for auction and Bluecycle audits all category B vehicles to ensure they are destroyed as required by the DVLA's Certificate of Destruction regulations. Bluecycle's salvage partners undergo strict audit and compliance procedures to ensure there is a consistent approach to reducing the impact on the environment. Helping the automotive sector develop skills is of particular importance to Bluecycle, which is proud to support a number of training initiatives, including the Open Road programme, as well as further education colleges, automotive training providers and Young Offender Institutions. Of its investment in the donation of vehicles for special projects, Piers Wilson, Head of Market Development, Bluecycle, commented: "It's important to us that we can make a difference wherever possible to people through skills development and at the same time providing ethical and meaningful ways of utilising some of the vehicles we handle. Our partnership with Open Road is something we're keen to develop and we look forward to seeing how beneficial the initiative is to the young people involved." | |
 | Charles Trent Ltd (CTL) is one of the largest & longest established vehicle salvage companies in the UK, handling over 40,000 vehicles annually. The company runs a fleet of 35 trucks & employs over 150 staff at 6 sites across the UK. Staff are employed in a wide range of disciplines, including truck drivers, mechanics, diagnostic technicians, administrators, managers and accountants. The recovery and sale of ‘green parts' remains a key part of the business: the re-use of parts being in line with the global need to minimise the impact of motor vehicles upon the environment. Working alongside companies that share similar views, such as Bluecycle, CTL aims to be a market leader in the quality of its products & services. It recognises the need to recruit & retain skilled staff. This in turn means that the company has a role to play in shaping the skills base of the UK's workforce, both inside & outside the existing staff pool. For this reason, CTL is proud to support the training needs of organisations such as Open Road West Norfolk, which are seeking to ignite the interest & develop the skills of our future engineers, and to continue to make this company, and the UK economy, a world leader. | |
 | Established in 1969 Motorman is universally considered to be the UK 's lead aftermarket supplier of quality re-manufactured Engines, Cylinder Heads, Turbochargers, Gearboxes and Axles. Forty years ago Tony Zalkin the Motorman founder and current working Managing Director identified the need for a specialised quality service and product to support the Garages, Fleet Operators and newly emerging Fleet Leasing Companies. Motorman is recognised for their professional, excellent service and technical expertise which impacts on reducing vehicle maintenance costs and downtime. Uniquely, Motorman's decision to create their own network of strategically placed specialist fitting centres, provide customers with a complete one stop guaranteed package which extends comprehensive cover and services to most areas of the UK mainland and Scottish regions. In line with our continuous innovation and development, Motorman was the first company (after the initial implementation of the EU End of Life vehicle directive in 2001) to identify and promote the reuse of low mileage used tested engines and transmissions. By intelligently recycling used parts taken from body damaged ELVs for reinstallation into fleet and leasing business vehicles, it changed what had been the accepted norm (which was to throw away or purchase brand new products) to a sustainable environmentally friendly process. This major advancement has prompted others to follow our lead and has now become an acceptable alternative against new or reconditioned parts. Motorman are only too willing to support the objectives of the Open Road Project by donating modern major automotive units to enable the students to experience and work on the most modern equipment. We are totally committed to Open Road's core principles capturing the attention of young people, promoting training and subsequently progressing their own career within the Motor Industry. Brian Cafferty CAE Eng Tech MIMI - Motorman Sales Director | |
 | As a web and brochure design and marketing agency we have taken school students for work experience for many years from schools around the county. When we first heard about OPEN ROAD WEST NORFOLK we were delighted to help promote the concept as it is so obviously aimed at achieving something concrete and positive with our local young people. We are delighted to be associated with the Open Road team – true professionals who genuinely understand the needs of both local businesses and our young people. Our clients include Snap On Tools, NGK Spark Plugs and the Toyota Academy in the automotive side whilst we have also worked closely with dozens of schools, colleges, LSC's and local authorities for many years. Today, training and education are more important than ever before and if we don't equip our young people for tomorrow's technology we simply won't have the jobs and quality of life that Norfolk people treasure so highly. | |
 | ADL is an independent aftermarket parts distributor, 100% focused on serving the independent service and repair sector via a national network of wholesalers. Many of the apprentices who pass through Open Road West Norfolk will end up working in independent workshops, helping to give consumers a high quality yet cost-effective alternative to the franchised main dealer for vehicle service and repair. As such, these young technicians are not only the future of the motor industry in general, but of the independent repair and parts sectors in particular. The Blue Print range contains over 20,000 different items across more than 100 different product types, covering not only mainstream products like filters and brakes but also many less common items. We specialize in parts for Japanese, Korean and American models but cater for many European vehicles as well. In combination, Blue Print parts and independent garages offer a quality alternative to the high cost of having your vehicle serviced or repaired at the main dealer. We look forward to seeing Open Road flourish in the years to come. |
|
| ProAuto has been providing bespoke technical training solutions to the motor industry since 1997 and now works in partnership with many vehicle, parts and equipment manufacturers as well as large numbers of independent garages in the UK, on the continent and in SE Asia. In 2005, ProAuto expanded its operations to include apprenticeship provision and incorporated a sister company, ProVQ Ltd to focus on this activity. ProVQ currently manages over 450 fully employed apprentices across the disciplines of technician, body and paint, parts advisor, service advisor and sales. ProVQ engages directly with motor industry employers in creating employment opportunities and matching suitable candidates to these. Once matched, the employed apprentice's learning journey is then managed by ProVQ - vacancy creation through to certification. "I am absolutely delighted to be involved in Open Road West Norfolk. Our partnership will provide unparalleled opportunities for young people in the region to benefit from the highest quality automotive technical education. Success for me will be Open Road learners progressing to full time employment within the local motor industry following an apprenticeship and advanced apprenticeship - meeting the demands of this highly technical industry, earning a good living and contributing to the economy." Julian Lloyd Managing Director | |
 | Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics, equipment, software and service solutions for professional users. Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centres, as well as customers in industry, government, education, agriculture, aviation and natural resources. Products and services are sold through the company's franchisee, company-direct, distributor and internet channels. Founded in 1920 is a $2.8 billion S&P 500 Company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA. In the UK we have main distribution, product support and administrative facilities at Kettering, Kings Lynn and Reading. Positioned in the forefront and at the very heart of the motor industry, our customers and associates around the globe work in every sector. We are therefore well placed to understand and support the needs of the industry. Through our ‘Excellence in Education' programmes, Snap-on is committed to helping the motor industry produce high calibre trainers and students qualified to the highest levels of accreditation. We recognise that it is through these individuals that the future of the industry will benefit, enhanced and secured. The ‘Excellence in Education' programme can provide assistance and a framework for provision of ‘World class' facilities, tools, workshop equipment, vehicle diagnostic software, training materials and management systems. The Snap-on ‘partnership' with Colleges and training providers is a dynamic and exciting foundation for success. It is for these reasons that we are particularly pleased to be associated with the ‘Open Road' project. The obvious enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism of those involved, for the benefit of ambitious young people of West Norfolk, mirror the ‘Values, Vision and Beliefs' that are our own. Together and in partnership with others, we aim to ‘Make a Difference'. Ian Brook Director Snap-on UK - ‘Excellence in Education'
|
