200th BSI Kitemark® Awarded to two Bodyshops

The scheme is a result of a unique collaboration between BSI and Thatcham, the motor insurance repair research centre and repairers. Complexities involved in crash repair and changing manufacturing practices put pressure on vehicle body repair companies - the Thatcham BSI Kitemark scheme aims to help.

To earn the Thatcham BSI Kitemark the vehicle body repair companies must prove that they conform to tough new standards. These include skills, repair methods, equipment and materials. All these elements are assessed by independent BSI inspectors and must meet stringent benchmarks in order to achieve the valuable Kitemark status.

Derrick Walton, director of D Walton Ltd said: ”We worked hard for this but it has been well worth the commitment, time and money. There is no doubt having the Kitemark is giving the company an advantage in terms of our growing reputation. In addition having both manufacturer approval and the Kitemark has opened more doors to business which we were currently excluded from.”

Tony Rimmel director of Mill Lane Accident Repair Group echoed Derrick’s comments and added: ”We are already seeing benefits from having the Kitemark including qualifying for the approval of repairing vehicles for the Hampshire Police Constabulary.”

Jason Moseley, Thatcham’s chief operating officer, added: “This is a real milestone in the development of Kitemark as a quality mark for the accident repairers. I congratulate both Tony and Derrick and their team for their commitment to safe crash repairs throughout their bodyshops.

Scott Hanney, sales manager for BSI Product Services commented: “We are impressed with the dedication shown by both bodyshops in achieving the Kitemark and we truly believe that it will benefit their bodyshops and their customers. It will surely be an example to the rest of the industry that the Kitemark scheme is the one standard that will deliver first class, safe repairs for the vehicles of today and in the future.”

For more details on how to achieve the Kitemark visit www.kitemarkautomotive.com

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NOTES TO EDITORS

For media information
Tracey Treanor
Chicane
Phone: +44 (0)7789 078710
Email: tracey@chicanemarketing.co.uk

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.

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.

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

Contact: Claire Lynam, Head of Global Marketing Communications, BSI Product Services, Tel: 08450 765600 or claire.lynam@bsigroup.com