AutoRaise

?? International Women’s Day 2025: Who Inspires You? Ahead of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the wonderful women who’ve shaped our journeys, challenged the norm, and inspired us. If you didn't know, AutoRaise is managed by an all-female team, and to mark this year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, we asked them: Who is your female role model and why? We’re sharing the stories of the women who’ve inspired our team. Swipe through our carousel to see our answers! Now, we want to hear from you! Who is your female role model and why? Drop your answers in the comments and let’s celebrate the women making an impact. #IWD2025 #InternationalWomensDay #AccelerateAction #WomenInAutomotive #FutureOfRepair #RoleModels #autoraise Emma (Worthington) Speed | Wendy Turner-Hargreaves | Rebeka Hopkins

After five days of relentless desert trekking, battling scorching heat, aching feet, and an unexpected Saharan thunderstorm, our new trustee Martyn Rowley has conquered the BEN Sahara Challenge, along with Karen Jakes (Thatcham Research) and the ILC team. Pushing through blister-covered miles and some truly ‘rustic’ sleeping conditions, Martyn joined a determined team walking to raise vital funds for BEN, the charity supporting people across the automotive industry through tough times. Just as they thought they’d earned a well-deserved rest, the desert threw 40mph winds, lightning, and evacuation warnings into the mix—because clearly, walking across a desert wasn’t challenging enough! Despite the exhaustion (and a few questionable shower situations), every step was worth it to support industry colleagues facing hardship. Martyn’s dedication to giving back is truly inspiring, and this challenge proves just how committed he is to making a difference. Please support Martyn and Karen if you’re able to - ?every donation helps those in our industry when they need it most: https://lnkd.in/e8GTmzzh Incredible effort, Martyn! Time for a well-earned rest (and maybe some actual running water). #SaharaTrek #BENCharity #AutomotiveIndustry #WalkingForGood #SupportBEN Martyn Rowley | Thatcham Research | NBRA / VBRA | Ben Automotive Industry Charity

Proud of your bodyshop? Show off your space! Our post the other day about the outdated perception of bodyshops sparked an interesting response – and we’d like to keep this conversation going. We know today’s bodyshops are modern, high-tech, and cleaner than ever before – and we’d love to showcase more of them. Post a picture of your bodyshop in the comments – whether it’s your gleaming spray booth, a cutting-edge repair bay, or your team at work. We’ll include photos shared with us in our online newsletter so do let us know the name of your business too. We can't wait to see what's behind your door! ?? #ShowUsYourBodyshop #FutureOfRepair #AutoRaise #ModernBodyshops #bodyshops

When people picture a career in automotive repair, they often think of Phil ‘Eastender’ Mitchell’s garage. Oily rags, clunky old tools, and a lot of sweary blokes. But is that outdated stereotype still stopping young people from seeing the incredible career opportunities this industry has to offer? This National Careers Week, we want to set the record straight: ·??????Modern workshops are clean, high-tech environments (like the fabulous Vella one on the right here) ·??????Today’s technicians work with cutting-edge EVs & ADAS technology ·??????It’s a skilled, innovative profession with real career progression ·??????The industry is evolving—offering competitive salaries and long-term growth Yet, thousands of apprenticeship vacancies go unfilled every year. We’re all about showing young people that a future in automotive repair isn’t about greasy overalls and broken-down bangers—it’s about technology, expertise, and a future-proof career. What do you think? Does the old-school view of bodyshops still hold people back from considering this industry? #NationalCareersWeek #FutureOfRepair #Apprenticeships #AutomotiveCareers #ModernWorkshops #AutoRaise

Women in Automotive!?? “What excites me most about my role is the ability to connect and support businesses within the body repair sector. Seeing the industry evolve and helping #Bodyshop’s navigate challenges, innovate, and grow is incredibly rewarding.” Ellie Soden, Central Region Business Development Manager, NBRA / VBRA / VBRA

The Apprentice skills competition ? I just wanted to say a massive well done to all the competitors from the whole week they all absolutely smashed it And a massive good luck to all of the finalists!!! I am also very grateful for the opportunity to be a judge at a competition i competed in my self just last year! So thank you for this great experience :) Steve Hoe Steer Automotive Group

Careers in automotive repair aren’t what they used to be. The industry has evolved—offering cutting-edge technology, high-demand skills, and genuine career progression. But does the next generation know that? Too often, young people don’t see vehicle repair as a first-choice career, yet it offers real, hands-on experience, great earning potential, and long-term job security. Last week when AutoRaise attended the National Careers Guidance Show, we heard from so many schools who have young people looking for an alternative to traditional academic routes – but aren’t aware of opportunities in vehicle repair. For us, it was a real eye-opener. Collectively, we have a huge job to do in raising awareness among young people and schools and colleges. But we’re not afraid of a challenge! This National Careers Week, we want to make sure apprenticeships in body repair are on the radar for careers professionals, educators, and job seekers. If you’re in the education sector, do make sure you follow us and subscribe to our newsletter. We’re planning a range of new resources to help spread the message and bridge the skills gap. #NationalCareersWeek #FutureOfRepair #AutomotiveCareers #Apprenticeships #SkilledCareers #schools #colleges #autoraise

So much time and effort goes into a five minute video. We were so happy with how Gavin Kerr and his team told our story. Here’s how he did it.

Great video Gavin Kerr of a fab event. We loved it!

What a day! Thank you so much to everyone who came to speak to us at the National Careers Guidance Show in Leeds today. We had queues for much of the day and we were blown away by your feedback on the session by Emma (Worthington) Speed, Rosie Smith from Steer Automotive Group and Izzy Hammond from The Smallest Cog. Great work raising awareness for women in male focused industries. #autoraise #NCGS2025 #apprenticeships #apprentices #womeninauto