European Rescue and Recovery Initiative

Welcome to European Rescue and Recovery Initiative

European Rescue and Recovery Initiative (ERRI) was founded in 2010 to act as one body to speak on behalf of all Stakeholders within the recovery industry irrespective of size or location.

The founding members of ERRI are:

RHA
IFRS
IVE
LARO
AVRO

Traditionally, the UK Recovery Industry predominantly comprised many small owner operator businesses whose main customers were the "Clubs". Trade Associations were formed but, as individual members disagreed with their direction, some resigned and set up more independent Trade Association in competition.

This has led to severe fragmentation in a relatively small industry with 6 Trade Associations vying to represent a decreasing customer base. Also, as trading terms became tougher and legislation more onerous, many of these small businesses ceased trading or have been absorbed by other larger organisations.

Available statistics from Professional Recovery Magazine show the following decline:

Year	Number of Operators
2000	2400
2007	1972
2010	1600

This, of course, does not include the estimated 45,000 independent garages in the UK, at least 50% of which have a recovery vehicle of one type or another.

The Industry now comprises some small independents but also an increasing number of much larger companies. These larger companies are now targeting major Plc's and vehicle manufacturers directly and are now becoming quasi "clubs" in their own right.

The lack of one serious body with which to consult has meant that Government, customers and suppliers struggle to gain a composite view from the Industry. Thus, the Industry only hears of changes in legislation or new contract terms once they have been ratified and published. That is, obviously, far too late.

It is therefore becoming very clear that there is a pressing need for all stakeholders in the Recovery Industry to collaborate and jointly punch its weight with Government.