PRESS RELEASE
21 September 2007
BSI’s Kitemark for Garage Services scheme, aimed at raising standards in vehicle service and repair, has surpassed the 100 licensees milestone, with a number of new garages joining the scheme.
At present, the number of licensees stands at 101, with a further 45 garage businesses going through the latter stages of the auditing process to achieve the Kitemark for Garage Services.
BSI believes the number of licensees will more than double by the end of 2007, ahead of the official launch of the scheme to consumers in January at The Aftermarket Show and Autosport International.
Ian Harper, BSI sales and marketing director, said: “We are delighted that we have achieved more than 100 licensees, and the feedback from our Kitemark licensees is that they are experiencing a very positive impact on their businesses – both externally and internally – and the benefits of having the Kitemark are unrivalled. The scheme is moving forward and by January we will have amassed a significant number of licensees, which will be heavily supported through our consumer campaign, designed to encourage motorists to request a Kitemark garage.”
Harper went on to address the confusion that still exists around the scheme, with regards to PAS 80 and mechanic competences. “PAS 80 is the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) base document for this Kitemark scheme. We don’t issue PASs, we issue the Kitemark for Garage Services which is based on the PAS 80 document. To gain Kitemark certification, garages must undergo thorough assessment,, mystery shops, unannounced audits and high level training requirements.”
Harper added that the Kitemark for Garage Services scheme also contains an extensive technical skills focus, in that garage mechanics must be trained to at least Level 3 NVQ standard in relevant automotive qualifications, in order to achieve the Kitemark.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
For media information:
Mark Field
Chicane
Tel: 01344 844779
Mobile: 07786 021073
Email: mark@chicanemarketing.co.uk
About BSI Product Services
With its Global HQ in Hemel Hempstead, UK, BSI Product Services is the testing and certification arm of the world-renowned BSI Group. BSI’s testing and certification capabilities are amongst the most highly-rated in the world. BSI provides product/service testing and certification to UK, European and International standards and is the UKAS accredited Notified Body for 17 of the New Approach EU Directives. For further information please visit www.bsigroup.com/productservices.
About the Kitemark®
The Kitemark is one of the most respected product quality marks in the world, demonstrating that a wide range of products from lighting to fire extinguishers conform to standards, ensuring that vital safety and performance requirements are met.
The word Kitemark and the Kitemark logo are registered trade marks of BSI. A combination of a quality based system, such as BS EN ISO 9001 or a similar quality system, with advanced product/service testing provide the basis for a Kitemark scheme offering trust, integrity and quality. For further information please visit www.bsigroup.com/kitemark.
About BSI Group
BSI Product Services is part of BSI Group, a global independent business services organization that inspires confidence and delivers assurance to customers with standards-based solutions. Originating as the world’s first national standards body, the Group has over 2,250 staff operating in over 100 countries through more than 50 global offices. The Group’s key offerings are:
• The development and sale of private, national and international standards and supporting information
• Second and third-party management systems assessment and certification
• Product testing and certification of services and products
• Performance management software solutions
• Training services in support of standards implementation and business best practice.
For further information please visit www.bsigroup.com
