Major fleet operator saves 79% on engine repair costs with SYNETIQ

  

Keeping on top of vehicle repair costs is essential when operating a large fleet. In the event of a mechanical fault, it pays to call SYNETIQ – as a major fleet operator recently discovered…

The vehicle in question was a Mercedes C250. It had already been recovered to a Mercedes main dealership, where initial investigations showed signs of contamination in the fuel system. The fuel system was drained and replenished with fresh fuel, and other associated checks were carried out. After an engine compression test, the fleet operator was informed the results were below the minimum figures accepted by the OEM. At this stage, the investigative work had amounted to over £500.


The main dealer recommended that a brand new OEM replacement engine was fitted, at a cost of around £16,500. SYNETIQ received a call from its fleet customer to provide a quote for a remanufactured replacement engine and fuel injection equipment. These costs totalled £6,595, including a full 12 month parts and labour UK warranty. To achieve this significant saving, the Mercedes was recovered to the workshop.

However, the best news was yet to come. Once on site, SYNETIQ carried out a further engine compression test which delivered readings within Mercedes’ specifications. The cylinder bores were scoped and the injectors were sent for testing, where SYNETIQ’s technicians discovered a seized injector was stuck open, overfuelling the engine.


The problem injector was replaced and the rest were cleaned and tested. The rest of the fuel system, including the fuel rail, filter and pump were cleaned and tested. The engine oil and filter were also replaced, before a specialist fuel sample diagnostic test was conducted. Additional road testing revealed the C250 was back to full health and ready to be returned to the road. The total cost for this work was just £3,241.


One final piece of good news? The work was completed within five working days of collection – significantly less than the 3-4 weeks estimated by the main dealer.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service practice emergency training with SYNETIQ.

  

SYNETIQ has hosted a Road Traffic Collision (RTC) training day for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The training day, held at SYNETIQs Huddersfield site, was an opportunity to practice vital skills for real emergency situation. Firefighters are called to RTCs regularly as part of the emergency response they provide across West Yorkshire. Practicing rescue skills like these means they maintain their training to a high level in working across a range of situations.

SYNETIQ donated three vehicles and staged an RTC for the team, creating a challenging and realistic situation. West Yorkshire firefighters were then able to practice rapid extraction methods using their specialist tools.

SYNETIQ’s relationship with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service can be traced back to Motorhog, which previously hosted training days before becoming part of SYNETIQ in March 2019. SYNETIQ was delighted to continue this relationship and is looking forward to welcoming the team back in the future­.

Motorman Ltd rebrands to SYNETIQ

  

In the week that SYNETIQ celebrate their first birthday they are excited to announce the complete rebrand of Motorman Ltd.

SYNETIQ is the UK’s largest vehicle salvage and recycling business, which acquired Motorman in October 2019. Since the acquisition, the two businesses have been busy integrating teams, harmonising processes and taking full advantage of the increased resources available through SYNETIQ.

SYNETIQ Mechanical Services can now access a huge stock of quality, certified OEM green parts, offering fleet clients improved cost-effective repair solutions, product availability and choice.

Joining SYNETIQ has also meant the expansion of the existing UK network of mechanical repair workshops. Group mechanical repair sites in Cheshire (Winsford) and Gloucester (Cinderford) are now being utilised with great success, increasing the already comprehensive UK coverage of workshops.

SYNETIQ is delighted to be equipped with the specialist knowledge and experience of the Motorman team. Coupled with increased capacity and coverage, the business is on hand to offer a more comprehensive service than ever before.

SYNETIQs Major Incident team recovers over 700 vehicles from South Wales motor traders

  

Severe weather is causing a chaotic start to 2020, with many areas of the UK continuing to suffer the effects of major storms.

On Sunday 16th February, the fourth storm of the year hit Pontypridd, South Wales. Over a month’s worth of rain fell in 48 hours, resulting in significant flooding across the area. Over 1000 homes were damaged within the borough, with many businesses also left underwater.

The local motor trade and repair centres are badly affected, returning to work on Monday 17th February to find thousands of vehicles and multiple businesses damaged by flood water. SYNETIQ received notification from its insurance client with several policy holders in need of urgent assistance the area.

SYNETIQs Major Incident team was deployed to the area on Tuesday evening. At first light on Wednesday, a recovery strategy was developed with the Insurer and policy holders, with a strict timescale agreed.

SYNETIQ immediately deployed a fleet of vehicle transporters, forklift trucks, telehandlers and sweepers. By the end of the week, SYNETIQ had cleared 4 primary sites, recovering over 300 vehicles using over 100 transporter journeys.

Over 100 tonnes of river silt and debris was moved from forecourts, enabling policy holders to continue repairs to the property. SYNETIQ will have the remaining areas cleared by the end of the week, helping to assess 150 vehicles as part of a further claim. As a result, the total number of vehicles SYNETIQ has recovered from the Pontypridd area will be over 1000.

