Monday 22nd February marks the start of 2021 ‘Women in Auto Care’ week - a virtual event designed to celebrate the contribution of women across the international automotive care industry.

As a stalwart of the tyre industry with 40 years’ experience, you might be forgiven for presuming that CAM is predominantly dominated by Y chromosomes. But you’d be wrong. In fact CAM is bucking the trend in both attracting female talent to the business and improving their visibility within the automotive and technology sectors.

In the UK women represent just 16.8%* of employees in the motor vehicle industry and only marginally more as 19%** of the digital tech workforce. At CAM women represent 25% of the workforce and that figure looks set to grow as CAM set out on a significant recruitment drive; an activity not many businesses are undertaking during the challenging economic conditions brought about by COVID-19.

To celebrate ‘Women in Auto Care’ week, to boost the visibility of women across tech, and to thank all our female colleagues, we’re pleased to introduce some of CAM’s #WomenInAutoCare:

Name: Frankie Sharp

Job Title: Head of Project Management

Time at CAM: 7 years

Responsible for: Projects at CAM, both internally and externally for our customers, the processes and the tools we use to track the projects from start-up to sign off.

Expert in: e-jobsheet and TiDaeX

When did your interest in tech and the automotive industry start?

“Before joining CAM 7 years ago, I didn’t know too much about the automotive industry. I’d probably been into a tyre depot once. However I’ve always had an interest in technology and it’s fascinating to see how the two work together.”

What is the coolest project you have worked on and why?

“I’ve worked on a lot of projects over the last few years at CAM and enjoy those that allow me to spend time talking and working with our customers. One that’s at the front of my mind currently is our Warehouse Management project. It’s allowed me to learn about a whole different sector of the tyre industry and it’s great seeing how our new Warehouse Management solution has had such a huge and positive impact for those customers.”

What advice would you give to aspiring women in tech & the automotive industry?

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t know everything from day one. Both are fast moving industries and you pick up knowledge over a short space of time whether that’s from talking to with people, running a software project or just using the software.”

Name: Christine Flynn

Job Title: Software Tester

Time at CAM: 1 year 9 months

Responsible for: Testing CAM’s software before release to our customers.

Expert in: “I worked in the fleet sector for 11 years, handling service bookings, breakdowns, vehicle hire, insurance claims and tyres. I have since gathered lots of useful (& some useless) knowledge about car and commercial tyres. I also know how to get around the breakdown service, so that they can send recovery straight away instead of getting someone out to say they can’t fix it and then waiting to be recovered. Sure saves a lot of time on the side of the road!”

What advice would you give to aspiring women in tech & the automotive industry?

“Don’t be put off by the few men that think you don’t know what you’re doing. I’ve had people on the phone say to me that I wouldn’t know what I was looking for as I am a woman. When you prove that you know more than them, they soon shut up, then you gain their respect very quickly!”

Name: Abigail Bragg

Job Title: Programme Manager

Time at CAM: 11 months

Responsible for: Overseeing the programmes of projects for 6 of CAMs key clients, being their internal CAM representative, alongside management of projects for new customer setups and management of internal development projects for both new and existing products.

Expert in: Planning, organising, monitoring and communicating.

When did your interest in tech and the automotive industry start?

“My journey in the automotive industry is just starting. I have much to learn and can’t wait to be able to visit our customers on-site; to get a hands-on with CAM’s products in live operation.”

What is the coolest project you have worked on and why?

“I just love all the projects. Whether it’s a new customer’s setup, an existing customer’s new strategy that needs implementing or enhancements to our products to facilitate our customers’ needs, the outcomes are always exciting.”

What advice would you give to aspiring women in tech & the automotive industry?

“Don’t be put off if you are new to the automotive industry. It’s really interesting, fast paced and in my experience, includes some of the most personable and down to earth people I have worked with.”

Name: Hazel Shaw

Job Title: Marketing & Communications Executive

Time at CAM: 5 months

Responsible for: Ensuring CAM’s customers are kept up to date with all our tyre software innovations.

Expert in: Marketing comms in the Visual Impairment Sector (now put to use in my role as Trustee for Sight Concern Worcestershire).

When did your interest in tech and the automotive industry start?

“My journey in the automotive industry is just starting, but I have spent the last 20 years marketing in the disability software sector. I’ve been working in a software development house since I left school!”

What is the coolest project you have worked on and why?

“Well it’s early days, but I’m very excited to be involved in CAM’s growing social media presence. As a company we’re doing so many cool things, and it’s going to be a real privilege to spread the word.”

What advice would you give to aspiring women in tech & the automotive industry?

“Just because you’re not the most technical person in the room, doesn’t make you less valuable. Knowing exactly what the customer wants & needs; knowing how to test it, or simply having fresh perspective is critical to any successful software project.”

