BSI Kitemark reach out to consumers

Press release: 20 November 2009

Motoring champion Quentin Willson leads campaign to promote the importance of Kitemark

BSI Kitemark reach out to motorists highlighting the importance of using a body shop or garage with BSI Kitemark certification with a radio day held today with consumer motoring champion Quentin Willson.

The two BSI Kitemark automotive schemes for servicing and crash repairs are one of the most stringent in the UK, reassuring motorists that the work being done on their car is of the highest standard. Despite being launched only two years ago, research shows that almost six in ten people (58%) would prefer to use garages signed up to the schemes rather than non-certified garages.

Not only do they reduce the risk of unsafe work being carried out, they have to offer fair and transparent billing. This is backed up with a massive 77% of drivers saying value for money is the most important element of a good service.

To obtain the Kitemark garages/body shops must address key areas: customer service, customer satisfaction, customer facilities – such as waiting areas, staff competencies – the quality of workmanship in the garage, their ability to use the equipment available, technical inspection, safe repair methods and importantly fair and transparent billing. All these elements are then assessed by independent BSI inspectors and must meet stringent benchmarks if the valuable Kitemark is to be awarded by BSI.

Consumer motoring champion Quentin Willson commented: “While there are other industry codes that are subscribed to by mechanics, garages and body shops, many will be assessed only once, or in some cases not at all. The Kitemark scheme has the most rigorous of assessments and insists upon annual reassessment to make sure that that same quality and service is being delivered year after year.

“I strongly believe that with motoring costs spiralling, every garage/body shop needs to prove that they are offering industry leading standards and transparent billing. Without these standards the motorist will vote with their feet. “

There are currently 479 body shops with the Kitemark and 126 garages.