Silverlake Automotive Recycling [Silverlake] hosted a visit for nine members of the Brazilian Automotive Recycling Association [ABCAR], providing a site tour designed to showcase UK best practice whilst sharing insights and operating concepts to help vehicle recycling in Brazil.  The visit to Silverlake, which took place at the end of May, was part of a European tour being undertaken by the representatives of ABCAR to support members with achieving professional standards.   

The Silverlake tour covered all aspects of automotive recycling including processing vehicles for auction or dismantling for reclaimed parts, according to their Salvage Code category.  The range of services and operational processes designed to meet the needs of B2B and B2C customers were outlined including a visit to the site’s ‘self-service’ U-Pick-It yard.  Use of data for business decision making and adherence to environmental standards and practices were also highlighted.  The entire reclaimed parts process from depollution, dismantling, quality grading, storage, inventory, order processing and delivery was demonstrated and proved to be of great interest.   

Julio Luchesi is the owner of a Brazilian automotive recycling operation that has been in business for over 30 years and leads ABCAR.  He commented: “The visit to Silverlake has been incredibly valuable and we are grateful for the opportunity.  It has given us an understanding of how the close relationship between auction operations and the reuse of reclaimed parts facilitates vehicle recycling and reduces the costs involved in transporting the wrecked car.  When England innovates by unifying auctions and the processing of used parts from collided cars, it creates an efficient market that saves carbon by avoiding multiple movements of collided cars across the country.

"We visited Spain, France, and England to understand the markets and formulate proposals and legal improvements for the Brazilian authorities.  These visits and international studies are highly beneficial for all countries. For Brazil, learning from the advanced practices of European countries can significantly enhance our recycling processes, making them more efficient and sustainable. For the countries we visited, these exchanges foster international cooperation and open up new opportunities for collaboration and market expansion. By sharing knowledge and strategies, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future for the international automotive recycling industry.” 

Tom Harvey, Head of Organisation Development at Silverlake who hosted the visit and site tour said: “It was a pleasure to share our knowledge with the Brazilian delegation from ABCAR.  Their desire to collaborate, innovate and raise standards in Brazil is impressive and we are delighted to have been able to help.  We are avid supporters of cross industry and cross border collaboration for the benefit of the industry and market expansion.  We welcome international visits such as this and the opportunities to build connections and learn from each other.” 

MotoFest ’24, the motor show extravaganza held at the Silverlake Stadium, the home of Eastleigh Football Club, welcomed over 5,100 visitors through the gates on Saturday 15th June.  Public reaction to the inaugural event, organised by Shedfield based Silverlake Automotive Recycling in partnership with Eastleigh Football Club, exceeded all expectations and the support from regional businesses, charities and motoring enthusiasts was exceptional.  

Funds raised through ticket sales, sponsorship, exhibitor fees, raffles and sales of food and drink amounted to over £20,000.  The money will be used to support Eastleigh F.C’s community activities including the club’s charity which makes football kit and training accessible to disadvantaged young people and supports pan-disability football in the region.  

Football legend James Beattie, ex Southampton and England player and new director of football at AFC Totton, opened the gates to cheers at 11am and despite the drizzly weather, the crowds just kept coming.  The legend, Graham Noyce, five times British Motocross champion and the World Motocross Champion in 1979, was also on hand to chat to visitors about his competitive journey on a shoestring budget.  At 2.30pm, the crowds were treated to an exhilarating ‘rev off’ involving numerous super cars and 2 stroke motorbikes, with commentary from the main stage.  The star of the challenge was the Nascar 2014 Ryan Newman Cup Series, with an engine roar that reverberated across the entire stadium site.  

Motoring enthusiasts were drawn to the eclectic mix of private collections, classics and high-performance cars and motorbikes on display.  Families with young children were thrilled by the chance to explore a Biffa refuse truck, get faces painted and play with remote control cars.  Displays from all the regional motor dealers attracted great interest and everyone enjoyed the street food stalls and welcomed the opportunity to get drinks in the Club’s Sherwood Lounge and Hangar Bar, especially at times when the rain was more persistent.  Sporting Bears Dream Rides proved very popular, offering the chance to have a ride in an exotic car for a donation; over £3,500 was raised for ‘Simon Says’ the child bereavement support charity based in Romsey.  

