So much for taking it easy and putting my feet up for summer, writes DAVID PUNTER, who has just been appointed as commercial director for etwb. Can I say a huge thanks to all the well-wishers following me leaving my last employer and indeed all great offers of support and work which has come my way over the last few weeks.
Needless to say, I am addicted to this industry, and try as I might, I just want to share some of the goodwill shown to me over the years which help build my career (I really don’t want to turn this into a huge thank you speech so enough is enough).
I am writing this from a train as once again I am very busy in the industry with many tasks in hand to drive change and automation/innovation where I can.
One of the key tasks already is to review the Institute of Automotive Engineer Assessors conference for 2017 and following our best event yet in May 2016. I am open to discuss with key sponsors and anyone with any great ideas for a new theme (email me at [email protected]) to make a more accessible approach to all of our members.
Today is repair focus, and what a great event organised by Thatcham in support of BEN, where I look forward to meeting up with old friends and prospective new ones (look out for me and say hi!). It’s great to see Thatcham showcasing the market technology and also to see exhibitors demonstrating their product (I will miss not having a stand this year).
One thing I have noticed since my change of circumstance was the impending need for transport, and I am amazed by the price of used cars and how strong they are holding for certain clean models, especially with the excellent lease deals available today (Audi A6 for just over £200 per month!).
This tells me that the manufacturers are really feeling the pinch, and my advice is to wait for month end (which is end of quarter two and the mid-point in the year) and haggle for that lease deal!
Although the current BMW M135i will do me for now if I can afford to fuel it…Thatcham, listen out for me arriving.
