This episode features a panel discussion that seeks to explain the important topics to consider when it's time to repair your car. For the panel, Sam Street and Grant McHerron are joined by Tracey Richards, Business Manager at Geoff Richards Panel Beating, Glenn O'Donnell, General Manager at North Shore BMW Bodyshop, and James Frape, CEO of Compass Corp.

We begin our discussion by reviewing a hypothetical crash and the process involved in renewing policies to retain benefits and choice of repairer, contacting the insurance provider, and getting a loaned car while waiting for it to be repaired. We explore how damage is assessed, the difficulties of acquiring parts internationally, and get some red flags to look out for in relation to rushing repairs, ignoring manufacturer specifications, and the hurdles put in place by some insurance policies. The discussion also goes into detail about how large damage is assessed for repair, the need to accommodate for the large range of customisation in consumer vehicles, and making sure your repairer is authorised to undertake the work properly.

We wrap up with some final tips and tricks to consider when picking up and dropping off your car for repair.

Links & Resources:

Compass Corp

www.compasscorp.com.au

Geoff Richards Panel Beating

www.richardspanelbeating.com.au

North Shore BMW

nsbmwb.com.au

------------------------------

The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street talks with Steve Leal, President & CEO of Fix Network,
to discuss the network’s presence and growth in the Australian market.

We begin our discussion by comparing similarities between Australia and Canada,
followed by a review of the network's efforts to develop a sustainable franchise
system for entrepreneurs, and explore the benefits franchisees gain from being part
of a global network. We also get an overview of Fix Network’s official sponsorship
with KICK Sauber F1® Team, their continued efforts to build consumer trust, and the
type of business owners the network is looking for — highlighting the importance of
staying up to date in a rapidly evolving industry.

We wrap up with Steve’s insights on working collaboratively with his franchisees,
long-term investment strategies, and the level of commitment required.

Links & Resources:

Fix Network

www.fixnetwork.com/en

------------------------------

The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2025

Links & Resources:

I-CAR Australia

i-car.com.au

I-CAR Australia Welding Courses

i-car.com.au/?s=welding+course

Connect with

Jason Trewin www.linkedin.com/in/jason-trewin-8b8b9959

Gary Wood www.linkedin.com/in/gary-wood-36b7a3103

------------------------------

The PKN Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street interviews Darrell Jacobs, CEO of the Motor Trade Association of South Australia and Northern Territory, about a number of topics relating to MTA's work and training of apprentices.

We start our discussion by reviewing how the closure of the TAFE which taught Trade and Panel resulted in MTA stepping up to fill the training gap in South Australia, teaching both at their training facility and travelling to schools to get students involved. Darrel also shares his experience organising the $4m rebuild of their site due to a fire caused by an electrical fault, the sourcing of government funding to implement further upgrades to their facility, as well as running the MTA’s Graduation and Awards Honours. We also evaluate how having the mandated code legislated has resulted in improving standards, whilst assessing the need to update the code, and review the response from the industry of the drafting of the new code.

We wrap up with considerations for choice of repairer, the increased adoption of electric vehicles, and how insurance companies conduct themselves.

Links & Resources:

Biggest ever MTA Graduation and Awards Honours SA’s Top Auto Talent

www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/biggest-ever-mta-graduation-and-awards-honours-sa-s-top-auto-talent

MTAQ holds vibrant draft Code of Conduct event

www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/mtaq-holds-vibrant-draft-code-of-conduct-event

------------------------------

The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street interviews James Frape at Compass about their sponsorship of the Bodyshop awards and also Chris & Shari Agnew from Sommerville Smash Repairs about winning in last year's awards.

We begin our discussion with James about why Compass has sponsored the Bodyshop awards for the last 10 years, we also get an overview of the categories for this year, with awards for Best Shop, Best Practice, and Best Individual, and we review the nomination, submission, and judging process. Our discussion with Chris & Shari Agnew provides an insight into their experience winning the Best Large Shop award last year, seeing a great response from their team, and the trust and recognition it brings.

We wrap up with some tips on how to put together a submission for an award.

Links & Resources:

2025 Bodyshop Awards

1. Supplier nominations close friday 2 may 2025

2. Shops self nominations close friday 30 may 2025

bodyshopawards.com.au

------------------------------

The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street interviews Matt Hobbs, CEO of the Motor Trades Association of Australia, about the Code of Conduct review.

We start with getting an understanding of why the Code of Conduct review is being conducted with issues surrounding governance structures, sanctions and penalties, dispute resolutions, and unclear assessment times. Matt shares his experience in what caused delays in the review, the importance of liaising with the Australian Motor Body Repairers Association (AMBRA), and how industry and government have an invested interest in negotiating an outcome that improves the dispute resolution process. Matt also gives us an insight into how they will launch this review, the feedback process that it will undergo, and how they will find a suitable and truly independent reviewer.

We wrap up by discussing concerns surrounding insurance mergers and the dominance of large insurers leading to a lack of competition.

Links & Resources:

Review of the Motor Vehicle Insurance and Repair Industry Code of Conduct

www.mviricode.com.au/

Whole industry collaboration on code

www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/whole-industry-collaboration-on-code

Industry consultation on draft code to open in early March

www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/industry-consultation-on-draft-code-to-open-in-early-march

RAA sells its insurance book to Allianz

www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/raa-sells-its-insurance-book-to-allianz

ACCC calls for submissions on insurance take over deals

www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/accc-calls-for-submissions-on-insurance-take-over-deals

MTAA says no to insurance mergers

www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/mtaa-says-no-to-insurance-mergers

------------------------------

The PKN Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street interviews Steve O'Brien from iBodyshop about how artificial intelligence can help collision repairers

We get an overview of how AI has been revolutionised following the improvement of processing power and increased accessibility to data sets, especially with the use of the cloud. The discussion explores the use of AI to assess the damage on vehicles, whether it should be written off or repaired, answering customer queries without having to wait in queue for support, and the likelihood of AI undertaking ‘boring’ jobs rather than more dynamic tasks. Steve shares how his company utilises AI to conduct progression tests and rolling out an estimation tool, as well as their launch in the UK.

We wrap up by reviewing how this can help staff to focus their efforts to improve their service, the increased use of AI in insurance, and how estimations vary from international markets utilising similar technologies.

Links & Resources:
iBodyshop
www.ibodyshop.com

AI for the boring stuff
www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/ai-for-the-boring-stuff

------------------------------
The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron
Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2025

On this episode of The Edge, John Hristias, PPG’s Sales Director, is back to share how the company is helping body shops tackle rising energy costs while keeping profits in check. He dives into PPG’s latest low-energy cure products, including air-dry primers and clears, designed to save power and handle the demands of EV repairs.
John explains how these innovations slash energy use without cutting corners on performance. He shares real data showing how shops can reduce costs per job, making a big difference to the bottom line.
The chat also explores why sustainability isn’t just a buzzword anymore – it’s becoming a key part of how businesses operate, especially with rising ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. Whether you’re keen on cutting costs or staying ahead with eco-friendly practices, this episode has something for every shop owner.

In this episode,
- John's Journey with PPG
- What’s Happening in the Industry
- Tackling Costs with Sustainability
- Gear That Gets the Job Done Faster
- Real-Life Wins from New Products
- The Future of Sustainable Workshops