Allen Prebble, managing director at Silverlake Automotive Recycling, event founder and organiser said: “MotoFest ’24 was all about bringing people in the region together.  We wanted to connect local businesses with each other and their regional customers and provide a fun day out for families; all while supporting the community with the funds raised.  I am absolutely over the moon with the reaction to the event and the number of people that came along and enjoyed themselves.  It took a lot of hard work and planning to bring MotoFest ’24 to life. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their support, including Rob Lewis, Silverlake’s Social Media Manager who worked closely with the events team at Eastleigh F.C., the main motor dealers covering all manufacturers in the region, private collectors, local businesses and charities and of course our celebrities James Beattie and Graham Noyce. We’re also very grateful for the assistance from the Rotary Club providing, 52 volunteer marshals for the day.  We said we wanted to put Hampshire on the map for this type of event and without question we’ve done that.  I’m already being asked about MotoFest ’25 and it’s a definite for next year’s calendar – I just need to catch my breath first!” 

Tom Coffey, Vice Chairman at Eastleigh F.C. said: “We are absolutely delighted with how our inaugural event went.  When we first discussed MotoFest, the idea was we wanted to pull the community together and I very much believe we have achieved this.  With support from local businesses and charities, we have put on a show case event which will continue to benefit the local people.  I would like to personally thank Allen and his team over at Silverlake Automotive Recycling as this would not have been possible without his commitment and desire.  I am sure it won't be long before we are locking in the date for next year's event and we will be looking to grow this year on year."

UK Tyre Recovery Association celebrates 25 years and its Silver Jubilee

UK used tyre recycling industry bosses gather to call on the new government to advance opportunities and innovation necessary to secure this vital but underacknowledged sector

Tuesday 24 September sees the largest gathering of the UK tyre recycling industry to discuss the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow. Over 50 businesses are expected to be represented to hear from the leading industry experts and analysts at a time when the new government needs to focus on some crucial decisions to enable the industry to succeed. Without an update to the regulatory framework many fear the imminent demise of the UK’S domestic tyre recycling industry.

Following the disappointment of at least the last eighteen months with policy development put on the back burner, industry leaders are looking to the new government to bring a fresh and reinvigorated approach to securing the long-term future for British operators and advance the circular economy. Crucial issues include environmental protection, maximising domestic processing capacity and developing market places for by-products, like rubberised asphalt.

The programme sees global experts gathering at the Leamington Spa venue to discuss crucial developments.

Programme will include

•  The latest data analysis of used tyre arisings in the UK, Europe and beyond.

• Introduction of Digital Waste Tracking from 2025.

• Tracking Technologies.

• Requirements for the registration of all Dealers/Brokers/Carriers of waste. Who it will affect/what retailers, carriers and reprocessors will need to do.

• The Export question.

• The VRA’s new tyre training module.

• Tyre manufacturers, retreaders and TRA recyclers – Working together.

Peter Taylor OBE, Secretary General of the TRA, said:

“September’s conference is a crucial meeting for tyre recycling businesses from around the UK. The new government provides the opportunity for a change in approach, something we have been calling for. There are urgent reforms to our regulatory framework that are required to secure the UK’s domestic recycling capability and to protect the environment.

“The government must address the export question. We have become far too reliant on exporting our ELTs [end-of-life tyres] abroad, with little real concern for what happens at the other end. A responsible government can make some simple changes that are inexpensive and will improve business conditions for successful responsible domestic operators.

“The TRA’s annual day is an important moment to look at the innovations and developments in the industry. I look forward to updates on tracking and its role in export oversight and to hearing of the product developments which can make a real difference to life in Britain. Labour have prioritised addressing the age-old road pothole challenge and, with rubberised asphalt, the used tyre industry has a product that should play a central role in answering that challenge.

“We are very much looking forward to seeing our members and hearing from the global experts on tyre recovery and recycling. It will be a fruitful and forward looking gathering.”