WELCOME
Welcome to the 16th edition of Torquing Point!
Did you miss the latest Exec Update? Don’t worry, you can read or watch each update by scanning the QR code below.
Remember, this newsletter is for you, so please continue to send us any content including charity fundraising events and your favourite photos. You can do this by emailing –comms@allianceautomotive.co.uk
We hope you enjoy this edition!
It's hard to believe that our online benefits portal, AAG Benefits, has been up and running for 3 whole years now!
During this time, an impressive 92% of our colleagues have used the website, collectively saving over £79,000!
Since its launch, the benefits portal has facilitated over 13,000 orders, averaging more than 4,000 orders per year.
We hope you are taking advantage of the benefits provided and enjoying the fantastic offers available to you.
Below, you'll find some of the most sought-after retailers among your colleagues and the current offers they have available:
TRADING GROUP STRUCTURAL TEAM CHANGES
Karen Martin, Trading Group Director, sadly left the business at the end of July to pursue other endeavours. We have taken the opportunity to optimise the Trading Group Sales team structure and reintroduced some trusted and experienced names that will help us continue to develop the Group and navigate through these changing times.
Andy Brook-Smith, will head up this new team and ensure the focus from Alliance Automotive Group continues to be directed towards our Trading Group members.
Maria McCullough, has taken up the role of Member Relations Manager (North & Northern Ireland). Maria, who you all know has successfully headed up our Garage Networks programme in recent years, has worked for GROUPAUTO for 40 years and we would like to welcome Maria to the Trading Group team.
Mike Seers, has now taken up the role of Trading Group Director, covering the UK and Ireland. Mike will be responsible for the collaboration of our internal teams to ensure that Alliance Automotive Group becomes an easy company to do business with. He will take up responsibility of the added value sector and ensure we are providing an end-to-end package for our members.
Nick Hood, who has been heading up the CAAR group transition since acquisition, has taken up the role of new member recruitment across all UK Trading Groups. The management of CAAR members will be handled by the whole team in conjunction with our DC sales team.
Mike McIntyre, has taken up the role of Member Relations Manager (South). Mike has been working within our DC environment for the last four years, but his background and passion is the Trading Group and Mike now returns to this role.
ALLIANCE AUTOMOTIVE LOGISTICS
You may have recently heard, about the launch of our newly aligned corporate and logistics strategy, a move that will streamline the company's visual identity across operations in our multiple European countries. The initiative encompasses three key branding alignments, including corporate, distribution centres (DC’s), and store brands.
By aligning the corporate brand, we aim to establish a common identity across all locations, optimise impact and simplicity, acknowledge our worldwide strength within the GPC network, and establish a link to the NAPA brand, a visual of which can be seen below:
Logistics, replacing the branding of our current logistics functions comprising of FPS Distribution, Apec and J&S.
As we prepare for an official launch in November 2024, we wanted to take this opportunity to answer some questions that may have been asked about the rebrand and provide you with an update on what’s been happening, and what’s still to come.
Q
When will my location be rebranded?
The re-brand began with the Rotherham National Distribution Centre (NDC) where external signage went up at the end of August. Internal signage will follow shortly as will signage for all other RDC’s within the network. Below is the proposed phasing but please be aware this is subject to change. More precise dates will be communicated to managers in due course so that the relevant teams can prepare for installation at their site.
AMoving forward, our logistics network across Europe will be recognised as 'Alliance Automotive Logistics'. This strategic move will allow identification of each DC while aligning with the corporate branding, helping to provide customers with a clear understanding that the Alliance Automotive Logistics network is an integral part of Alliance Automotive Group.
2024
Q3 – Rotherham, Colchester, Leicester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds
Q4 – Exeter, Barking, Luton, Bristol
2025
The rollout will begin in the UK and Ireland, coinciding with the opening of our new Rotherham National Distribution Centre in 2025. Over the next 18 months, the remaining distribution centres will transition to Alliance Automotive
Q
Q1 - Belfast, Glasgow, Liverpool, Preston, Maidstone, Cardiff, Dublin, Cork
Q2 – Southampton, Newcastle
Q4 – Reading
Will our vans be rebranded?
Yes, all delivery vehicles in the fleet will feature new Alliance Automotive Logistics branding. Similar to signage, this will be gradual with the first vans hitting the road in early 2025.
Q Q
To align the logistics network, new uniform items will be issued on a rolling basis, in line with the current workwear policy. This features the Alliance utomotive Logistics and NAPA logos.