Unpredictable weather remains a risk to businesses in the motor trade across the country, but SYNETIQ remains on hand, reacting quickly whenever necessary. Regular investment in equipment and infrastructure also helps SYNETIQ offer the best possible service to its Insurance clients.

Disability Racing Academy set to grow thanks to SYNETIQ

  

A pioneering Racing Academy for drivers with disabilities is set to grow in 2020 thanks to support from the UK’s largest vehicle salvage and recycling company.

SYNETIQ Ltd, which is based in Doncaster, has become the latest supporter of Team BRIT, which aims to be the first all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 hour.  Through its Racing Academy, set up in 2019, it supports people with physical and psychological challenges in accessing motorsport.

The Racing Academy enables any disabled driver with a full UK licence to access professional coaching and tuition at race tracks all over the country using the team’s world-leading hand control technology.

SYNETIQ is supplying Team BRIT with salvage vehicles from its market-leading online auction, plus any parts the team require. The BRIT team of technical experts will then re-build and upgrade these cars, specially adapting them for the Racing Academy.

SYNETIQ’s support has enabled the team to purchase its second Academy car, a BMW M240i – F22, meaning even more clients can take part in these opportunities.

SYNETIQ Ltd was created in March 2019. As the largest UK-owned salvage and vehicle recycling company, SYNETIQ creates intelligent solutions for some of the country’s leading insurers, fleets and police forces.  SYNETIQ is trusted to reuse and recycle vehicles through their online auction, green parts, and recycling processes and are also a provider of software and VRM data solutions.

Having grown significantly since the business merger that saw its launch, SYNETIQ is now raising industry standards in compliance, innovation, value and customer experience. Headquartered in Doncaster, SYNETIQ has over 590 employees at locations across England and Scotland.

Mark Schofield, Director at SYNETIQ said: “We’re delighted to announce our new relationship with Team BRIT – an inspiring and truly unique racing team. In doing so, we are helping to make motorsport accessible to current and future Team BRIT drivers, who previously may not have dreamed of such an opportunity.”

Dave Player, Team BRIT Team Principal said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support SYNETIQ is providing our team and our Racing Academy.  As industry-leaders, their confidence and belief in what we are trying to achieve means so much.

“Their support will allow us to increase the number of Academy sessions we can offer, so that we can welcome even more disabled drivers to our track days.  For many, these opportunities are something they never thought would be possible for them, so by helping us, SYNETIQ is opening the door to motorsport for so many people.

“I’d like to thank them on behalf of everyone at Team BRIT and look forward to working with them throughout 2020.”



SYNETIQ announces further expansion of Finance team

  

SYNETIQ has appointed a new Financial Controller, brought in to support the management and development of the SYNETIQ Finance Team.

Jonathan Pervin brings a wealth of relevant experience gained across both professional services and industry, having previously held senior roles at Deloitte, KPMG, Fulcrum and Wilko. His role is key to helping SYNETIQ further develop their financial governance and reporting to support the businesses growth aspirations which will be achieved through investment, acquisition and business development.

Jonathan will work closely with SYNETIQ’s Finance Director, Leigh Manton, who joined the business in September 2019.

Jonathan said: “I’m delighted to be joining SYNETIQ at such an exciting time. I’m looking forward to working closely with the management team to ensure we maximise the significant opportunities available to us now and in the near future.”

Executive Chairman Tom Rumboll said: “I am very pleased to welcome Jonathan to SYNETIQ as we continue our efforts to lead the industry. To attract someone of Jonathan’s calibre is a great endorsement of our business and strategy and I look forward to working with Jonathan and Leigh to deliver on our ambitious medium-term plan.”

SYNETIQ supports West Yorkshire Police CSI Training facility.

  

West Yorkshire Police’s brand-new Crime Scene Investigation training facility has received a donation of two vehicles from SYNETIQ.

The relationship between West Yorkshire Police and SYNETIQ is well established; the dismantling and recycling business already ensures the compliant processing of the Police’s salvage and end of life vehicles.

The new training facility is based at Wetherby Police Station and will be used for practicing and skills development by Crime Scene Investigators. Vehicles used in crimes can contain key clues, such as fingerprints, hairs or other physical evidence. Regular training is key for all CSI teams, as the job they do can make a huge difference to the outcome of a case.

SYNETIQ donated two undamaged vehicles, a Volkswagen Golf and Polo. The cars were drained of fuel and batteries disconnected before being delivered free of charge. The vehicles will be exchanged once West Yorkshire Police have completed the training.

SYNETIQ raises the bar through outstanding compliance

  

Anna Reade, Client Relationship Manager at SYNETIQ, is now qualified as a Certified GDPR Practitioner.

Anna completed a five-day course, which covered the knowledge and skills to implement, and maintain, an effective compliance programme under the GDPR. Anna’s achievement means SYNETIQ now has two qualified practitioners within the team. Kris Scott, IT Security Manager, qualified last year and is also a Certified Data Protection Officer. It’s clear that SYNETIQ is going above and beyond to achieve unparalleled compliance within the salvage and vehicle recycling industry.

