Unimetals faces administration as Sims Metals UK deal stalls

This award recognises companies within the vehicle recycling industry that have made a genuine and sustained investment in developing, training, and supporting their workforce. This can include structured apprenticeship or training schemes, investment in health and safety practices, career progression pathways, or initiatives that improve staff wellbeing and morale. The award is open to companies of any size that can demonstrate a clear commitment to their people, not simply as a workforce, but as the foundation of a sustainable and professional industry.

People remain the industry’s most valuable asset, and the pace of change within vehicle recycling, from new technologies to evolving environmental and safety standards makes ongoing investment in staff more important than ever. This award seeks to recognise companies that go beyond compliance and actively build the skills, motivation, and safety culture needed to move the industry forward. Judges will look for evidence of tangible outcomes, such as improved retention, staff progression into more senior or specialist roles, measurable safety improvements, or the development of training programmes that could serve as a model for others in the sector.

By celebrating companies that prioritise their people, we hope to encourage a wider industry shift towards professionalism, safety, and long-term career development within vehicle recycling. We encourage all companies with a genuine story to tell about investing in their teams to enter this award and share the impact of their approach with the wider industry.

When it comes to vehicle recycling, every company has its unique approach to salvaging and recycling vehicles. The process involves a range of different elements, including dismantling, reusing, and recycling parts, as well as implementing sustainable practices to reduce waste and emissions. Therefore, it is crucial to recognise the efforts of large vehicle recycling companies that strive to make a positive impact on the environment. This award category is open to companies that have 60 or more members of staff and excel in breaking, salvaging, and recycling vehicles in all its forms.

The judges will assess various aspects of the company’s performance to select the winner. These factors may include the company’s history, growth trajectory, commitment to environmental sustainability, and evidence of good practices. For instance, the judges may look for examples of how the company implements eco-friendly practices to minimise waste and reduce its carbon footprint. They may also examine how the company has adapted to new challenges and opportunities in the industry, such as advancements in technology or changes in regulations.

This award category seeks to celebrate the exceptional performance of large sized vehicle recycling companies that go above and beyond to recycle vehicles while protecting the environment. All eligible participants are strongly encouraged to submit their nominations and showcase their commitment to sustainable and responsible vehicle recycling practices.

When it comes to vehicle recycling, every company has its unique approach to salvaging and recycling vehicles. The process involves a range of different elements, including dismantling, reusing, and recycling parts, as well as implementing sustainable practices to reduce waste and emissions. Therefore, it is crucial to recognise the efforts of medium-sized vehicle recycling companies that strive to make a positive impact on the environment. This award category is open to companies that have 21 to 59 members of staff and excel in breaking, salvaging, and recycling vehicles in all its forms.

The judges will assess various aspects of the company’s performance to select the winner. These factors may include the company’s history, growth trajectory, commitment to environmental sustainability, and evidence of good practices. For instance, the judges may look for examples of how the company implements eco-friendly practices to minimise waste and reduce its carbon footprint. They may also examine how the company has adapted to new challenges and opportunities in the industry, such as advancements in technology or changes in regulations.

This award category seeks to celebrate the exceptional performance of medium sized vehicle recycling companies that go above and beyond to recycle vehicles while protecting the environment. All eligible participants are strongly encouraged to submit their nominations and showcase their commitment to sustainable and responsible vehicle recycling practices.

When it comes to vehicle recycling, every company has its unique approach to salvaging and recycling vehicles. The process involves a range of different elements, including dismantling, reusing, and recycling parts, as well as implementing sustainable practices to reduce waste and emissions. Therefore, it is crucial to recognise the efforts of small vehicle recycling companies that strive to make a positive impact on the environment while operating with a limited workforce. This award category is open to companies that have 20 or fewer members of staff and excel in breaking, salvaging, and recycling vehicles in all its forms.

The judges will assess various aspects of the company’s performance to select the winner. These factors may include the company’s history, growth trajectory, commitment to environmental sustainability, and evidence of good practices. For instance, the judges may look for examples of how the company implements eco-friendly practices to minimise waste and reduce its carbon footprint. They may also examine how the company has adapted to new challenges and opportunities in the industry, such as advancements in technology or changes in regulations.

This award category seeks to celebrate the exceptional performance of small vehicle recycling companies that go above and beyond to recycle vehicles while protecting the environment. All eligible participants are strongly encouraged to submit their nominations and showcase their commitment to sustainable and responsible vehicle recycling practices.