How will the rebrand be communicated to our customers?
To ensure a smooth transition, we will be keeping our customers informed every step of the way. This started ear with our ‘The Journey So Far’ video series, which provided key tes and information on Rotherham and various areas of the new NDC such as state-of-the-art technology and modern offices. From now until November, we will communicate with all our key stakeholders including customers, suppliers, and you, our dedicated colleagues, to ensure that everyone is wellinformed ahead of November. For customers and suppliers, this will include what is/isn’t changing from their side, the benefits of an aligned national network, and FAQs to support them through the transition.
I have more questions. Where can I direct these to?
If you still have questions regarding the rebrand that weren’t answered above, please contact your line manager in the first instance. They can then raise via the appropriate channels to ensure an answer is provided. Alternatively, please contact comms@allianceautomotive.co.uk.
NAPA AUTO PARTS
Earlier this year we announced an exciting rebranding initiative that will see our network of over 275 locations come together under the unified banner of NAPA Auto Parts.
So far, we have rebranded 123 sites, which is 50% of the network, over the next 12-18 months we will continue to rebrand the remaining stores.
We’re delighted to begin our NAPA Auto Parts journey here in the UK.
"
Lewis
Selby, Managing Director of AAUK LV Subsidiaries
The stores will be aligned with its key parts brand, NAPA, and its championship winning BTCC team, NAPA Racing UK, to create a stronger, more globally recognised brand identity. This strategic move aims to bridge its subsidiaries under one cohesive brand, linking its network with the prestigious NAPA Auto Parts family, which boasts a staggering 6,000+ locations across the US, Canada, and Australia.
By becoming part of the largest network of motor factors in the world, it is poised to greatly enhance its market reach, recognition, and reputation on a global scale. The rebranding to NAPA Auto Parts will position them for increased prominence in the industry, provide opportunities for expanding its customer base, and bolster its relationships with national accounts that may not have fully appreciated its national network until now.
We are confident that this transformation will strengthen its market positioning, as well as its ability to deliver the exceptional quality and service that its customers have come to expect from them.
Lewis Selby, Managing Director of AAUK LV Subsidiaries commented: “We’re delighted to begin our NAPA Auto Parts journey here in the UK. To represent a network that has been offering best-in-class service and support for over 85 years is a testament to the work we’ve done with the NAPA brand so far, and 2024 represents the next significant milestone in that journey. We always want to improve the customer experience, and this latest investment illustrates our commitment not only to the market but to building a brand that makes us easier to deal with, improving our value proposition. NAPA is our largest selling brand in the UK which represents, quality, value and expertise and it’s these values which will ensure our position as the leading national automotive parts provider.”
Follow NAPA Auto Parts on
CHARITY FUNDRAISING
Since our last edition of Torquing Point, there’s been a lot of charity fundraising happening! Take a look below at what your colleagues have been up to:
Lewis Docherty visits Ghostbusters event in support of Cancer Research!
Lewis Docherty, Assistant Branch Manager at Theale, recently attended a weekend event at the Port Solent Comic Con to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the first Ghostbusters movie! Lewis is a huge fan and attended with his wife and kids with his replica suit and proton pack!
There was approximately 70 or so Ghostbuster fanatics in attendance, and the event raised £2,000 for Cancer Research so it was a huge success.
Take a look at Lewis achieving his childhood dream of sitting in the most movie accurate Ecto 1 in Europe, which had the actors' signatures on the sun visor.
Do you have any interesting hobbies you would like to share with your colleagues? Be sure to email them to the Comms Team to feature in Torquing Point –comms@allianceautomotive.co.uk.
Club AUsome
Jamie Gilham, Parts Advisor at CAT Automotive, Gillingham, recently reached out to request that we raise awareness for Club AUsome. A charity for children with additional needs, fully run by parents who have children with additional needs.
Club AUsome aim to offer the children and their families lots of different opportunities to learn, to socialise, to have fun and be with others that won't judge.
Club AUsome has grown from strength to strength, and wants to help as many families as possible to make a difference.
The charity need support with donations in order to continue their hard work to create a safe space for children with disabilities. Scan the QR code below to make a donation and learn more about the incredible work that Club AUsome do!
MINUTES WITH... 5
What is your job role and when did you take this on?
I have been a Branch Manager since 1990!
What was your previous role before you joined AAG and how has this helped you in your position now?
