Activate Group up and running
A new group of companies has launched to bring together skilled service providers for a nationwide customer base of clients in the vehicle fleet management and motor insurance sector.
Activate Group Ltd (AGL) has acquired three unique brands in the vehicle repair, insurance claims and technology sectors, and has plans to achieve a 40% growth in turnover during the next 12 months.
It expects to announce further acquisitions and partnerships in the near future.
AGL has acquired Sopp + Sopp, a Peterborough-based commercial and fleet repair specialist; Car Repair Network (CRN), a Yorkshire-based personal lines repair and engineering management provider, and Vigilance; a specialist claims technology company which deploys cutting edge solutions to support insurers in the fight against fraud.
The business is led by executive chairman Mark Woods. He is joined by chairman Mark Wilcox, and the founding trio also includes Mark’s daughter Hannah Wilcox, who takes on the role of group chief operating officer and COO of CRN.
Mark said, ‘I’m very excited to officially unveil the AGL group of companies today. From a standing start, AGL can provide customers with access to a nationwide network of over 500 independent vehicle repair specialists, over 120 staff including an in-house engineering workforce and a wide range of innovative technologies.’
Mark Wilcox, chairman of AGL added, ‘The brands we have acquired are well established with strong customer relationships in the fleet management, corporate and insurance markets. These relationships will be carefully nurtured and maintained with the immediate benefit of an expanded group capability that can provide tailored solutions for clients.’
Other members of the team include former WNS assistance vice president David Butler, who has joined as strategic head of repair network; Shaun Slack, a former underwriter at Lloyd’s of London, who becomes commercial director; consultant Peter Gallagher, formerly of LV=, Hastings Direct and St Paul Reinsurance; Jon Capstick has joined from Zurich Insurance subsidiary Endsleigh as head of projects and expert claims; and compliance consultant Sarah Rushforth, who joins as audit and compliance manager.
‘This is a business full of opportunity,’ added Mark Woods. ‘AGL is focused on combining the very best from its people, technology and a nationwide, independent repair network to deliver a competitive product. I am pleased we have been able to attract colleagues of the calibre of David, Shaun, Peter, Jon and Sarah and look forward to making further announcements as we grow and develop AGL.’
