SEPTEMBER 2026
Modernising Capricorn
Same purpose, better outcomes for Members and Preferred Suppliers.
Prepping for the Next Coat
What began with an apprenticeship may end with a handover to the next generation.
Making it Easier when it Matters Most
Simplifying risk protection with faster, smoother support when your business needs it most.
Calendar of events New Zealand Gala Dinner & Trade Show 3 October 2026
Purple Day
28 October 2026
Nelson Trade Show 17 November 2026 West Coast Trade Show 18 November 2026 Christchurch Trade Show 19 November 2026
STAY TUNED!
The events advertised include current and planned events (which are subject to change). To get tickets or view a planned event’s status, log in to myCAP and click on events. For further information please contact our Events team.
cap.coop/events
1800 327 437
events@capricorn.coop
3 October NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand International Convention Centre
Visit myCAP for tickets and event details
CEO’s message
Contents September 2026
When Capricorn was founded more than 50 years ago, our Members came together because they believed there was a better way to do business.
4 Modernising
That spirit of looking forward, embracing change and finding better ways to support one another has been part of Capricorn from the very beginning. It's also what drives us today.
Same purpose, better outcomes for Members and Preferred Suppliers.
Across this issue of Ignition, you'll read about some of the work underway to modernise Capricorn for the future. While the tools, technology and systems we use will continue to evolve, our focus remains exactly the same: helping our Members build stronger businesses. The automotive industry is changing rapidly. New technologies, new customer expectations and new ways of working are reshaping the landscape for workshops and suppliers right across Australia and New Zealand. To continue delivering the value our Community expects, we need to evolve alongside it. That's why we're investing in Capricorn's future. Modernising the way we work will help create a more connected, seamless experience for our Members and Preferred Suppliers, while ensuring we're well positioned to support the next generation of businesses. What excites me most is that these changes aren't just about systems or processes. They're about people. They're about creating a stronger Capricorn Community for the decades ahead and ensuring Members continue to have the support they need to succeed, no matter what challenges or opportunities emerge. Speaking of the next generation, I continue to be inspired by the incredible talent coming through our industry. The standard of nominations for our 2026 Rising Stars program was exceptional. Every year I'm reminded of the passion, commitment and skill that exists across our Member workshops.
Capricorn
8 Prepping for the Next Coat
What began with an apprenticeship may end with a handover to the next generation.
12 Business Growth Might be Staring You in the Face
14 Making it Easier
When it Matters Most Simplifying risk protection with faster, smoother support when your business needs it most.
17 Driven by Potential Castrol helps celebrate the apprentices shaping the future of our industry.
We'll be revealing our 2026 Rising Stars winners soon, so keep an eye out. I know you'll join me in celebrating these outstanding apprentices and the businesses helping shape the future of our industry. Thank you for being part of Capricorn. Together, we're building on a proud history while creating an even stronger future for our Community.
Brad Gannon Group CEO
All information, material and content in this edition of Ignition is provided or sourced by Capricorn Society Limited (“Capricorn”) for general information only and is not intended to be advice or comment on any particular matter or subject. Before acting on any information in this edition of Ignition you should consider the relevance of it to your own circumstances and, if necessary, take professional advice. Any opinions expressed in an Ignition article are those of the relevant individual author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of Capricorn. Capricorn makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any material (including without limitation, any third party authored article or supplier advertisement in respect of which Capricorn merely acts as conduit) included in this edition of Ignition. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Capricorn, its officers, employees, agents and representatives disclaim any and all liability to you or any other person for any loss or damage whatsoever connected with: i. reliance on any material in Ignition; or ii. any inaccuracy, error or omission in any material in Ignition. If you’d like to stop receiving a printed copy of Ignition, you can opt-out at any time by logging into myCAP and updating your Account settings and Communication Preferences. CAPRICORN IGNITION
SEPTEMBER 2026
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Modernising
Capricorn
Same purpose, better outcomes for Members and Preferred Suppliers.
Y
You don't need to flick through old Ignition magazines to see how much Capricorn has changed over the years.
