Ray Holloway - King of the road

What is the role of the Retail Motor Industry Federation?

The Retail Motor Industry Federation is a trade association federation representing most sectors of the private motor, commercial vehicle and motorcycle industries, plus retailers of transport fuels. Created in 1913, it operates from two offices, which are based in Rugby and London. We have 42 staff attached to the federation. In addition, RMIF is the owner of ReMIT, a training body with approximately 5,000 apprentices under various stages of their training. My role is that of executive director with responsibility for various trade association activity and membership recruitment.

What insurances do you need?

Our broker, the Davis Group, looks after all aspects of our insurance. We need a wide variety: employer's liability; directors' and officers'; fleet; fidelity; engineering; property; contents; and public liability.

Describe your broker relationship.

Answered simply, RMIF's relationship with the Davis Group is excellent.

Are there any areas you would like to see the insurance industry improve to help clients?

The most common areas quoted when asking such a question will usually draw two specific responses: claims management and the cost of insurance. I would add a third and that is for the insurer to work with the insured to jointly develop a much deeper understanding of a range of issues through which the customer can take practical steps to reduce risk and therefore premiums.

Describe some of the challenges facing your organisation in this economic downturn.

As a great part of RMIF's income is generated from voluntary subscriptions, it is vital that our communications convey the practical value of membership during these trying financial times. Interestingly, it is now that all member categories can derive greater value from their subscriptions by supporting the federation and challenging it to deliver even more collective benefits. Clear and concise financial guidance is also a must-do for members seeking to redirect the future of what may well be a mature business.

THE RETAIL MOTOR INDUSTRY FEDERATION

The Retail Motor Industry Federation is the trade association for the retail motor industry. The associations and divisions that make up the RMIF are:

- The RMI National Franchised Dealers Association - for franchised dealers from single site businesses to large multi-franchised groups and includes the National Truck Council for commercial vehicle operators.

- The RMI Motorcycle Retailers Association - represents new and used moped, scooter and motorcycle sales, servicing, repair and parts accessory businesses.

- The RMI Petrol Retailers Association - represents petrol retailers and forecourt operators and includes convenience retailing services.

- The RMI Society of Motor Auctions - looks after motor auction houses selling cars, commercial vehicles and off-road vehicles

- The RMI Independent Garage Association - for a wide range of used car sales, service, repair and specialist automotive services and includes a dedicated operations team for MOT testing stations.

- The RMI Bodyshop Services Division (including vehicle recovery services) - looks after those involved in accident repairs, painting, refinishing and specialist coach building, as well as all those involved in the provision of motorcycle rider training.

- The RMI Cherished Numbers Dealers Association - represents businesses specialising in cherished number plates.