We are proud to present an award that recognises the outstanding efforts of companies in promoting sustainability within the vehicle recycling community. This award is open to all companies, regardless of their size, that have demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting sustainable practices and reducing their environmental footprint.

To be considered for this award, candidates are invited to showcase their initiatives and programs that have led to significant improvements in sustainability within their organisation. These may include measures to reduce waste, decrease energy consumption, promote the use of renewable resources, or implement eco-friendly production processes.

Furthermore, we encourage companies to provide examples of how they have actively engaged with their stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and the wider community, to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship.

We believe that this award will not only celebrate the achievements of the vehicle recycling community but also inspire others to follow in their footsteps and adopt sustainable practices in their own organisations.

This award acknowledges the outstanding achievements of individuals and companies who have introduced innovative and efficient solutions in the vehicle recycling industry, thereby enhancing the industry’s significance in the 21st century. The award recognises the creativity of those who have developed novel work processes, launched staff initiatives, improved logistics, or demonstrated exemplary practices that have resulted in positive outcomes. Both internally developed and externally adopted solutions will be considered for this award.

The award aims to encourage and promote sustainable practices within the vehicle recycling industry, where innovative solutions can lead to reduced environmental impact and increased efficiency. By highlighting the significant contributions made by individuals and companies, this award inspires others to follow suit and contribute to the industry’s growth and development. The award ceremony provides a platform for industry leaders to showcase their innovative ideas and initiatives, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among peers.

Individuals or organisations that offer essential services to the vehicle recycling industry are eligible for this award. These may include but are not exclusive to insurance providers who offer coverage for recycling facilities, trainers who educate industry professionals on the latest techniques and safety measures, law firms that specialise in regulatory compliance, and collection companies that gather and transport end-of-life vehicles. Nominees should demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing the sustainability and efficiency of the vehicle recycling industry.

It is important to recognise the critical role played by support services in the vehicle recycling industry. Without these valuable contributions, the sector would struggle to operate effectively and meet the needs of consumers and regulatory bodies. By honouring the achievements and dedication of those who provide support to the industry, we can help to promote best practices and encourage innovation in this vital field. An award that celebrates the unsung heroes of the vehicle recycling industry.

This award recognises companies involved in vehicle salvage, auction, remarketing or the handling and resale of salvage vehicles.

Entries are open to businesses of all sizes that can demonstrate excellence in operations, customer service, transparency, innovation and professional standards.

Judges will be looking for evidence of growth, efficient processes, strong customer experience, clear vehicle information, user-friendly systems and responsible salvage management. The strongest entries will show how the company supports buyers, sellers and the wider sector while helping raise standards in the salvage market.

The Vehicle Recycling Equipment Company Award is open to all manufacturers of equipment used in the vehicle recycling industry. This includes but is not exclusive to depollution equipment, cutters, material handlers, shredders, and other related machinery. The award recognises companies that have demonstrated exceptional customer service, displayed a strong commitment to the industry, and have contributed to its growth and success.

Entrants will be evaluated based on their overall performance, customer satisfaction, and support for the vehicle recycling industry. The judges will also consider the history of the company, including its achievements and milestones, as well as its plans for future development and innovation.

To be eligible for the award, companies do not need to have produced any new equipment in 2024/5. Rather, the judges will consider a company’s overall contribution to the industry over time. The Vehicle Recycling Equipment Award is a prestigious recognition of excellence in the vehicle recycling industry, and winning companies will be celebrated as leaders in their field.

This award recognises businesses that actively use, promote or support the use of recycled vehicle parts within their operations.

Entries may include insurers, bodyshops, repair networks, fleets, claims businesses, parts platforms or any organisation that has helped increase confidence in recycled parts and made reuse part of everyday practice.

Judges will be looking for evidence of measurable use, clear environmental benefit, strong internal processes and a commitment to making recycled parts a credible alternative to new. The strongest entries will show how reuse has reduced waste, supported sustainability and delivered practical benefits for customers, partners or policyholders.

The sale of recycled vehicle parts has become increasingly important in promoting sustainable practices within the vehicle recycling industry. As a result, it is vital to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding efforts of vehicle recyclers who provide these parts to individuals and businesses. This award category seeks to recognise and honour companies that prioritise sustainability through their commitment to the reuse of recycled vehicle parts.