Name: Hannah Cuttriss

Job Title: Customer Liaison Officer

Time at CAM: 17 months

Responsible for: Visiting our retail clients at their premises; ensuring they’re getting optimum experience from their CAM software and services.

Expert in: Account management, customer service and credit management.

What is the coolest project you have worked on and why?

“My job is all about being out on the road, visiting tyre depots across the UK. It’s a real pleasure to get to meet so many hardworking and lovely people, with a real passion for what they do.”

What advice would you give to aspiring women in tech & the automotive industry?

“My advice is to absolutely get involved in our unique industry! The beauty of combining the tech and automotive industries is the huge variety of roles – there’s going to be a position that needs your unique set of skills.“

Name: Julie Burroughs

Job Title: Accounts and HR Assistant

Time at CAM:  18 months

Responsible for: Purchase ledger accounts, expenses, onboarding new employees, company fleet and general employment administration.

Expert in: “Being organised - faced with a problem I must solve it.”

When did your interest in tech and the automotive industry start? 

“One of my first roles was working for a car show room as an administrator.  My general duties included preparing new and used vehicle listings for the local press.  I’m not very tech minded but I am keen to utilise new software to improve my role and the things I am involved with.”

What is the coolest project you have worked on and why?

“I’m currently involved in a new training programme for CAM.  It’s a project where we are starting from scratch and developing some really exciting plans.“

What advice would you give to aspiring women in tech & the automotive industry? 

“Just go for it!”

Name: Cailin Tootell

Job Title: 1st line Support Engineer

Time at CAM: Just under 2 years

Responsible for:  Support emails & incoming support calls, raising support tickets. Midas and wholesaler stock updates.

Expert in: CAM’s Midas product and Customer service.

When did your interest in tech and the automotive industry start?

“It all started when I first joined CAM just under 2 years ago.”

What advice would you give to aspiring women in tech & the automotive industry?

“You never know what will interest you until you try it. A temporary job in a field you’re inexperienced in may turn out to be a career you enjoy and love learning about!”  

Name: Maria Wiggett         

Job Title: Accounts Assistant

Time at CAM: 18 Months

Responsible for: Accurate Billing  of Cam Customers for products and Services. Sales, Purchases and Bank reconciliation within Cameo and the General Ledger.

Expert in: Attention to detail.

Name: Amara Maiden

Job Title: 1st Line Support Engineer

Time at CAM: 2.5 Years

Responsible for: I am responsible for logging and completing support tickets raised by our customers.

Expert in: CAMs applications and assisting our customers with getting the most from them.

What advice would you give to aspiring women in tech & the automotive industry?

"I would say don’t be put off if you feel like you don’t know. My role at CAM is the first job I’ve had - I’d just finished Sixth Form when I started. I was nervous to start, especially as I wasn’t familiar with the tyre industry. However, I feel that working in this role has allowed me to gain a lot of confidence and a lot of new tech skills I wouldn’t have learnt otherwise."

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*16.8% of Women Employed in Wholesale, Retail Trade & Repair of Motor Vehicles (2018)

European Association of Automotive Suppliers, European Trade Union, and European Tyre & Rubber Manufacturer’s Association, European Sector Skills Council: Automotive Industry (2016): p. 36.

https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=1415&intPageId=5062

**Women represent just 19% of the digital tech workforce in the UK, as opposed to 49% across all jobs, according to the 2018 Tech Nation Report.

https://35z8e83m1ih83drye280o9d1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Tech-Nation-Report-2018-WEB-180514.pdf

UPDATED: 12/04/2021.

As most of CAM’s customers will know, changes to tyre labelling legislation and suppliers’ obligations to the consumer are imminent.

For European Union members the new regulation EU REG 2020/740 will come into force on Saturday 1st of May 2021 and will also apply to Northern Ireland (bound by the Northern Ireland Protocol).

The political landscape has evolved significantly. Britain has left the European Union, the Northern Ireland Protocol came into effect on 31st December 2020 and the UK is no longer bound by European law.

As the leading software and app supplier to the UK’s tyre industry, CAM have been in consultation with the industry for around 6 months. We’ve been working hard to help our customers be compliant with their tyre labelling obligations. In this article we’ll gather the facts and clarify:

What are your companies’ obligations as a tyre supplier? What is different in GB & NI? And how are CAM preparing to help you meet your legal obligations?

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Tyre Labelling Changes in 2021

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Q: What changes for tyres sold in Great Britain from the 1st May 2021?

The short answer is nothing!

The new EU legislation does not apply to retailers in Great Britain, who remain subject to GB REG 1222/2009.

The Department for Transport have confirmed that new “GB equivalent” to the EU REG 2020/740 tyre label regulations is planned but there are – as yet - no confirmed timescales.

However all new manufactured tyres will be supplied with the new EU Tyre label as per EU REG 2020/740.