I started in 1984 as our commercial workshop relining brake shoes and eventually progressed to learning stock control and then sales. I was promoted to Branch Manager in 1990, not much has changed since I started, and I still sweep the floors!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Probably the acquisition of Northumbrian Car & Commercial, as stock and staffing levels have given us the tools to compete locally with our competitors.
What has been the most challenging part of your career and how did you overcome this?
Like most people, I would say lockdown was the worst and ultimately the best for my branch.
The worst for obvious reasons and the best because we were supplying to customers that other factors would not and kept most of that business when the lockdown was lifted.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I love football (obviously Newcastle) which is exciting times for us in the Premier League! I used to play football, and then coach. But now Sundays are free after work, I like to travel up the Northeast coast or inland over the North Pennines, sometimes I enjoy horse riding, while other times I enjoy walking.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone, what would it be?
1) Work hard and make the most of your spare time.
2) It’s easier to listen than to talk.
Do you have someone or a branch in mind for our next 5 minutes with...? Send an email to comms@allianceautomotive.co.uk
NAPA RACING UK
NAPA Racing UK enjoyed a fruitful trip to Scotland for the 7th round of the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship with a strong haul of points from the three races at Knockhill.
The Alliance Racing-run outfit was bidding to retain its position at the head of the Teams’ Championship standings on a weekend where it adopted a fresh look both on and off track to raise funds and awareness for Race Against Dementia – the charity founded by multiple F1 champion Sir Jackie Stewart.
Join the Race Against Dementia!
Race Against Dementia was founded by Scottish legend and 3x F1 World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart OBE after his wife was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Operating around the pace, precision and lateral thinking that have been at the forefront of Sir Jackie Stewart’s Formula 1 and motorsport success, the charity’s vision is to win the Race Against Dementia.
Donations received will be used to help fund the brightest research minds to find preventative treatments and cures for dementia- faster.
NAPA Racing UK is proud to have joined the race. In 2023 NAPA Racing and sponsors raised over £10,000 over the Knockhill round of the British Touring Car
Championship. In 2024, NAPA Racing once again showed their support for Race Against Dementia at the Scottish circuit.
NAPA Racing raced in special liveries including the names of over 250 fans who have donated to Race Against Dementia. As well as this, all of the drivers were wearing custom helmets and race suits.
The NAPA Racing shop also stocked up on Limited Edition Race Against Dementia merchandise, designed by none other than Ash Sutton, Sam Osborne and the Only Dan’s, Dan Rowbottom and Dan Cammish.
In a final bid to raise vital funds for Race Against Dementia, NAPA Racing organised their exclusive auction, giving fans the opportunity to bid and win an array of prizes, such as race suits, helmets, and distinctive gifts from our sponsors.
What’s been going on:
In preparation for the launch of Workday, HR Admin, Advisors & Business Partners and Recruitment have undertaken their first intensive training course in Milton Keynes on 19th & 20th August. This will provide the team with the knowledge to support all staff when we go live.
The blackout period for Workday has now been confirmed! Staff are asked to complete mandatory training in AAG Academy by COP on Friday 27th September. After this, any training that is completed will not be migrated into the new system and will need to be re-done when we launch Workday.
At the beginning of September, a brandnew company induction pack was released, providing all new starters with a standardised company induction. Manager can also access a support pack to help train all new staff. The induction package is available in the AAG Academy for you to view at your convenience, simply search ‘Induction’ for the full pack, ‘Welcome’ for the video and ‘Manager support’ for the full manager package.
What’s coming up:
Further intensive training days will be provided to HR, Recruitment and Payroll staff in September in preparation for the launch of Workday.
Additional resources for effective business writing will be made available on AAG Academy in the coming weeks – a series of factsheets designed to improve the quality of business writing from emails and handling complaints to bid writing and reporting.
This month, all Managers across the UK&IE network will receive comms and invites to a variety of virtual training sessions as part of our preparation for launching Workday, covering topics such as;
Navigation Recruitment
Learning Appraisals
These sessions will not be mandatory but it’s advised that at least one of each is attended!
Workday Update: As we move towards the go-live of Workday, there will be a ‘blackout period’ in AAG Academy which will be used to transfer historical data from the old system into Workday. Please make sure all mandatory training is completed as soon as possible so it can be included in the transfer window! Any completions made during the ‘blackout period’ will not be moved across to Workday and you will need to complete the training again. More details to follow!
