News in Brief: The Electric Car Scheme achieves B Corp; Insurance concerns; FMG apprentices

B Corp certification for The Electric Car Scheme

CONGRATULATIONS to The Electric Car Scheme which has achieved B Corporation certification.

The recognition comes at the end of an extensive certification period. The Electric Car Scheme says it makes the Gateway2Lease AR the first EV salary sacrifice scheme to be acknowledged for its commitment to being a force for good in the world of work.

Applicants require a minimum score of 80 from the B Corp certification team – The Electric Car Scheme scored 104.3. This score is continually updated as the business works with B Lab to ensure its work continues to address social and environmental problems globally.

“This recognition represents not just a successful application; it's a testament to our dedication to transparency, accountability, and profound sense of purpose. We believe that, as a B Corp, we can inspire others in our industry to embrace responsible business practices, fostering positive change on a global scale.”

The Electric Car Scheme CEO Thom Groot Tweet

What is B Corp certification?

Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Find out more.

Insurance and fuel costs top of driver concerns

NEARLY three out of four drivers (73%) are worried about car insurance costs rising in 2024, according to research from finance company Startline in its monthly Used Car Tracker report.

They have good reason: in Q3 2023, the average price of motor insurance was a record £561 according to the ABI. This was an increase of 29% compared to the same time last year. The report also showed that 67% were concerned about rising petrol and diesel prices and 34% about the cost of servicing.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “Last year, motoring costs increased substantially across the board and car owners are clearly concerned about similar rises happening in 2024.

“Insurance and fuel costs are very much the main concerns. Many motorists saw their premiums rise well into double-digit percentages in 2023, which was something of an unexpected price shock.

FMG Repair Services tools up its apprentices

ACCIDENT repair business FMG Repair Services is providing its apprentices with a boost to career success with delivery of their own new tool kits.

The kits, which are presented to new and existing apprentices, contain over £600 worth of brand new tools. These are specific to each apprentice’s discipline: spray guns for paint technicians; dedicated tools for MET and panel technicians; and so on.

FMG Repair Services says this investment is part of its commitment to developing the next generation of vehicle repairers with an industry-leading apprenticeship programme. The three-year programmes align formal learning through block weeks at college with on the job training in the bodyshop including specialist skills development, one-to-one mentoring and careers support.