First three bodyshops receive Kitemark accreditation

The three bodyshops to receive the Kitemark accreditation are: AJC Fix Auto (Essex), East Bilney Coachworks (Norfolk), and UK Assistance Accident Repair Centre (Lancashire). Motoring expert and TV personality Quentin Willson recently launched the Thatcham BSI Kitemark scheme to an industry audience at East Wintergardens, located in London's Canary Wharf. The scheme ensures that motorists and the insurance industry maintain their high confidence in the expertise of bodyshops for repairing a vehicle to the highest possible standards available It is centred on adhering to the British Standard for the crash repair industry - BSI PAS 125 – which comprises a thorough audit of a bodyshop before being awarded the widely recognised Kitemark. The scheme examines key areas of a bodyshop business including: Staff skills level, workshop capabilities and use of equipment and, use of effective quality procedures. Chris Oliver, Managing Director of New Thatcham BSI Kitemark Licensee AJC Fix Auto, said: “The BSI Thatcham Kitemark scheme is based on some sound fundamental business improvement tools and techniques and the framework required to attain the Kitemark means that I know it will deliver huge benefits to our organisation. “Having a thorough external evaluation of all your systems and processes cannot in any way be underestimated. It adds a great deal of value. And this for us is the primary purpose of the scheme – to add value. The scheme has brought about a number of improvements to our infrastructure and this, coupled with the enhanced perception of the business by customers thanks to the Kitemark symbol, will play an integral role in cementing our long term development and prosperity.”