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Bitumen Boy
Joined: 26 Jan 2012 Posts: 1737 Location: Above the snow line in old Monmouthshire
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Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2023 3:00 pm Post subject: |
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ukdave2002 wrote: |
Should the Great Northern Classic scheme fail, the losers would be the young folk who are mid apprenticeship. One would hope that if only as a duty of care to the future apprentices, the proposed model has been robustly thought through.
Dave |
When this scheme fails the apprentices will be tossed on the scrapheap as usual; and potential employers going forward will likely discriminate against them not only for having it on their CV but for being unable to check on a reference from a firm that no longer exists. They'll be screwed, basically, that's how it works these days. |
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6342 Location: Derby
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Posted: Fri Apr 14, 2023 5:53 pm Post subject: |
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This has got me thinking again about the future of our hobby. It is changing, but then nothing stays the same forever. This is my take on it:
If we look back in time, the 1953 film 'Genevieve' captured the public imagination and is really what started the hobby. The scarcity of LBR eligible cars has boosted their value and I doubt there is much of a threat to this event.
The fact that not everyone could afford a Brighton runner inspired the Veteran and Vintage period car enthusiasts. This generation has dwindled through natural causes and consequently the demand for such cars has weakened.
Because pre War cars are slower and more vulnerable than cars from the 50s onwards they have limited appeal to the Classic Car buyer and, by the same token, later cars which can still hold their own today - such as hot hatches etc. are in the ascendancy.
There is also the fact that nostalgia plays a significant roll in the desirability of certain cars.
I guess that if the later cars are all that young people want then there will be sufficient support for them. The price, for example, of fast Fords has ensured that reproduction parts for them are available. By means of a contrast, some parts for more interesting, older vehicles are becoming difficult to source.
There is an often stated claim that traditional skills are dying out. This may be the case but if there is not the demand for those skills then there seems little point in pushing apprenticeships for them.
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6342 Location: Derby
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Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2023 11:58 pm Post subject: |
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According to the various Press releases, GNC should open to the Public next month. I still can't see how it will be legitimately profitable but then what do I know?
They say it will generate some 120 jobs ... but where is the income source.?
The salaries for 7 directors and 3 staff have to come from somewhere...and then there are all the expected apprenticeships.
We shall see...
https://www.greatnorthernclassics.co.uk/about-us/meet-the-team/ |
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bjacko
Joined: 28 Oct 2013 Posts: 364 Location: Melbourne Australia
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Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2023 8:13 am Post subject: GNC |
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Maybe the Directors are volunteers!!!! _________________ 1938 Morris 8 Ser II Coupe Utility (Pickup)
1985 Rover SD1 VDP |
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ukdave2002
Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4117 Location: South Cheshire
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6342 Location: Derby
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Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2023 10:35 am Post subject: |
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As I may have said before, I am dubious about Public money being wrapped up in a business start up. If the Banks are not prepared to back it (an assumption on my part) then why should Public money be put at risk?
Look what happened with John DeLorean. You don't need a flux capacitor to remember Maggie Thatcher having the wool pulled... |
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Bitumen Boy
Joined: 26 Jan 2012 Posts: 1737 Location: Above the snow line in old Monmouthshire
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Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2023 2:39 pm Post subject: |
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More fool Derby council... So often councils lose money on projects like this but hey, they can always whack up the council tax and cut road maintenance again to balance the books! |
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6342 Location: Derby
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Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2023 4:32 pm Post subject: |
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I would love for this project to succeed. If Derby could seen as the dynamo for historic vehicle restoration in Britain, that would be great.
With Rolls Royce we are regarded as the World leader in aero engines and known as the home of 'The Best car in the World'; the 40/50 Silver Ghost.
Derby is also the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution - the Silk Mill being the first Industrial factory - and with a 200 year legacy in the Rail Industry it is no surprise to me that the Derby has been chosen as the home of GBR (Great British Railways) with a mandate to transform the industry.
So many big ideas fall at the first hurdle. Let us just hope there is sincerity at the heart of GNC and that it is not just another cynical get rich quick fiddle. |
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MikeEdwards
Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 2480 Location: South Cheshire
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Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2023 6:14 pm Post subject: |
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Ray White wrote: | I would love for this project to succeed. If Derby could seen as the dynamo for historic vehicle restoration in Britain, that would be great.
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And it'd be closer than Bicester. _________________ 1976 Vauxhall HP Firenza, 1976 Vauxhall Sportshatch (x2), 1986 Audi coupe quattro, 2000 Audi TT |
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6342 Location: Derby
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Posted: Fri Aug 04, 2023 1:12 pm Post subject: |
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Well, we are now into August. Will GNC open this month as anticipated?
Shaun Matthews is the co owner of DEB; the group behind Swarfega. I wonder if he can see an opportunity to clean up ...or will he simply wash his hands of it if it all goes pears shape? |
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Ray White
Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6342 Location: Derby
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Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2024 12:11 pm Post subject: |
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Great Northern Classics has now opened it's doors to the Public.
https://www.greatnorthernclassics.co.uk
(Incidentally, the video features Andy Jones; Boss of Wilkinsons Coachworks - who I have known for many years - but suspiciously, they are not involved.)
I will pay GNC a visit when I can find the time; I may even ask for a quote to paint my TC front wings. |
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