We recently interviewed Jim Loughran, CEO of e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management, about his role since joining the company at the end of 2021 and his thoughts on being the gold sponsor for the third consecutive year at ATF Professional’s upcoming vehicle recycling conference.
You joined e2e as its CEO in November 2021. What were your first impressions when you took on the role?
I was immediately excited by what the industry represents and e2e’s network strategy, and the associated business opportunities. I was also 100% impressed by the quality of the team and their passion for the company and the network members. A commitment to delivering exceptional service is embedded throughout the company.
The business infrastructure and processes equipped me with MI that really shone a light on the network’s financial robustness, strong performance against KPIs and future growth opportunities.
I was struck by the scale of the network and how unified it is behind common goals. Members readily share best practice and support each other to the benefit of the network and our clients.
With members being nationwide and some of the leading organisations in the salvage and automotive recycling market, it was clear that e2e has the power to influence the external perception of the industry, to be an agent for change and a champion of professional standards.
Since then, what have you been doing to familiarise yourself with the industry, and what have you learnt?
Naturally, outside of the business, I’ve taken time to talk to clients, network members, industry and trade bodies to achieve a full 360-degree view.
The industry is evolving rapidly, and the ability to adapt and rise to the challenges and pace of change is what will define success in the future. It’s a hugely dynamic time, and it’s packed with opportunities. We have the growth in demand for reclaimed parts, the potential for battery recycling with EVs and the drive towards NET Zero. We re-purpose, re-use and recycle vehicles at end-of-life and as an industry, we are very well placed to support the motoring industry with its sustainability goals.
In my previous roles in the IT industry product lifecycles are sub three years, new entrants to the market appear monthly and global domination of a sector can occur well within five years. I’ve learnt that to fear or resist change is both dangerous and futile. I’m used to steering organisations through change and the inherent power and resilience of the e2e network is its agility – the ability to constantly assimilate, change and adapt.
I’ve learnt that the professional disciplines that make up the motor claims supply chain are experts in their respective fields and committed to delivering an outstanding service to the insurer and their policyholders. I’ve also learnt that sustainability is not just being thrown around as a buzzword – these experts are determined to walk the talk.
What is crystalising for me is the opportunity presented by reclaimed parts and moreover, the potential to innovate and deliver a reclaimed parts eco-system that works end-to-end, feeding parts availability and cost back into the insurer clients’ claims assessment process and the repairers’ estimating process at the front end. Imagine the benefits if this happened as standard practice for all parties involved and the planet.
I continue to learn and expect and hope to do so for many years to come.
You are speaking at the ATF Professional conference on the 9th of June at Warwick University. This will be your first speech in front of those connected to the vehicle recycling community. Without giving too much away, what can we expect to hear from you?
I’m very much looking forward to it. I’m going to be talking about how, if we join up the siloes in the motor claims supply chain, we can have a huge impact on costs, efficiency, returns and the environment.
For the third year, e2e will be the conference’s gold sponsor; what value does the conference bring for you and those attending.
I’m delighted that we have been the conference’s gold sponsor since its inaugural event in 2019. An annual conference for the industry as a whole was long overdue.
The opportunity to come together as professionals to network, debate, learn and share ideas and insights is, in my opinion, invaluable. It also represents opportunity to invite and educate those from outside the industry – presenting a professional showcase of just how far this industry has come. Congratulations to ATF Professional for facilitating this. I have a feeling you may be looking to move to a bigger venue next year to accommodate growing delegate demand!
The ATF Professional conference is now in its third year (forgiving the pandemic when we hosted a webinar); what topics do you hope to see being discussed next year as the industry progresses?
Circular sustainability: I’d love to see a joined-up debate with vehicle manufacturers actively collaborating with automotive recyclers and repairers; discussing how they can work together to assist in the design of vehicles that are 100% recyclable.
Parts coding: It would be great to see vehicle manufacturers open to supporting the use of reclaimed parts as part of a wider business ecosystem and a means of unpicking the existing challenges represented by parts coding.
Future of transport and horizon scanning: Autonomous vehicles and their recovery from collisions. The data contained within these vehicles is potentially relevant to liability issues. Exploring the differing needs when the vehicle is recovered and/or written off.
ATF Professional’s vehicle recycling conference takes place on Wednesday 9th June at the Advanced Propulsion Centre, Warwick University. If you would like to attend, we recommend you book your place as soon as possible as tickets are selling fast.
Please go to www.atfpro.co.uk/vehiclerecyclingconference2022/ or click on the image below to register.