In simple terms, both tyre labels are in active use and retailers - and their customers – will be seeing both for some time.

GB Retailers continue to be subject to their tyre labelling obligations as per the regulation GB REG 1222/2009.

The DfT have confirmed that “the DVSA market Surveillance Unit will continue to oversee that consumers have the necessary information to choose the best products for their intended use in line with the intention of the regulations.”

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Q: What changes for tyres sold in Northern Ireland from the 1st May 2021?

The Northern Ireland Protocol means EU regulations apply and therefore tyres sold in Northern Ireland must comply with the new EU tyre labelling obligations as per EU REG 2020/740.

All new manufactured tyres will be supplied with the new EU Tyre label.

Tyres already in retailers’ stock can retain their ‘old’ tyre label (sticker).

Tyres working their way through the supply chain can also retain their ‘old’ tyre label (sticker).

Some tyres may never be updated to an EU label. (The requirement to apply the new regulation is based on the date a tyre is produced and when it was first made available for sale in EU).

In simple terms, both tyre labels will be in operation for some time.

Retailers are subject to the new tyre labelling obligations as per EU REG 2020/740 – read on to find out about the practical differences.

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Q: You previously mentioned an interim label?

As the leading software and app supplier to the UK’s tyre industry, CAM have been in consultation with industry associations and them in turn with the Department for Transport. All parties agree that presenting consumers with 2 different labels, each using different classes will not help consumers make informed choices.

An “interim label” has been proposed to bridge the gap. It is suggested that this temporary label should be presented digitally to the consumer and should reclassify tyre data from the old 1222/2009 classes to the new EU 2020/740 classes.

Critically though, there is nothing in current EU or GB law to oblige the use of the interim label.

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The new EU REG 2020/740 Tyre Label (for EU & NI Tyre Retailers)

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Q. Why are new tyre labels being introduced in the EU?

The EU has committed to cut its greenhouse gas emissions to reach climate neutrality by 2050. Reducing CO2 emissions from road transport is a significant part of the strategy and helping consumers choose more fuel-efficient tyres will reduce transport emissions. The new, updated tyre labels are designed to help drivers make informed choices about tyres’ fuel efficiency.

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 Q: What does the new EU REG 2020/740 label look like?

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Q: What vehicles does EU REG 2020/740 relate to?

 The new EU regulation applies to C1 (Car & SUV), C2 (Van & Light Trucks ) and C3 (Truck) tyres.

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Q: What changes have been made to grading systems on the new EU REG 2020/740 tyre label?

 It includes new and revised grading systems:

• Revised: Rolling Resistance classes

• Revised: Wet Grip classes

• Revised: Fuel efficiency classes (‘A to E’ only, removing classes F & G)

• New: Noise classification (A, B & C)

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Q: What are the ‘pictures’ on EU REG 2020/740 tyre label?

 New performance pictograms:

• New: Snow Grip Pictogram (a 3 peaks mountain snowflake symbol is shown when tyres are suitable for severe snow conditions)

• New: Ice Grip Pictogram (Shown when tyres are suitable for ice conditions - unlikely to be popular/relevant to tyres in the UK & Ireland)

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Q: What else does the new EU REG 2020/740 tyre label include?

A new QR code allows customers to link to the new European EPREL database of EU Commission approved Tyres.

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Q: Is EU REG 2020/740 more than just a new tyre label?

Yes. There is also a new requirement to offer customers a Tyre Product Information sheet in hard copy (print) & via the EPREL website. More details in the FAQs below.

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Q: Where can I explore the details of EU REG 2020/740 in more detail?

Explore the EU REG 2020/740 in full detail.   

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Practical Changes EU & NI Tyre Distributors Need to Make

Article 6 of EU REG 2020/740 updates EU & NI tyre distributors’ obligations when supplying tyres to consumers. Read on to find out more about the legislation and the practical changes that are required.

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Q: What does article 6 of EU REG 2020/740 cover?

Article 6 sets out all of the “obligations of tyre distributors” to share tyre performance information with consumers as they research and purchase tyres. It details what and how this information should be shared, whether customers walk-in, phone to enquire or purchase online etc. Read article 6 of EU REG 2020/740.

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Q: Are tyre distributors’ obligations different to those in the previous REG 1222/2009?

Yes. There are new obligations and some significant updates. One obligation is also removed. There is no requirement to include tyre measurements (or the tyre label) on invoices under the new EU 2020/740.

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Q: Will article 6 of EU REG 2020/740 affect my tyres sales in Northern Ireland?

If you are selling tyres in Northern Ireland, the new obligations under article 6 will apply from 1st May 2021.

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Q: In practice what do EU & NI retailers need to do to comply?

For Walk-ins

Where the tyre (& the label) is NOT visible to the customer

• Provide or display an electronic copy of the tyre label before the sale takes place.