Just look at the automotive industry itself. Today's vehicles are worlds apart from those on the road 50 years ago. Engines are more sophisticated, scan tools have replaced much of the guesswork, and customer expectations continue to evolve. Workshops are adapting to new technology, new challenges and new opportunities every day. Capricorn's story has followed a similar path. What started in Western Australia more than 50 years ago as a way for Golden Fleece service stations to increase their buying power has grown into a cooperative supporting nearly 35,000 Members and almost 2000 Preferred Suppliers across Australia and New Zealand.
As our Members' needs have changed, we've changed too. Trade accounts expanded into broader financial services. Risk protection and Mutual were introduced to help businesses manage uncertainty. Rewards and Travel created even more ways for Members to benefit from being part of the cooperative. Today, we're modernising the way Capricorn works. We're investing in new technology, bringing teams closer together and simplifying the processes that support our Members and Preferred Suppliers. The goal is simple: deliver faster outcomes, improve the experience and make it easier to do business with Capricorn. Through it all, we've remained closely connected to the automotive industry and the people who keep it moving. That connection continues to shape how we operate today, as we support Members not only in automotive, but also across marine, agriculture and allied industries. As the industry has evolved, so have we.
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Investing in better systems A big part of that journey is the investment we're making in our systems. The recent launch of Duck Creek, our new risk management platform, is the first of many technology upgrades planned across the business. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it's all focused on improving the experience for the people who do business with Capricorn. By modernising our systems, we're creating more connected ways of working, streamlining processes and giving our teams better tools to support faster decision-making and improved service. As Capricorn Group CEO Brad Gannon explains, "We're investing heavily in our systems, to make it quicker and easier for our Members to work with Capricorn. Duck Creek is a great example of this, and we are already seeing claims being dealt with quicker, and more efficiently." Duck Creek is an important milestone, but it's only the beginning. As we continue investing in new technology, our focus remains the same: delivering practical improvements that make it easier to do business with Capricorn and create better outcomes for our Members and Preferred Suppliers.
Bringing teams closer together Technology is only part of the story. We're also changing the way our teams work together, creating stronger alignment across the business and improving how we deliver services from start to finish. What does that mean in practice? Faster responses, clearer communication and less time spent navigating different parts of the business. Most importantly, it means decisions can be made closer to where they matter most. "It's about making it easier to get things done and delivering a better, more connected experience," says Brad. "Not just for Members, but for the Capricorn team behind the scenes, helping them work more efficiently and deliver even greater value to our Members."
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Same principles, stronger outcomes For all the change taking place, our purpose remains the same. Capricorn was built on partnership, trust and a commitment to helping Members and Preferred Suppliers succeed. Those principles continue to guide every decision we make today. The industries we support will continue to evolve. New challenges will emerge, expectations will shift and technology will keep changing. We'll keep evolving too. Because supporting our Community and making life easier for small businesses has always been at the heart of what we do. The changes underway are designed to help us do that even better. While much of this work is happening behind the scenes, the benefits will be felt where they matter most — in the everyday experiences of our Members and Preferred Suppliers. We're excited to share that journey with you.
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Prepping
Next Coat FOR THE
What began with an apprenticeship may end with a handover to the next generation.
U
nlike many teenagers leaving school in the late 1970s, Grant Hannah wasn't weighing up his options. He had already found his passion. Cars had captured his attention from an early age, and he left school determined to build a career around them.
Building something worth passing on
One of the first opportunities he pursued was an apprenticeship with Robbie Francevic Motors. It was a role he was keen to secure, but when he didn't land it, he found himself looking elsewhere in the automotive industry. A position at a local panel shop soon opened the door to an apprenticeship that would shape the rest of his career.
After completing his apprenticeship, Grant made a bold move and purchased the business from the man who had trained him. In those early years, much of the work came from refinishing vehicles for local repairers. As the industry changed, so did the business. Grant expanded into collision repair, adapting to the needs of the market and steadily building the workshop into the operation it is today.
