In the next instalment of our Bodyshop Spotlight series, we’re highlighting the incredible team at our Newcastle site. The centre here in Newcastle has continually proven and established itself as a market-leading bodyshop, winning awards for its BSI Kitemark, and the work that has been put into ensuring the future of repair is in safe hands with its apprenticeship scheme. 

To learn more, we spoke with Lee Johnson – Area Manager for the North England region, who has helped develop the Newcastle site since it first opened in 2021.

Interview with Lee Johnson, Area Manager

How has your experience been managing the Newcastle site? 

I was offered the chance to be in a unique position whereby I was able to hand-pick my own team, build and develop a brand-new site here in Newcastle, so I committed and made the leap with no hesitation.

I have to mention how this site has an amazing staff retention number, and a very stable atmosphere. My experience of manging this site and, the fantastic team that have been with me over the last 4 and a half years, has been unbelievable. As a team, we have achieved a high level of consistency in producing best-in-class numbers, and I really have to credit that to the team and their desire to make sure that everything is successful. I’ve been managing a team of over 40+, which at times has been a challenge; I think that could be a sentiment that no Bodyshop manager would disagree with. However, being a key factor in assisting the success the site has achieved has been incredibly rewarding, and possibly the best move I have ever made in my career, to be honest.  

When I was approached about the position by the Operational Director, the vision and the opportunity was presented me, and there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to make the move.  

I was offered the chance to be in a unique position whereby I was able to hand-pick my own team, build and develop a brand-new site here in Newcastle, so I committed and made the leap with no hesitation. 

I have to mention how this site has an amazing staff retention number, and a very stable atmosphere. My experience of manging this site and, the fantastic team that have been with me over the last 4 and a half years, has been unbelievable. As a team, we have achieved a high level of consistency in producing best-in-class numbers, and I really have to credit that to the team and their desire to make sure that everything is successful. 

What equipment does the Newcastle Bodyshop have that makes the site stand out? 

Since we opened the site back in 2023, we have heavily invested in state-of-the-art technology and equipment to ensure that we can produce top-quality repairs for our customers.  

We have equipment that ranges from EV charging stations, ADAS calibration equipment, and specialist diagnostic equipment. We have also been lucky to be equipped with a top-of-the-range Car-O-Liner and Blackhawk welding equipment to perfect our work.  

We have Car-O-Liner benches that can accommodate for both cars and LCV’s, Car-O-Liner speed pull benches, and STL spray booths that can support up to 4 vehicles at a time.  

An extra bonus for the team is that all of our MET technicians are able to use their own individual ramps, giving them all their own space to work on their own assignments. 

Would you be able to tell us some more about the team dynamic at the site? 

Absolutely, as I mentioned earlier, the team at the Newcastle branch is very stable. We actually have people who have worked together previously join our team together.  

I have to give a shout out too to all those at Activate Group that work on FNOL – it’s always a team effort for us, all the way from receipt of the job to completion of delivery. If we didn’t have that remarkable relationship with other departments in the business, we wouldn’t be able to complete the work at the same level as what we do.  

Our front of house and driving teams do a superb job keeping up with distance, workshop demands, and technical work of the business too. We have ensured everyone is highly skilled and qualified to deliver exceptional quality and service regardless of their position. 

I think it would be fair to say that most businesses have a divide between departments, but I must say that from my experience here at Newcastle, I truly believe that we have conquered the status quo. We’ve proved that we have a really good dynamic with both everyone on site, and other departments across the business, through great communication and the welcoming atmosphere created by the team. 

At last year’s British Bodyshop Awards you won the BSI Kitemark award. What does that mean for the Newcastle site? 

This was an unreal achievement for us to add to our repertoire! When you think that the BSI currently service approximately 700 bodyshops up and down the UK, even being nominated for such an award is a massive achievement.  

So, for the Newcastle site to actually win the award was incredible; it’s something we are all super proud of on-site, and the wider company really values the recognition. 

The BSI Kitemark award speaks for itself; it encompasses our attitude towards achieving market-leading quality and conformance from everyone on site. It secures the message of trust that we send to our work providers and our customers. 

At these same awards, Danny Newton also won the Thatcham Apprenticeship Mentor of The Year award, can you tell us more about apprenticeship scheme and how Newcastle has implemented this? 

It’s no secret that the industry has been, and still is deprived of both qualified and capable technicians. However, here at Newcastle, we have really put some emphasis on bringing the younger generation onboard to this field of work, and ensuring we have the capacity to invest in them.  

Thatcham genuinely do an astonishing job with our apprentices; there has been occasions where they have been taken on week-long training courses to equip them with the skills and knowledge required to work in this industry. It’s also a testament to them how often they come to visit the apprentices and support them on their journey to complete the programme. 

We took the decision to have apprentices on-site here very early in the life of the Bodyshop. We wanted to cover the field by employing multiple panel, paint and MET apprentices, and we’re now at a stage where we’re seeing the result of that investment – with 5 now fully-qualified and contributing toward the continues success of the bodyshop.  

This is a true reflection of the hard work Danny has put in; the award was well and truly deserved. It’s something that has contributed to the atmosphere and driver for all team members here on site. 

Finally, the Newcastle site has had some incredible reviews, how do you plan to keep improving the Bodyshop and continue providing industry-leading service?

 We are truly so lucky to have employed so many great people with an unbelievable work ethic and genuine passion for what they do. I can honestly say I do not see that changing any time soon.  

The focus we have on both quality and efficiency will always remain a priority. We’re so thankful to have such an amazing leadership team in place, who genuinely listen, and are committed to keeping up with the industry as it evolves.  

We strive to deliver exceptional KPI results for our work providers, and best-quality repairs for our customers –  which we will continue to do for the foreseeable future. 

Thankyou Lee for sharing some insight on the operations and what the future holds for the Newcastle site