Quarter of UK’s bodyshops fly Kitemark

Around a quarter of the UK’s bodyshops are Kitemark holders, the British Standards Institution has announced.

Four years after the accreditation was launched, it is mandated by many VMs and insurance companies and is considered a ‘must-have’ for repairers that want to attract fleet work.

There are now more than 800 certified bodyshops in the UK and East Bilney Coachworks was one of the first to get the badge in 2007.

Mark Baldwin, a partner in the business, said: “Four years ago, we had one site. We now operate from three sites with further expansion plans underway. Kitemark had a large part to play in this.”

Thatcham’s director of commercial development, Lesley Upham, added: “Thatcham recognises the challenges our insurer members and their repair networks face from new vehicle design.

“The Kitemark scheme enables bodyshops to promote their businesses as demonstrating the highest standards of safe, quality repair.

“The UK repair sector is to be congratulated for showing they are serious about safety.”

In other news, Kitemark has made it into the top 200 of the UK’s Superbrands for 2011.