Today, he's still walking through the doors of that same business. What started as an unexpected opportunity grew into a lifelong career. Grant completed his apprenticeship there, qualified as an automotive refinisher and, just a year later, bought the business from his boss. Today, as owner of Bays Collision Services, he's looking back on a journey that has taken him from apprentice to owner and now, potentially, to preparing the business for the next generation.
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CAPRICORN IGNITION SEPTEMBER 2026
For Grant, the workshop has been a constant through most of his working life. It's where he learned the trade, developed his skills and took his first steps into business ownership.
Through every change, one thing remained the same: his enjoyment of the work. "I've loved every minute of it though," Grant says. Grant says that money was never the reason he stayed in the industry. For him, the greatest satisfaction comes from helping customers and seeing a job well done.
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"That's what gives me the buzz is just the satisfaction from our customers." The repeat business that continues to roll through the workshop doors is proof of that.
Learning through every layer The collision repair industry Grant entered as a young apprentice looks very different to the one operating today. Modern workshops are navigating advanced safety systems, diagnostic technology, evolving repair methods and a growing number of electric vehicles. It's a far cry from the industry Grant first stepped into. "Technology has definitely taken over," he says. Despite the changes, Grant embraces the idea that learning is simply part of the job. "You learn something new every day," he says.
That mindset has helped him navigate decades of industry change. More recently, he and his team completed EV safety training, gaining valuable insight into safely working around high-voltage systems and electric vehicle technology. For Grant, staying curious has been one of the keys to longevity. Every new advancement creates another opportunity to learn, adapt and keep moving forward.
Keeping it hands-on Today, Bays Collision Services remains a relatively small operation, and that's exactly how Grant likes it. Like many independent repairers, he wears plenty of hats. On any given day, he might be dealing with customers, handling administration, checking on repairs or helping keep the workshop running smoothly. For some business owners, that level of responsibility can be exhausting. Grant sees it differently. "I find that's optimal because it means I'm a hands-on operator," he says. "I'm pretty much glued to this place."
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Staying involved is part of what he enjoys most. Grant still finds satisfaction in the daily challenges of running the business and staying connected to the people and processes that keep it moving.
Looking towards the next coat Grant looks ahead, his focus is less on what the business has achieved and more on where it might go next. Like many family business owners, he has started thinking about succession and what it would mean to see the workshop continue into another generation. "I'd like my business to be sustainable because I eventually want to pass it on to my son," he says. It's a goal that feels particularly meaningful given how his own career began. As a young man leaving school, Grant knew exactly what he wanted to do and was determined to build a career in the automotive industry. Today, he sees some of that same passion in his son.
His son already shows a strong mechanical aptitude and an interest in the trade. For Grant, the prospect of one day handing over the reins isn't simply about ownership. It's about creating an opportunity for the next generation to build on everything that's come before. The industry will continue to evolve, just as it has throughout Grant's career. New vehicles, emerging technologies and changing repair methods will shape the road ahead. But he remains confident that adaptability and a willingness to learn will always be valuable qualities. "You've got to be optimistic and make the most of what you got." Now, as he begins prepping for the next coat, Grant is focused on ensuring the workshop is ready for its next chapter; whatever shape it takes and whoever leads it.
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Business Growth
Might be Staring You in the Face By Geoff Mutton
W
hen workshop owners consider how to grow their business, the first thing that usually comes to mind is, ' we need more customers' or ' we need to work harder'. Attracting new customers is certainly one way to grow, but it's not always the easiest or most profitable option. Finding new customers costs time and money and, in the current market, that’s not easy. The reality is that many workshops already have plenty of growth opportunity sitting right in front of them. Growth doesn't always mean servicing more vehicles. Sometimes it's about offering more services, taking on higher-value work, investing in the right equipment or simply getting more out of every vehicle that comes through the door. I've seen many workshops grow significantly without moving premises or doubling their customer numbers. Instead, they looked for opportunities to do more with the customers, staff and resources they already had. Here are some ideas worth considering if growth is currently on your agenda.
