ACIS delivers reassuring message to bodyshops

ACIS has delivered a business-as-usual message to its bodyshop customers.

CEO Graham O’Neill said ACIS’s shareholder member network has increased stock levels and vital supply chains are continuing to operate during the coronavirus outbreak.

The business itself is operating remotely with all staff using technology to communicate with the company’s stakeholders, who include vehicle manufacturers, independent bodyshop groups, accident management companies, insurance businesses, and paint and dry goods suppliers.

O’Neill said: “The health and well-being of our staff and their families is paramount to us – and the same is true for our customers, suppliers and business partners. To that end, ACIS has done the responsible thing and enabled all staff to stay at home. We have invested in hardware, software and systems to enable our people to work as normal and complete their usual duties whilst complying with government guidelines and keeping themselves safe.

“While all non-essential physical meetings have been cancelled and sales people have been taken off the road, we have adopted video conferencing for meetings with customers, suppliers and internal meetings.

“Deliveries are taking place as usual currently and we are reviewing the situation on a daily basis. ACIS members have increased stock levels to compensate for supply issues.”

But, not seeking to downplay the impact of the crisis, he added: “Repair volumes are significantly down and this will impact on cash flow for bodyshops, as will the probability of lack of parts supply as motor dealerships are closing down. The inevitable labour absence will also cause issues.

“However, this is a robust industry that is used to challenge and change and ACIS is committed to continuing to serve the needs of its customers in what is an unprecedented time of great challenge, confusion, and turmoil.”