The award is open to all vehicle recyclers, regardless of their size, who demonstrate excellence in their sustainable practices. Judges will consider various factors when evaluating nominees, including examples of good practices, innovation, and customer care. Nominees who demonstrate the most creative and innovative approaches to vehicle recycling will be highly regarded. Additionally, those who prioritise the highest levels of customer satisfaction by providing top-quality recycled vehicle parts and exceptional customer service will be given priority for sustainability through the sale of recycled vehicle parts.

By celebrating the outstanding efforts of these companies, we hope to inspire more businesses in the industry to follow suit and prioritise sustainability in their operations. We encourage all vehicle recyclers committed to sustainability to apply for this award and showcase their excellence in promoting sustainable practices within the vehicle recycling industry.

This award recognises excellence in the export and import of recycled vehicle parts and is open to companies worldwide, including those based in the UK. The award aims to celebrate businesses that have demonstrated outstanding performance in the industry by promoting sustainable practices and upholding high administrative standards.

Recycling vehicle parts is crucial for the environment as it reduces waste and conserves natural resources. However, it requires an intricate balance of efficient operations, sustainable practices, and compliance with regulations. Therefore, this award recognises companies that have excelled in this field and have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical practices.

Judges will assess entries based on a range of criteria, including the scale of operations, innovation, environmental impact, and compliance with regulations. Companies that have implemented best practices to minimise waste, maximise the reuse of materials, and established strong relationships with suppliers and customers, and have shown excellent administrative practices, will also be considered. The winners of this award will serve as an inspiration to others in the industry and demonstrate the benefits of sustainable and ethical business practice.

This award category recognises the significant impact of software in the vehicle recycling industry. Whether it is creating new software applications or improving existing ones, individuals and companies that develop innovative software solutions to enhance the vehicle recycling process are invited to participate. This includes Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms that provide a range of services such as inventory management, tracking, and reporting, as well as offering good customer service.

Software plays a crucial role in facilitating efficient and sustainable vehicle recycling practices, enabling recyclers to manage their operations effectively and reduce their environmental impact.

Furthermore, the award category also recognises the importance of user-friendly software that can be easily integrated into existing recycling processes, making it accessible to a wider range of users. The judges will be looking for software solutions that demonstrate the potential to drive positive change and innovation in the vehicle recycling industry. The winning software will be one that stands out for its user interface, functionality, and ability to solve real-world problems faced by vehicle recyclers.

This award recognises businesses that go beyond their day-to-day operations to make a positive and lasting contribution to their local communities.

Entries may include initiatives such as supporting community events or sports teams, donating vehicles or parts to colleges and training providers, raising funds for charities, working with local authorities to remove untaxed or abandoned vehicles from public roads, or any other activity that improves safety, supports education, promotes responsible vehicle ownership or benefits the wider community.

Nominations may be submitted by the company involved, the organisation or community that benefited from the initiative, or as a joint entry.

Judges will be looking for evidence of genuine community impact, strong engagement with local people or organisations, and a commitment to ensuring the initiative delivers value over the long term.

As the automotive sector moves from linear supply chains to circular value networks, Hugues Delval is helping to redefine what scalable reuse can look like across Europe. As Chief Executive Officer of Autocirc, Europe’s leading ecosystem for automotive recycling and traceable reuse of pre-owned OEM parts, Hugues leads a business focused on turning end-of-life vehicle materials and components into high-quality, commercially valuable resources for the wider aftermarket.

With a strong commitment to sustainability, traceability and circular economy solutions, Autocirc supplies recycled OEM parts to collision and repair workshops, vehicle manufacturers and insurance companies, supporting a more efficient, lower-waste model for repair and parts supply.

At a vehicle recycling conference, his perspective is highly relevant. The opportunity for ATFs and recyclers is no longer limited to dismantling and material recovery; it is increasingly about building trusted, traceable and scalable routes for parts reuse within a circular automotive ecosystem.

Hugues’ session, “From Waste to Value: Building a Scalable Circular Ecosystem in the Automotive Aftermarket,” will explore how automotive recycling can move further up the value chain, creating stronger links between dismantlers, repairers, insurers and OEMs. He will examine what it takes to build circular systems at scale, and how traceable reuse of pre-owned OEM parts can help shape a more sustainable, resilient and commercially attractive future for the automotive aftermarket.