Expand the services you offer Every time one of your customers leaves your workshop to have another service performed elsewhere, you're giving away
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income and creating an opportunity for another business to build a relationship with your customer. That doesn't mean trying to be everything to everyone, but it is worth reviewing the services you regularly refer elsewhere. For example, could you offer air conditioning servicing, or hybrid servicing, or module programming, DPF cleaning, ADAS, or wheel alignments? Even if you don't perform all the work in your own workshop initially, perhaps you could manage and coordinate the repair with a trusted third party, and at least that will keep the customer under your umbrella. You may need to make a significant investment to take some new services in house, while others may need only some additional training or a relatively small equipment purchase.
Invest in equipment that earns its keep Let's be honest. Most workshop owners enjoy buying tools. The trick is to make sure they generate a return. Before buying your next scan tool or expensive piece of equipment, ask yourself one question –'Will this allow us to do work we're currently turning away or complete jobs more efficiently?' Modern diagnostic equipment, programming capability, battery
testers, oscilloscopes and specialist tooling often pay for themselves because they allow workshops to confidently tackle higher-value repairs. Don't buy equipment simply because it's the latest gadget. Buy equipment that creates opportunities.
Become known for something Every workshop services vehicles and replaces brakes, but do you do something at your workshop that makes you different to the rest? The workshops that really stand out are usually known for something. Maybe they specialise in European vehicles. Maybe it's diesel diagnostics, hybrids, drivability faults or auto electrical work. I'm not implying that you have to stop doing general repairs but I'm suggesting that developing a reputation in one particular and maybe different area gives customers a reason to choose your workshop over the one down the road. 'Which is the best auto workshop for...? is a common question asked in the pub or a neighbourhood barbecue. If your business is the first one that comes to mind, you're doing something right.
Increase the value of every job Getting more vehicles through your door is not the easiest way to grow sales. It's by getting more out of the vehicles that are already in the workshop.
Service standards can slip over time, so you need to regularly remind your technicians that every vehicle deserves a thorough inspection and a properly completed service report. Any maintenance items, safety concerns or recommended repairs should be clearly documented and communicated to the customer. This isn't about overselling or inventing work that doesn't need doing. It's about making sure customers are fully informed about the condition of their vehicle. Too often technicians notice issues but fail to report them, meaning both the customer and the workshop miss out. Consistency is the key. When every vehicle is inspected to the same high standard, fewer opportunities are missed and a higher average invoice price is achieved.
Invest in your people The best equipment in the world won't diagnose a vehicle without a capable technician at the controls. As vehicles become more complex, investment in staff training becomes even more important. Encourage your technicians to attend courses, share knowledge with each other and continually improve their diagnostic skills.
Remember, training isn't a cost. It's an investment in your workshop's future. The more capable your team becomes, the more confident you'll be taking on the jobs other workshops are turning away.
Improve your systems before expanding When business gets busy, many owners immediately think they need another technician or another hoist. Sometimes that's true, but not always. Before spending thousands of dollars expanding your business, ask yourself whether you're getting the most from what you already have. Could there be a better way of booking vehicles in? Could parts be ordered earlier? Are technicians constantly being interrupted? Could your workshop layout be improved? Are jobs being planned the day before? Small improvements across dozens of everyday tasks can create a surprising amount of extra capacity.
Spend time working on your business
and solving everyone's problems – a classic case of working in the business instead of on the business. Before they know it, another month has passed and nothing has changed. If you want your business to grow, you need to set aside time to work on it. Review your numbers Look at where your profits are coming from Talk to your staff about new opportunities Consider what equipment or training would provide the greatest return over the next few years.
Taking the next step You don't need to tackle every idea at once. One at a time will work, but do it thoroughly before moving on to the next idea. Maybe it's investing in another service, purchasing a new piece of equipment or sending a technician to specialist training. Small improvements made consistently over time is the strategy that separates the average workshop from an exceptional one.
One of the biggest barriers to growth is that workshop owners become trapped working in the business every day. They're fixing cars, answering phones, ordering parts, quoting jobs
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MAKING IT
Easier
Matters Most
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WHEN IT
Simplifying risk protection with faster, smoother support when your business needs it most.
W
hile running a business is hard enough, sometimes bad luck has a way of creeping itself under the roller-door.
