Created: 23 July 2024

The Complete Auto Recycling Show (CARS) and the Metals Recycling Event (MRE), the premier events for the vehicle and metals recycling industries, are set to join the much larger Environmental Services & Solutions Expo (ESS) at the NEC on 10-11 September 2025. This strategic move promises numerous benefits for visitors, enhancing their overall event experience.

Bigger Venue, Central, Better Infrastructure

The NEC, the UK’s premier venue for events like CARS & MRE, offers an unrivalled central location, exceptional transport links, and a versatile event space that meets all the needs of an event like CARS. This world-class venue not only enhances accessibility and convenience but also retains the same close-knit CARS & MRE community feel, ensuring that while the event grows and expands, the unique spirit and camaraderie of the event’s community remain intact.

Attracting More Visitors = Enhanced Experience

Joining forces with ESS means that CARS & MRE will benefit from the 14,000 visitors that ESS attracts, including a greater pull for an international audience. This increased footfall promises a more dynamic and diverse event experience, offering visitors a chance to engage with a broader range of perspectives and innovations.

More Reasons to Visit

ESS provides a superior visitor experience with 17 stages, multiple networking events, and a diverse range of activities. This enhancement will provide attendees with a richer, more engaging experience, ensuring their visit is both productive and enjoyable. Attendees can expect a variety of seminars, workshops, and interactive sessions that cater to a wide range of interests within the environmental and recycling sectors.

Live Demos are Back

A key highlight is the return of the live demonstration area for machinery. This feature allows visitors to see products in action, offering practical insights and engaging demonstrations that were previously limited at Stoneleigh. It's an opportunity to witness the latest technology and innovations firsthand.

Vehicle, Metal and Environmental Sector Synergies

Integrating with ESS creates a unique opportunity to explore the synergies between vehicle and metal recycling and the broader environmental and waste recycling sectors. There is significant crossover in terms of agenda and topics, including Green Skills development, achieving Net-Zero targets, Sustainability practices, Waste Classification, Fire Prevention strategies, and more. This combined approach provides a comprehensive learning experience, enabling attendees to gain insights across sectors and work together towards common goals.

CARS & MRE Party

The legendary CARS & MRE party will make its grand return on the evening of day one. This event has always been a highlight, offering a perfect blend of entertainment and networking in a relaxed setting. It’s a chance to unwind, connect with peers, and celebrate the industry.

Visitor Benefits

• Free Entry: Enjoy free access to the event, making it an accessible opportunity for all interested in the vehicle recycling and environmental sectors.
• Free Tea and Coffee: Visitors will benefit from complimentary hot drinks to keep you energised throughout the event.
• Diverse Program: With a wide range of topics and sessions, from Green Skills development to Net-Zero initiatives, visitors will find valuable content tailored to their interests.
• Networking Opportunities: The integration with ESS means even more chances to network with industry professionals, learn from experts, and discover new opportunities.

A Word from Rob Mowat

Rob Mowat, Event Director, stated, "We are thrilled to bring CARS & MRE to the NEC as part of ESS 2025. This move is not just about expanding our footprint but enhancing the overall experience for our visitors. By integrating with ESS, we are creating a comprehensive platform that promotes innovation, collaboration, and growth within the vehicle recycling and environmental sectors. We are confident that this strategic decision will significantly benefit all attendees and make the event a highlight of the year."

Chas Ambrose, Secretary of the Vehicle Recyclers’ Association:

"We are delighted with the decision to integrate CARS with ESS at the NEC. This move will significantly enhance the event's impact, providing our members with greater opportunities for networking, learning, and showcasing their innovations in vehicle recycling. The combined platform will foster stronger industry connections and drive forward our collective goals."

James Kelly, CEO, British Metals Recycling Association:

"The integration of CARS MRE with ESS represents a significant step forward for the recycling sectors. Our members will benefit from the expanded audience and diverse range of topics covered, from sustainability practices to achieving Net-Zero targets. This collaboration will undoubtedly strengthen industry ties, provide an even better experience for visitors and promote greater innovation across the board."

Graham West, Secretary General, British Vehicle Salvage Federation

"The integration of CARS with ESS at the NEC will significantly enhance the value of the show for our BVSF members. As the representative body for the UK vehicle salvage industry, we are committed to high standards and adherence to the market-wide vehicle salvage Code of Practice. This larger platform will not only boost visibility but also provide new opportunities to generate revenue through expanded networking, learning sessions, and the showcasing of innovative solutions. We are excited about the potential this integration holds for driving growth and strengthening industry collaborations."

Created: 16 July 2024

ATF Professional Vehicle Recycling Awards 2024 - Celebrating Excellence in the UK Vehicle Recycling Community

The ATF Professional Vehicle Recycling Awards are just around the corner! We are excited to invite BVSF members to participate in celebrating the remarkable achievements in the vehicle salvage industry. The closing date for entries is September 12th, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity.

