BVSF AGM 2016 

Another very successful event again held in the magnificent Coombe Abbey Hotel near Coventry. A record number of delegates this year descended upon the Abbey and the feedback thus far is all confirming that it was both enjoyable, interesting and of considerable benefit to all delegates.

Over and above the actual AGM which conjured up a number of questions relating to the Salvage Code of Practice and Air Bags, we enjoyed a marvellous buffet lunch following which we had 4 speakers including the Fraud section of Lloyds Bank, a real eye opener to companies at risk from Fraud, both electronic and by telephone. The Tyre Recovery Association with whom the BVSF has now effectively joined forces in an attempt to implement a code of practice for the sale of part worn tyres. The Environment Agency relating to illegal operators, amongst a number of other subjects and our very own Jason Cross from Fab Recycling talking about how to improve your business.

The first feedback to be received after the event read as follows… 'Many thanks for your kind hospitality at the AGM Seminar on Thursday. A thoroughly enjoyable dinner and some very good speakers during the day. Congratulations for putting on another great event.'

It is these sort of comments that make the organizational hard work very worthwhile.

The themed evening meal loosely based on Downton Abbey (Aptly named Downtrodden Abbey) for the event was excellent and I am very proud to announce that Table 1 got the murderer again for the second year running (It was the cook!). Although apparently a joker in the room felt that Allen Prebble of Silverlake Garage was a close run second!!!

The evening rounded off with the presentation of the Combellack Award to John Schofield and his team at Car Transplants, a very worthy recipient and a lifetime achievement award to Bernard Simpsom of Simpson Brothers. Bernard has been retired from the industry for some years but was a member of the BVSF almost from inception and still shows huge interest in the industry, attending the AGM every year.

So on to thanks:-

I would like to thank Kevin Robinson of Lloyds Bank, Peter Taylor of The Tyre Recovery Association, Tania Tucker of the Environment Agency and Jason Cross of FAB Recycling for their excellent presentations, also I would like to thank the following special guests who gave up their time to attend the event, they are Les Elliott of Allianz insurance, Paul Hallet of BIS, Nigel Wiiliams of BEN, Ali McQueen of the CARS Team, Mark Hyde of WAMITAB and Steve Rooney of Plum Publishing. Pen ultimately I would like to thank my Daughter, Shelby who stepped in to assist on the day when my Wife Heather was unable to attend. Finally my thanks go to all the delegates who of course made the event the success that it was, see you next year.              

RP WEST.

Secretary General

         BVSF