Meet Joe Seys, Head of Specialist Fleet and Engineering
At sopp+sopp, we pride ourselves on being fleet industry specialists. That means we need a strong understanding of different fleet priorities, and extensive expertise in a wide range of commercial and specialist vehicles.
With significant experience in repair and engineering, Joe Seys leads some of the teams that help us deliver expert accident management to our fleet and commercial insurance customers.
We caught up with Joe to discuss his career, his team at sopp+sopp, and the projects that are driving even better service for our customers.
Interview with Joe Seys…
Q: Joe, can you tell us about your role at sopp+sopp?
“Absolutely. I look after our specialist fleet team, sopp+sopp engineering, and our commercial network and supply chain. It’s a varied role, but at the heart of it, it’s all about supporting our customers and ensuring we get vehicles back on the road as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Our teams are highly experienced, with a deep understanding of the industry and the operational pressures our customers face. In my team, we focus particularly on those customers with HGVs or specialist vehicles, managing the repair journey and total loss process on their behalf. We work closely with the account management team to make sure everything we do is aligned and tailored to each individual customer.”
Q: You’ve had a long career in the industry – how did you get started?
“I left school at 16 and trained as a mechanic, which gave me a solid grounding in vehicle repairs. From there, I moved into estimating, as I had ambitions to take on more managerial responsibilities. Along the way, I gained hands-on experience in painting and panel beating before becoming a workshop manager.
About 20 years ago, I took the next step into engineering when an opportunity came up with a well-respected company. It was a big move at the time, but looking back, it was the right decision. That experience has shaped my approach to fleet and engineering today.”
Q: Tell us about the engineering team at sopp+sopp.
“We have a fantastic team of fully-qualified engineers, with experience across all vehicle types. In total, there’s over 1,200 years of experience in the team, and we actively share insights and expertise across the team, ensuring that every repair decision is backed by the best knowledge available. Individually, we can’t be experts in every single vehicle, but the collective knowledge across the team is incredible.
For fleets, this means they have access to industry-leading expertise tailored to their specific needs. We make sure vehicles are repaired correctly, safely, and in the most time-effective way possible. Our engineers don’t just check repair methods, they ensure every estimate aligns with fleet repair policies, preventing unnecessary costs and delays.”
Q: What training does someone need to become a Motor Engineer?
“To become an engineer, you need formal training in damage assessment and salvage. Our engineers go through Thatcham Research training to gain recognised qualifications.
Beyond qualifications, experience in vehicle claims and repair is key. Attention to detail, accuracy, and always prioritising safety are must-have skills. Our engineers are always looking for the best outcomes for each specific customer – it’s not a one-size-fits-all job.”
Q: What projects are you currently working on?
“One key focus at the moment is reviewing our salvage suppliers and processes as part of our continuous improvement efforts. This will improve outcomes for fleet customers and support sustainability goals by ensuring we make the best possible use of end-of-life vehicles, for example by repurposing vehicle parts.
Another exciting initiative I’m involved with is a new skills framework for the operations team. We want to make sure all our team members can develop their careers and progress within the business. By investing in our team’s skills, we’re not only supporting career growth but also ensuring our customers receive service from the best-trained professionals in the industry.”
Learn more about sopp+sopp’s dedicated Fleet Engineering solution: