SVA announces health, wellbeing and sustainability strategies

Shoreham Vehicle Auctions (SVA) has announced plans to introduce a new health and wellbeing strategy for its employees and deliver a net zero emissions strategy.

SVA said its new approach aims to help and support its colleagues in coping with the challenges of modern-day Britain including fuel poverty and the cost of living.

Director Rosalind Wright has assumed responsibility for the key areas of the business as it aims to improve the long-term welfare of its 40-strong team.

She said: “By understanding people’s needs and looking after their welfare we will retain our staff and give them a helping hand to manage the everyday life pressures they are having to face.

“One of our next initiatives is to contribute to our colleague’s fuel bills as energy prices are set to double.

“Recruiting new staff is becoming increasingly difficult so staff retention is vital as we continue to provide our vendor and buyer customers with optimum levels of service.”

Health benefits, enhanced annual leave and subsidised gym memberships are part of a new wellbeing package introduced for staff at AM100 dealer group Drive Motor Retail.

SVA said it will also deliver a zero emissions strategy over the coming 12 months and has installed a bank of solar panels on its undercover auction and car storage area that will generate 50kW of electricity to meet the needs of its business each week.

The panels are set to go live in Q2, with a bank of electric vehicle (EV) chargers to follow, to accommodate vendor and buyer cars on site that require charging.

80% of SVA’s 19-strong company vehicle fleet are also now electric including a minibus.

“Many of the tenders we respond to include a section on sustainability, and we are ahead of the game in delivering a strong environmental policy as we move our business towards net zero,” said SVA’s MD Alex Wright.

The National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA) has revealed its new strategy for 2022-23, which includes a focus on alternative fuels and EVs.