Thatcham BSI Kitemark 100th Licensee

Press release - 21st May 2008

Motofix based in High Wycombe recently celebrated being the 100th bodyshop to gain the prestigious Thatcham BSI Kitemark status.

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.

Richard Tutt, managing director said: “This is the first of our three sites that will have the Kitemark accreditation. We have already noticed the benefits from the scheme which boasts a tighter framework in place for recruitment and reviews.

“Overall the scheme has given Motofix strong recognition and support and we are thrilled to be the 100th workshop to gain the status.”

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 Richard and his team for their commitment to safe crash repairs throughout Motofix.

Scott Hanney, BSI’s key account sales manager echoed similar comments: “We are impressed with the dedication shown by Motofix in achieving the Kitemark and we truly believe that it will benefit their organisation 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.”

It costs less than £2,500 in the first year. For a typical bodyshop, it’s about £1 a repair job in terms of showing you’re serious about safety. To date 433 sites have applied for the Kitemark status in total with 333 going through the various stages.

For more details on how to achieve the Thatcham BSI Kitemark click here.

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. 

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 2,300 staff operating in over 120 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.