As the conversation around AI accelerates, Conrad Caine is focused on one question: how can artificial intelligence deliver practical, measurable value in real-world industries like vehicle recycling?

Conrad is the Founder of MACHINES LIKE ME, an AI automation company that designs and deploys AI agents to transform manual operational and administrative tasks into reliable, scalable end-to-end automation. Working with organisations across sectors, he helps connect data, systems and workflows to streamline operations, reduce operating costs and improve quality, turning AI from theory into tangible business performance.

At a conference themed Auto Recycling Intelligence, Conrad’s session will address both the opportunity and the scepticism surrounding AI in the vehicle recycling sector. What is AI really? What can it genuinely automate, and what should remain firmly human-led?

He will explore practical applications for vehicle recyclers, from process optimisation and data handling to workflow automation, while making clear that AI is a support tool, not a replacement for industry expertise.

Blending philosophy with practical examples, Conrad will demystify artificial intelligence, challenge common misconceptions and show how vehicle recyclers can adopt AI confidently, improving efficiency without losing the human intelligence that drives the sector.

As lithium batteries become a defining feature of end-of-life vehicles, Alan Colledge is helping the UK recycling sector adapt safely and at scale. As Technical Director of Lithium Battery Recycling Solutions (SUEZ), Alan leads the safe collection, handling and recycling of lithium batteries, with a particular focus on traction batteries from the automotive and wider mobility markets.

Alan is a fourth-term Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) and has spent over 33 years in the waste industry. Since 2012, he has been at the centre of developing practical, compliant solutions for lithium battery management, work that helped establish one of the UK’s first dedicated battery workshops in 2017 and, in September 2022, one of the country’s first waste battery plants designed to recover materials via mechanical shredding and separation.

At a vehicle recycling conference, this topic is moving rapidly from “emerging” to “urgent”. Alan’s presentation explores what ATFs and recyclers need to know now: the real-world challenges of collection, transport and storage; the handling risks associated with damaged or unknown-state batteries; and the operational and commercial conditions the sector is likely to face over the next decade as EV volumes rise.

He’ll also share news of SUEZ’s latest investment in battery recycling,  and what it could mean for UK capacity, downstream routes and future collaboration with ATFs.

As electrification reshapes the automotive sector, the financial logic behind vehicles is changing just as rapidly as the technology itself. Mark Main brings a strategic asset and valuation perspective to this transformation, helping the industry understand what electric vehicles truly cost, not just to buy and run, but to recover, repair, recycle and retire.

A Director at EY LLP in London and the firm’s UK&I Transport and Logistics Leader within its Mobility practice, Mark specialises in capital equipment valuation and asset lifecycle advisory.

With more than 20 years’ experience across automotive, fleet and leasing, he supports organisations with residual value modelling, portfolio strategy, financial reporting and total cost of ownership analysis.

In this session, Mark will explore how traditional TCO models must now incorporate end-of-life risk, battery uncertainty and disposal obligations. For Authorised Treatment Facilities, this has real implications, from the economics of EV dismantling and material recovery to the operational challenges of recovering and storing damaged electric vehicles after accidents.

He will also examine the growing need to reskill technicians to manage high-voltage systems safely, connecting financial exposure with operational readiness. The result is a clear-eyed view of how electrification is redefining asset risk, lifecycle value and long-term profitability across the vehicle recycling ecosystem.

Hans Eric Melin is the Founder and Managing Director of CES Research and Consulting, a London-based research and advisory firm recognised globally for its expertise in lithium-ion battery lifecycle management, with a particular focus on reuse, recycling, and end-of-life value chains. Since 2017, CES has become a primary source of data-driven insight on the rapidly evolving battery circular economy, supporting stakeholders across industry, finance, and policy.

Prior to founding CES, Hans Eric served as Vice President of Market Development at Battery Solutions, then the largest battery recycler in the United States, where he worked on scaling recycling capacity and developing downstream markets. Earlier, he was CEO of Refind Technologies, a technology company developing AI-based sorting systems for battery recycling facilities.

Through his research and advisory work, Hans Eric has been instrumental in shaping industry understanding of structural challenges and opportunities within battery circularity. His analysis has highlighted issues such as China’s central role in battery reuse, recycling, and materials refining; the global trade in used battery-containing products; and the outsized influence of ownership models, consumer behaviour, and regulation on battery lifetimes, often exceeding purely technical constraints.