Apprenticeships
Did you know we offer apprenticeships both externally to new recruits and to our own colleagues who are looking to expand their knowledge and develop their career? Scan here to find out more!
Reminders:
Please ensure all mandatory training is completed before the deadline! Reports are sent across the business weekly.
Scan the QR code to access AAG Academy
June, July
Congratulations to the latest recipients of our Value Champion Awards in June, July and August.
Wood, nominated by James Davey (Performance)
Dunkley, nominated by Chris Banks (Performance)
Hair, nominated by Aaron King (Performance)
Chapman, nominated by Aaron King (Performance)
Hamilton, nominated by Liam Mordew (Performance)
Scan the QR code to see our long service anniversaries article and learn some interesting facts about the year they started with AAG.
EMPLOYEE CORNER
To be eligible for the awards, employees must be nominated based on how well they have embodied our company values in their dayto-day work and how they have contributed to the success of the company.
The nomination process is simple and can be completed through AAG Benefits, just scan the QR code.
Megan
Lee
Gillian
Senal
Paul
Take a look at our favourite photos submitted this month!
PHOTOS OF THE MONTH
Have you got any images you would like to share? Send your photos to comms@allianceautomotive.co.uk and they could be featured in the next edition.
Sam Jones.
Tony Everson - Seve the Parson Terrier with his mum on the Isle of Wight last week.
Chris Wickers - My nephew, Oliver, with the NAPA Race Car at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Dave Blayney - The St Ives Sunset.
Grace Griffiths - Marlo at the top of Mam Tor.
Angus and Roxy proudly supporting NAPA Racing UK.
Sam Jones.
Haidee Finnis and Ben Farr from the NAPA Racing Weekend Team repping the new NAPA bucket hats.
PRODUCT NEWS
Apec:
NAPA Launches:
Steering and Suspension
New Brochure:
Rediscover the Quality of NAPA
Steering & Suspension.
The latest edition of NAPA Round Up is now available! Your go-to place for all things NAPA, designed to summarise headline activity from the month. What’s in the August 2024 NAPA Round Up?
Introducing the new range of Apec Brake Pipes and Accessories.
This new collection includes durable Copper and Cupro Nickel brake pipes that are resistant to corrosion and are ideal for hydraulic lines, delivering exceptional performance in various applications.
To complement the range, yellow zinc plated brake pipe fittings are available. These fittings are fully compatible with Apec Brake Pipes, providing optimal durability and resistance to corrosion, enhancing the longevity of braking systems.
Apec Braking NTR – August 2024
Introducing the new braking additions for August.
This month we've added a huge 186 new braking components to the Apec Red range.
The new additions include, brake hoses, brake cables, brake calipers and more.
Rediscover the quality of NAPA
Steering and Suspension
NAPA Partners with DriveTribe –
Episode 2 Available Now!
NAPA Racing UK Drivers Tour the NAPA Brake Pad Factory
NAPA Racing UK Fundraises for Race Against Dementia
ISPYNAPA
And much more! Scan the QR code to read more!
SUGGESTIONS
In January 2024, we established our Employee Engagement Group to help shape the future of our engagement and employee satisfaction. Over the last 8 months, we have hosted two face-to-face meetings with our employee engagement champions and have discussed what’s working well and what needs improvement.
During the first meeting, it was suggested that we create an anonymous way for employees to express their feedback and make it accessible to all our of colleagues.
In May, we introduced anonymous suggestion boxes to all RDC’s and offices, and more recently have introduced these into all our subsidiaries to ensure everyone has a chance to have their say.
Below are some of the most common suggestions, along with the outcome or progress of these.
Bereavement Leave & Funerals:
There are circumstances, such as bereavement, for which paid compassionate leave may be granted. Alliance Automotive Group wishes to support any employee who requests compassionate leave and will therefore look at each case individually. Employees should speak with their line manager in the first instance.
Can we offer a holiday purchase scheme for staff to buy holiday?
We are currently exploring this idea further and will provide an update in due course.
It would be beneficial to have more 1-2-1 opportunities with my manager.
Appraisals will be coming into place when we launch Workday. However, in the meantime, we do suggest you raise this with your line manager and request that they schedule regular 1-2-1s, this should eventually become part of the Management Development Programme.
We are continually exploring and implementing additional recommendations that have been submitted. If your suggestion pertains to your RDC/Office in particular (e.g. new kitchen appliances), it has been referred to your Branch Manager. Please feel free to discuss this directly with them.