With 13 award categories available, BVSF members can enter multiple categories at no cost. You are also encouraged to nominate other deserving companies or individuals. Detailed criteria for each award and a simple guide to completing the entry form can be found on the ATF Professional awards web pages.

An independent panel of judges will select the winners, with ATF Professional nominating and awarding the Unsung Hero, Rising Star, and Outstanding Individual awards. The winners will be announced at a spectacular gala event on 28th November at the RAF Museum, Cosford.

The evening kicks off with welcome drinks beneath the wings of the iconic Vulcan bomber, followed by a sumptuous dinner in Hangar One. Enjoy a night of entertainment culminating in the awards ceremony hosted by a special guest. Post-ceremony, join the after-party to celebrate, reconnect with friends, and make new ones. A late bar and additional entertainment ensure the festivities continue into the night.

Haydn Davies, Director of ATF Professional, shared his excitement:

“Last year’s event was sold out and a great success. This year, we’ve chosen an amazing venue and, thanks to our sponsors, will offer incredible entertainment. The awards are open to everyone in vehicle recycling, providing a perfect occasion to recognise your team’s hard work and network with industry peers.”

This event is a prime opportunity to celebrate the dedication and achievements of the UK vehicle recycling community. We encourage all BVSF members to enter and attend.

The deadline for entries is 12th September.

To learn more about the Awards, please visit ATF Professional Awards.

To view the categories and enter, click here, and to book tickets, click here.

For further information, questions, or assistance with award entries, contact ATF Professional by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 07447 107070.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Created: 23 July 2024

Silverlake Automotive Recycling [Silverlake] has successfully secured two, four-year term Police contracts following competitive tenders for both opportunities.  The contracts were awarded by Automobile Association Developments Ltd [AADL] Contractor Management.  Sussex & Surrey Police represents the renewal of a contract Silverlake has held since 2014, whilst the Hampshire & IOW Constabulary is a new contract for the business.    

On behalf of each Police Force, Silverlake will collect vehicles for disposal via recycling or auction, once they are released from Police storage with the appointed recovery operators. Having worked with Sussex & Surrey Police for 10 years, the company has an in-depth understanding of Police requirements and works effectively and efficiently with recovery operators to minimize storage costs.  Silverlake’s auction site delivers strong returns on vehicles the company prepares and remarkets.  Additionally, the company’s use of data, to establish market demand for reclaimed parts by model and type, means a vehicle’s value related to the reclaimed parts it holds can be accurately established.  Alongside these business case benefits available from Silverlake, the company’s investment in and support for the regional community, together with its commitment to carbon reduction and minimising environmental impact were also compelling for AADL. 

Dan Bristow, Contractor Scheme Manager at AADL Contractor Management comments: “Following a rigorous ITT, I am pleased that Silverlake have been successful in their tender, to provide the salvage provision on behalf of AADL, to both the Surrey & Sussex Police Vehicle Recovery Scheme and the Hampshire & IOW Constabulary Vehicle Recovery Scheme.

This long-standing collaboration is testament to the hard work and dedication that the team at Silverlake have demonstrated over the years and I look forward to working closely with the team to ensure both these schemes are a success.” 

Steve Diaper, Operations Manager at Silverlake said: “We are really proud to have won these prestigious contracts.  Our business reputation is built on professionalism, competitive pricing and outstanding customer service.  The fact that AADL and Sussex & Surrey Police have relied on our services for 10 years and have just renewed our contract for a further four demonstrates great trust in our operations – that’s hugely rewarding for the team.  To then go on to win the contract for Hampshire & IOW Constabulary as well is even further validation, reinforcing our credibility and helping to position us as the automotive recycling partner of choice in the market.”

Created: 09 July 2024

Global leader in online vehicle remarketing and recycling, Copart UK, have announced that building works are progressing at their new site in St Helens, and it is expected to be operational by autumn 2024.

St Helens is set to become Copart’s fourth new Copart Operation Centre to open its doors in recent months, following Corby, East Kilbride, and Gloucester.  

In yet another strand of the company’s ongoing ‘Land and Expand’ strategy, the 19-acre site in Merseyside, positioned between the major cities of Manchester and Liverpool, will provide further storage capacity for up to 24,000 vehicles in the northwest.

Jane Pocock, CEO of Copart UK and Ireland, said:  

“We’re passionate about continuously growing and improving our services to customers, so we’re very excited to announce that building works at our new St Helens site are rapidly progressing. 

“In line with our Plan-Net-Zero sustainability commitment, the site is being constructed responsibly and designed to be inclusive, energy efficient, and eco-friendly. 

“Once complete, St Helens will boost vehicle storage capacity for our customers operating in this area of the country by 50%.  

Copart says they are planning to acquire further land and expand existing sites to support continued growth, handle increasing EV volumes, and extend the reach of their industry-leading customer services. 

The first auction at this site is anticipated to take place in September 2024