Flooding that shuts the workshop floor, theft, an equipment fault that brings everything to a halt, or a collision in the mobile mechanic van. In those moments, the last thing anyone needs is complexity. Forms, processes, delays and uncertainty only make things harder. Capricorn has been working behind the scenes to improve that experience for Members. By modernising how risk protection is managed, the focus is on making things easier, more efficient, and far less stressful when support is needed most.
Simpler processes when pressure is high Known internally as Project Catalyst, Capricorn modernisation has been focused on improving the systems that sit behind risk protection, and making them work harder for Members.
At the centre of this is an advanced platform called Duck Creek that brings together key parts of the experience. Policy management, billing, claims, and reporting are now handled within a more connected environment, rather than across multiple systems. What that means in practice is simpler. Information flows more easily between teams, making day-to-day work more seamless and reducing manual effort. For Members, this reduces the friction that often comes with managing risk. There’s less need to repeat information, fewer gaps between stages of the process, and more confidence that things are moving as they should. It also allows Capricorn teams, whether in the office or out in the field, to access the same information and provide more consistent support. The intention behind Project Catalyst has not been to change the relationship Members have with Capricorn, but to strengthen how that relationship is supported when it matters most.
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Promising results, so far Since launching in June, Capricorn has already seen strong momentum through Project Catalyst. In its first week alone, teams created 142 quotes across Personal and Business Protections, alongside 18 new policies being accepted. Early milestones have quickly followed, from the first quote raised and the first claim processed, to significant protections being put in place for Members. These early results are less about the numbers and more about what they represent. Teams are building confidence quickly, getting hands on, and working together to bring the new system to life in real situations. It’s a strong start, with more improvements and capability still to come as the rollout continues.
A more seamless way forward Risk protection will never be a simple moment, but the process around it can be. When a claim is raised, the focus can stay on resolving the issue, rather than navigating disconnected systems or unclear next steps. When a new protection is set up, it can be handled more efficiently and with greater accuracy. For Members, the outcome is straightforward. A faster, clearer, more consistent experience. Less admin at the worst possible time. And support that works alongside you, not against you. If you have any questions, speak with your local Area Manager. And if you are not yet covered under Capricorn Risk Services, now is a great time to get onboard.
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DRIVEN BY
Potential Castrol helps celebrate the apprentices shaping the future of our industry.
A
cross Australia and New Zealand, workshops have spent months nominating apprentices who stand out for their attitude, commitment and passion for the trade. This year, the response was bigger than ever, with thousands of submissions making their way to the judging panel at Capricorn. After an intensive judging process, one thing became clear: the future of the automotive industry is in very good hands. Soon, we'll reveal the winners of the 2026 Capricorn Rising Stars Awards, recognising apprentices whose dedication, determination and passion for learning have set them apart. For the first time, the Rising Stars program will crown national winners in Australia and New Zealand, marking an exciting milestone for the awards.
Powered by Castrol As premier sponsor, Castrol continues to play a vital role in supporting the next generation of automotive professionals. Rising Stars has always been about more than prizes. It's about recognising apprentices who show up every day ready to learn, embrace new challenges and build rewarding careers in the industry. Behind every nomination is a story of hard work, mentorship and commitment to the trade.
Castrol's support helps ensure those stories are celebrated and rewarded. With more than $56,000 worth of prizes on offer, this year's program delivers some of the biggest rewards in Rising Stars history. Along with prizes for regional winners and their workshops, the Australian and New Zealand Overall Winners will each receive a $7,500 cash prize to support their automotive careers. Whether it's investing in tools, training or future opportunities, the support can make a meaningful difference at a pivotal stage of an apprentice's journey.
Thank you to our sponsors Capricorn extends its thanks to major sponsor Castrol, along with supporting sponsors Repco, The Workshop Whisperer, Repairify, Blackwoods and The Automotive Technician for their ongoing commitment to developing emerging talent across Australia and New Zealand. Keep an eye out for next month's dedicated Rising Stars feature, where we'll share the stories behind this year's winners and celebrate the apprentices helping drive our industry forward.
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