Compliance is a pillar of SYNETIQ’s operations; processes have been implemented to wipe personal data from all vehicles the business handles. Sat nav systems are wiped and any personal items are collected and securely returned to the policy holder.

Microsoft Secure score success

SYNETIQ also celebrating an excellent Microsoft Secure score result – another example of its efforts to remain the most compliant business in the industry.

Microsoft Secure Score is a measurement of a business’ security posture; the higher the number, the more measures have been taken to protect the business from threats. The assessment is continuous and SYNETIQ’s inhouse IT and web development team will ensure it carries on improving.

ISO audit success

Two SYNETIQ sites have also just completed successful ISO audits to renew the long-held accreditations – a timely demonstration of the compliant results in all areas of the business. Following PAS99, the SYNETIQ team developed an integrated management system to provide more efficient ways of working. By using one framework to manage all certified systems, SYNETIQ is now reducing unnecessary duplication and costs.

SYNETIQ’s Doncaster Head Office was awarded ISO 27001, 14001 and 9001 accreditation’s and Cinderford achieved ISO 14001.

National Apprenticeship Week: SYNETIQ’s success stories

  

For Imogen Anderson, National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to reflect on a qualification that’s boosted her career.

Imogen is based at SYNETIQ’s Edinburgh office and was recruited as a Modern Apprentice in 2016. Through QA Apprenticeships, a provider of IT and Business courses, Imogen found and secured the role of Apprentice Web Developer.

Hands-on experience is an integral part of many apprenticeships; in Imogen’s case she was able to learn from experienced colleagues and develop the core skills necessary to pass her exams. Specific two-week courses were also available, each covering a specific subject, such as HTML.

In her first year, Imogen completed an SQA Diploma for IT and Telecommunication Professionals, achieving an SCQF Level 6 qualification. After successfully achieving her Level 8 in year two, Imogen was promoted to a Junior Web Developer role.

Steve Robbins, Head of Web & AWS at SYNETIQ, said: “Since Imogen joined us, we’ve reflected on ourselves with a different perspective. She has brought ideas from outside the bubble and gives us a fresher take on things.”

For Connor Moore, the apprenticeship journey is just beginning. He joined SYNETIQ’s Doncaster team in September 2019, beginning a Stores Apprentice role directly from school through training provider GTA. Like Imogen’s course, Connor’s lasts for 2 years – once completed, he’ll secure a Level 2 Diploma in Vehicle Parts Operations.

Connor said: “I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship so far. I get on well with everyone here and am learning loads about different vehicles and parts. Being able to earn while I learn is great too.”

Day to day, Connor is learning about selecting, storing and issuing parts, providing great experience for customers and managing the payment and IT systems, attending college every other week. He’s also gaining experience with SYNETIQ’s dismantling team too, broadening his range of skills even further.

For Imogen and Connor, apprenticeships have been a fantastic choice at the beginning of their careers. By recruiting two keen young apprentices to bring new skills and resources to the team, SYNETIQ has made a great choice too.

As a business with a pay bill over £3 million, SYNETIQ pays the Apprenticeship Levy; a fund that can be used to pay apprenticeship wages and training providers. SYNETIQ is now looking at ways to maximise the levy for its existing workforce and potential new employees.

SYNETIQ futureproofs its fleet with ten new DVS compliant transporters

  

SYNETIQ has announced a seven-figure investment in its fleet of vehicle transporters.

The brand-new transporters have been purpose built by Belle Trailers and are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, designed to give SYNETIQ’s drivers greater visibility of other road users. Each is powered by a DAF CF340 FAR tractor unit, with Euro 6-compliant engines which also comply with Central London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone.

The investment marks a significant expansion in SYNETIQ’s recovery capabilities, with the total number of vehicle transporters on the road now well in excess of 100. It also means a total of 25 new trucks have been brought into service since March 2019, including 20 DAF & Volvo car carriers, 2 van carriers and 3 Iveco Tilt & Slide trucks.

SYNETIQ’s Logistics team has worked closely with Belle Trailers to design bespoke transporters around the business’s requirements. Beginning with a basic ‘Salvage’ specification, the bodies have been modified to make each job safer and easier for drivers, customers and other road users.

The trucks fully comply with the Driver Vision Scheme; new legislation which comes into force on 26th October 2020. DVS rules will apply on all roads in Greater London and is designed to protect road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

Four-way cameras have been installed to cover drivers’ blind spots, with additional sensors providing an additional warning. Large, fluorescent warning signs are also fitted to blind spot areas to warn other road users. SYNETIQ has also scheduled upgrades to equip its existing fleet with the same accident prevention technology. This will mean SYNETIQ is well ahead of legislation, some months before it comes into force.

SYNETIQ has invested heavily in its Logistics function over the last few months. In October, it appointed James Brown in the new role of Head of Transport. Since joining, James has developed many new processes and improvements; the team are currently developing a centralised function to align SYNETIQ sites across the country. Further investments and improvements are planned, with more announcements expected later this year.