New VBRA director-general Malcolm Tagg, who replaced Ron Nicholson on March 1, says it’s business as usual, at least for now.

In his first interview since being appointed, Tagg tells AM: “The VBRA’s projects and views are not going to change, because they are member driven. The director-general does not formulate policy, he carries it out.”

Tagg, via his own company Risk & Insurance Services, and then insurance broker THB Clowes when the two merged, has been a VBRA customer for 16 years.

“I’ve always quite fancied Ron’s job, it looks interesting and a challenge,” he says. “I have dealt with the motor trade for 20 years and I’ve a reasonable idea of the pressures the industry is under.”

Tagg is critical of the relationship between bodyshops and work providers. “The insurance industry seems to perceive that its products should be bought on price, not value.”

And he dismisses growing calls for licensing. “Regulation comes through trade associations that do their job properly,” he says.

But while it’s business as usual, Tagg doesn’t rule out stamping his own mark on the VBRA. “Probably once I’ve got my feet under the table I’ll want to have a look at a few things,” he says.