Suncorp throws weight behind new motor repair industry advocate

Suncorp throws weight behind new motor repair industry advocate | Insurance Business Australia

Motor & Fleet

Suncorp throws weight behind new motor repair industry advocate

Partnership aims to address skills shortage and other workforce challenges

Motor & Fleet

By
Roxanne Libatique

Suncorp Group (Suncorp) has aligned with the Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA), Australia’s new advocate for the repair sector, aiming to tackle the ongoing challenges of workforce shortages and the ageing demographic of professionals in the motor repair industry.

The partnership, established through a two-year sponsorship contract, positions Suncorp as the first insurance company to lend its support to ACIA since the organisation’s launch last year.

What is ACIA?

ACIA, functioning as a national not-for-profit entity, is committed to highlighting career paths within the collision repair sector to help attract and retain the necessary workforce.

Central to ACIA’s mission is the facilitation of collaboration among key industry stakeholders — including repair shops, suppliers, insurance companies, dealership groups, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) — to finance and drive initiatives that will bring new talent into the profession.

Why the Suncorp-ACIA partnership matters

Luke Whenman, executive general manager for motor claims customers at Suncorp, highlighted the importance of this collaboration.

“This is an excellent step forward for the repair industry, recognising the significance of investing in developing current and future talent,” he said. “I’m proud that Suncorp can partner with ACIA to ensure the delivery of exceptional repair outcomes for our customers.”

Echoing this sentiment, Stuart Faid, ACIA board member and regional vice president for Australia, Asia, and New Zealand at Fix Network, remarked on the importance of Suncorp’s commitment in combating the skills shortage crisis facing the industry.

“It’s great to see one of Australia’s major insurers getting behind the industry through this commitment to the ACIA,” he said. “It is a testament to their commitment to the long-term sustainability of the industry that Suncorp is the first insurer to become an ‘Industry Partner’ of the ACIA.”

Faid explained that Suncorp’s involvement enhances ACIA’s diverse membership base, which spans the entire industry supply chain from component manufacturers and equipment providers to paint suppliers and repair services.