As a company, it is imperative for us to ensure that our colleagues are engaged and fulfilled. We are diligently working to accommodate as many of your suggestions as possible, or providing an alternative, while providing genuine explanations for our decisions.
COMINGSOONEPISODE4FINALE!
NAPA are thrilled to announce an exhilarating new collaboration with DriveTribe, the community-first automotive channel founded by the iconic trio of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.
The captivating four-part series documents the journey of Izzy Hammond, a rising star in the automotive world, as she takes on the exciting challenge of purchasing and transforming her very first project car into a high-performance race car. This unique DriveTribe series promises to offer automotive enthusiasts an insider’s look at the intricate process of car transformation, underscored by the reliability and quality of NAPA parts.
The innovative series shines a light on the unique selling propositions (USPs) of NAPA parts, seamlessly integrating a variety of NAPA’s trusted partners throughout the episodes. Viewers will gain an upclose perspective on the top-quality components available from the wide network of NAPA Auto Parts stores, showcasing the essential elements that automotive enthusiasts need for their own projects.
The first three episodes have now been uploaded to the DriveTribe Youtube channel! Scan the QR code below to take a look!
GPC’S QUARTERLY BUSINESS REVIEW Q2 2024
GPC’s Executive Leadership Team recently hosted the Q2 Quarterly Business Review (QBR).
This was the first QBR led by Will Stengel following a challenging Q2 for the entire market. Despite this, Will reported that GPC achieved 99% of our sales quota.
Highlights included:
Bert Nappier, EVP and CFO shared that there was 5% growth in Europe despite soft market conditions.
Bert sent his thanks to Franck and the whole team across Europe for doing an outstanding job and achieving great results in a dynamic environment.
Bert also presented an interactive financial fitness segment, where he transformed into the GPC weatherman to explain the financial forecast for each quarter and how weather impacts our business.
Chris Galla, SVP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary hosted an insightful introduction class providing great insight into each business unit within the GPC global network for both automotive and industrial sectors.
Naveen Krishna, EVP & CIDO discussed the recent global CrowdStrike issues and how our Infrastructure and Cyber Security teams worked to become operational within 12-18 hours.
Additionally, he mentions key projects taking place at the Global Technology Centre (GTC) in Krakow including Global Cyber Defence, Leveraging Google Search, GenAI Innovation Hub.
Did you know? 64,000
threats
come into
our
business every day, so the team operate 24/7 to monitor every critical system within the company.
Jim Neill, EVP & CHRO, during his last QBR following his announcement to retire later this year, discussed the strategy for creating high-performing teams across GPC and thanked current interns for their support over the past months.
Kim also shared an overview of the Global Employee Engagement Survey, launching across Europe in Q1 2025. Be sure to keep an eye out for updates coming soon.
Alliance Automotive Group feature in GPC’s ‘GPC On the Move – Culture’ video, highlighting various initiatives undertaken.
Scan the QR code to hear our GPC leaders discuss the latest company results, strategic initiatives, and human resources updates.
Stay tuned for the Quarter 3 update, coming soon!
COMPETITION
Thank you to everyone who entered the last Torquing Point competition, congratulations to the winner, Dave Allen, Health & Safety Manager. We will be in touch to send out your Amazon Echo Dot & Firestick soon!
Can you find the 10 mini NAPA Racing Ford Focus’ hidden in this newsletter? You could be the next winner of an Amazon Tech Bunde (Echo Dot & Fire Stick).
Send your submissions to comms@allianceautomotive.co.uk to be in with a chance of being our next winner.
Happy search
MACMILLAN & IRISH CANCER SOCIETY COFFEE MORNING!
Our annual Coffee Mornings are taking place during the week commencing 23rd September, please speak to your Branch Manager for more information on the selected date.
Macmillan's Coffee Morning is the biggest fundraising event to support people living with cancer, people all over the UK host their own Coffee Morning, and we’re joining them!
Irish Cancer Society is a community determined to help anyone affected by cancer in Ireland, they listen to patients and their loved ones and support them by providing free information and care.
We encourage everyone to share any ideas, suggestions, or feedback on the AAG UK&IE Newsletter with the Communications Team, by emailing comms@allianceautomotive.co.uk
We need your help to make this year’s coffee mornings bigger and better, all you need to do is bring in your best homemade, or shopbought cakes, biscuits, or any sweet treat.
Did you miss out on last month’s edition? Scan the QR code to take a look!
