Ray Smith-Roberts recognised

The former Chairman of the 4WD Industry Council has received a AAAA Certificate of Appreciation

When Ray Smith-Roberts announced in November 2019 that he was stepping down from his role as Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director of the Automotive Components and Accessories Divisions of AMA Group, he also subsequently retired from his position as Chairman of the 4WD Industry Council. Ray’s tenure as Chairman of the committee spanned an impressive 13 years, and the 4WD Industry Council committee always intended to officially acknowledge his contribution and present him with a symbol of appreciation. However shortly after his retirement announcement, the COVID-19 pandemic began to make its presence known in Australia, delaying any plans that were in place at the time. With restrictions easing in Queensland of late however, 4WD Industry Council Convenor, Nigel Bishop, was recently able to finally present him with his much-deserved Certificate of Appreciation and accompanying gift. “When Ray contacted me in September 2020 to let me know that he had purchased Creative Conversions in the northern suburbs of Brisbane,

SHIFTING GEARS

Opposite Lock is a specialist 4WD channel of Bapcor Limited which says it provides consumers with a range of the best brands, quality fitting, full aftersales service, and peace-of-mind thanks to nationwide warranties. The 4WD accessories retailer says its offering is supported by a team of trusted 4x4 Specialists with expert product knowledge and best in class service, to provide customers with the best offroad experience possible. Increased investment (from Bapcor Limited) has seen the Opposite Lock Network open the doors to a new corporate store in Hoppers Crossing Victoria; an existing franchisee opening a second site in Warrick Farm, Sydney; and a South Nowra in New South Wales location converting from a stockist to a franchise store. Locations in Hobart in Tasmania and Welshpool in Western Australia have also been converted from franchises to become corporate stores to support local networks. Opposite Lock says these strategic investments ensure Opposite Lock support staff are in these locations to better service the network. I was pleased to hear that he had resurfaced and, I have to say, like anyone who knows Ray SmithRoberts, I was not at all surprised how short-lived his first attempt at retirement was,” Nigel said. “With the continued easing of restrictions in Queensland, I recently made my way out to visit Ray at his new business and was able to finally present him with a gift and Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Committee in honour of his contribution to the industry. “During our time together on the committee of the 4WD Industry Council, I developed an enormous respect for Ray’s pragmatic approach to industry challenges; he is always a strategic thinker with a cool head but ready to stand up for the industry, no matter who the opponent.” Creative Conversions has been a member of the AAAA and 4WD Industry Council since 2018, and under previous owner, Len Batchelor, they have become one of the most well-recognised secondstage manufacturers specialising in Landcruiser re-builds, gaining significant exposure through their work with All 4 Adventure. “When I caught up with Ray, he filled me in

Great opportunity ahead

With international travel borders on hold due to the global pandemic, the desire of Australians to explore the great outdoors and discover the natural beauty of our nation has amplified. In addition, the ongoing trend in car personalisation, growth in local tourism, camping and towing, are some of the key 4WD category drivers that the team at Opposite Lock is witnessing. “We have seen some extraordinary events impacting our business over the past year leveraging business improvements with a fundamental shift in tourism trends pushing record sales across the country, with continual growth and a strong demand for 4WD and Vehicle Accessories and Services,” Opposite Lock General Manager, Mark Rich, said. “For all of us there is opportunity in adversity and there is a strong demand for our products and our team of experts are here to help.” While Aussies continue planning their great escapes, the team at Opposite Lock says they on some of the systems and processes he is implementing to the business to build upon this success, and things are certainly gearing up for significant growth ahead,” Nigel said. “When it comes to bumping heads with government regulators, clearly Ray is a glutton for punishment, having stepped out of the world of bullbars into the arena of second stage manufacturing with chassis extensions, wagon to ute conversions, and GVM modifications – talk about jumping straight from the frying pan into the fire!”

For more from the 4WD Industry Council, visit www.4wdcouncil.com.au For information about Creative Conversions, visit

Opposite Lock now has more staff in more locations to better support Australians

www.creativeconversions.com.au

have been agile in setting their agenda for an exciting adventure-driven 2021 via multiple growth platforms across innovation via quality brands, new product development and broadening their omni channel footprint. The team believes now is the perfect time to reflect upon Opposite Lock’s rich Australian adventure driven heritage and says it looks forward to sharing its unique story fostered by passionate 4x4 enthusiasts while supporting its network of corporate and franchisee stores, and local communities.

For more information visit Oppositelock.com.au or call 1800 624 444