Hans Eric’s insights have been published in leading scientific journals, including Science and Nature, and are frequently cited by international media such as Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and Wired. He is a regular keynote speaker and moderator at major conferences across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Hans Eric holds a BSc in Communication Studies and Business Administration from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and is based between London and Vienna.

Leon van der Merwe brings a senior OEM perspective to one of the most important shifts facing the vehicle recycling sector: the move towards a fully integrated circular economy. A highly experienced automotive leader, Leon has held major executive roles across retail, aftermarket and manufacturing. From serving as Managing Director of Kwik Fit South Africa to leading product and services strategy in Europe, and later holding senior positions with First Stop and Bridgestone Europe, his career spans the breadth of the automotive value chain.

Since joining Toyota Motor Europe in 2014, Leon has led After Sales before expanding his responsibilities to cover the entire Value Chain. In 2019, he moved into manufacturing as Vice President of Supply Chain, Manufacturing Support and Production Control, guiding operations through Brexit and Covid. In July 2023, he created two new strategic functions, Circular Economy and Energy Business, reinforcing Toyota’s long-term commitment to sustainability and new mobility models

For vehicle recycling, this signals a fundamental shift. OEMs are increasingly designing vehicles with reuse, remanufacture and material recovery in mind and seeking structured collaboration with recyclers.

Leon’s session will explore how circular economy strategy is influencing vehicle design, dismantling processes, data transparency and material flows, and what this means for auto recyclers aiming to position themselves as trusted partners within an OEM-led, end-to-end value chain.

Mary Creagh CBE MP is the Labour Member of Parliament for Coventry East and was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Nature) at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in July 2024. In this role, she leads on the circular economy, including driving waste reduction, improving resource efficiency, and developing a new, more sustainable cross-government circular economy strategy, helping to accelerate progress towards a more resilient, recycling-led economy.

With more than two decades at the heart of the UK insurance sector, Paul Sell brings a deep understanding of how claims economics directly influence the vehicle repair and recycling markets.

Paul spent 23 years with Aviva, leading a range of commercial roles across partnerships and claims supply chain. After working closely with vehicle manufacturers, he transitioned into Claims Supply Chain, ultimately becoming Head of Supply Chain with responsibility for supplier relationships across all product lines. His experience spans procurement strategy, repair networks, cost control and operational performance, insight that is increasingly relevant to Authorised Treatment Facilities navigating insurer-led decisions.

Since leaving Aviva seven years ago, Paul has worked independently with innovative businesses, including RightIndem and Service Certainty, while providing consultancy to insurers and manufacturers through Industry Insights. He also played a key role in the acquisition and leadership of Trend Tracker, which now delivers regular market intelligence and analysis to the motor claims and repair sector.

In his session, Paul will explore the trends shaping the Motor Vehicle Repair Market, from repair-versus-write-off decisions and parts pressures to insurer behaviour and market cycles. For ATFs, these dynamics directly affect vehicle volumes, salvage values and end-of-life flows. Delegates will gain a clearer picture of where the market is heading and what it means for the future of vehicle recycling.

With more than four decades in automotive engineering, Andrew Marsh brings rare depth and straight-talking clarity to the challenges now facing vehicle recycling. An engineering graduate since 1984, Andrew spent over 20 years inside major OEMs before moving into a second career phase with Thatcham Research.

In 2011, he founded AutoBody Bible Ltd to deliver bodyshop-focused repair intelligence, and in 2026 he begins a new business venture. A respected technical commentator, he writes for leading bodyshop publications and is a Fellow of both the IMI and the IAEA.

A regular international presenter, Andrew speaks at industry events around the world and is also a familiar voice to our audience, having previously presented at our conferences.

In this session, Andrew will examine China’s growing influence on the European automotive market and why this matters directly to Authorised Treatment Facilities. As Europe moves toward 2030, will China’s manufacturing strength reshape volumes, vehicle types and parts availability, and what could that mean for ATF profitability and compliance?

Andrew will cut through the headlines to explore how Chinese industrial policy, European regulation and high energy costs combine to impact end-of-life vehicle flows. Crucially, he will set out the potential “win or lose” implications for ATFs,  from changing dismantling demand and material values to new operational pressures, emerging opportunities and the strategic steps ATFs can take to stay ahead.