Where the tyre IS visible to the customer, but it carries the old label (due to remaining stock)

• Provide or display an electronic copy of the correct tyre label before the sale takes place.

Also:

• Print copies of the tyre’s product information sheet should be available upon request.

• Be able to direct the customer to tyre data on the EPREL website.

For Phone Enquiries

Where prices are discussed

• Inform the customer about the classes for each of the parameters on the new tyre label.

Also:

• Print copies of the tyre’s product information sheet should be available upon request.

• Be able to direct the customer to tyre data on the EPREL website.

For Internet Sales

Where prices are displayed

• Display the new tyre label near the price.

• The label must be sized to be clearly legible & proportionate.

In my Direct Marketing

Where you undertake any “paper based distance selling”

• Include the relevant tyre label on the document.

Also:

• Direct the customer to the EPREL website for further tyre data.

In my Technical promotional materials

That include a tyre’s brand, tyre type identifier and size.

• Include the tyre label in the technical promotion materials.

In my Advertising

On adverts for a specific tyre

• Include the tyre label in the advert.

On generic tyre brand adverts (typically run by manufacturers, not retailers)

• The tyre label is NOT required for generic adverts.

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Q: On 1st of May I will have existing stock on my shelves that will still have the old label on?

Existing tyre stock that is already in the supply chain and on retailers’ shelves that has the ‘old’ label, will NOT need to be relabelled (as it is typically not seen by the customer). However, retailers’ digital information that they share with customers must be up to date and using the new labels. This would include on websites, customer facing displays in reception areas etc

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Q: But are there any consequences to not complying?

Yes! The Market Surveillance Unit from the Department for Transport recently completed a mystery shopper exercise making tyre enquiries with 68 British tyre retailers. Their findings found 78% of those retailers were not compliant with their legal requirement to provide tyre labelling information.

From 1st January 2021 the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have confirmed they will now be enforcing tyre labelling compliance through civil sanctions. Fines of £1000 per non-compliance have been proposed.

On a letter to the BTMA on the 9th March, the DfT have confirmed that “the DVSA market Surveillance Unit will continue to oversee that consumers have the necessary information to choose the best products for their intended use in line with the intention of the regulations.”

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How CAM Products can Help your Tyre Business Comply with Your Tyre Labelling Obligations

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For stock & price enquiries via the phone – accurate tyre performance data at your fingertips

CAMEO (powered by CAM’s OTC) ensures every tyres’ performance attributes are instantly available. Ideal for telephone enquiries, not only can a member of your team quickly confirm your stock availability and best prices, you can also share each tyres’ fuel consumption, wet grip & noise classification data with your client.

Talking to a client that is looking for optimum wet grip? No problem! Sort your stock view into rank order and share accurate information with your customer.

For customers that are shopping around – quote including tyre performance data, every time

Whether you are emailing or printing a quote, include each tyres’ performance data as standard. Include the complete tyre label or a short data summary; both options ensure your clients are fully informed and that you are fully compliant.

Via your e-commerce website – seamlessly include tyre data & tyre labels with your online shoppers

CAMEO user? Integrate your e-commerce site with CAM’s MIDaS solution and display the tyre label alongside your sale price. You can list every tyres’ fuel efficiency class, wet grip class and external rolling noise class information instantly on your website. There is no need to maintain your tyre data, CAM does that for you.

**This article will be updated as new information becomes available. However it should not, in any way, substitute real legal advice and is for informational purposes only. **

In these unusual times, our first wishes and our priorities are for the health and well-being of your families and ours. At the same time, we know the tyre industry plays an essential role in keeping our nation’s keyworkers, delivery vehicles, hauliers and emergency services on the road. CAM are exceptionally proud to play our small part - keeping the tyre industry moving.

In light of the Government’s announcement and the advent of a further national lockdown, all of the CAM team will continue to work from home. The good news is all departments remain fully operational and available to assist you.

Product Support

Our exceptional technical support service continues uninterrupted. CAM customers that require product support can contact the support team:

By Telephone

Call 01453 891000 and press 2 to be connected to a member of the support team.

Telephone support is available Monday to Friday 7am to 6pm and on Saturdays from 8.30am to 1pm.

‘Out of Hours’ emergency support is also available on Saturdays from 1pm to 5pm, and on UK Bank Holidays between 9am and 1pm.

By email

Email your support request to helpline@cam-systems.co.uk and we will respond. Please note if your request is urgent, please telephone the support team for our promptest response.

Via your Support Portal

Customers with existing access to CAM’s Autotask support portal can log and track their support tickets using their unique login.

Customers that don’t have access to CAM’s Autotask support portal but would like to create and track their own support tickets, should call or email to request access.

Please be assured that we will continue to be available for product support, technical delivery and account management services over the coming months and we look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes to you and your loved ones.

The CAM team