Are you up to date with the rules about operating vehicle transporters and recovery vehicles?
Read VOSA's guidance here:content/userfiles/file/Web%20PDF1.pdf
Latest Health & Safety Info
The July/August issue of BODY Magazine carries latest health & safety news for business managers. You can read more here...content/userfiles/file/Web%20PDF2.pdf
The Institute of Mechanical Engineers is holding a conference with leading experts discussing the challenges of efficiently integrating vehicle electronics and diagnostics into current and future vehicles.
VBRA is supporting the conference so members are eligible for a discounted attendance rate of £240 + VAT. The day long event in Norwich on 5 October will give an insight into future technologies with speakers from Lotus, the MOD, and Tanfield Group.
For more info, download the booking form here:content/userfiles/file/Booking%20form%20NEW.pdf
Kitemark Review to Go Ahead
The first full review of the PAS 125:2007 Vehicle Body Repair Standard, which has been delayed since last year due to a court case, is to begin in the next few weeks, with the aim of completion by the end of this year.
The review body will consist of 6 to 8 people, who, hopes Working Group Chairman David Cresswell, ‘are representative of the industry, understand PAS and have the time and energy to contribute’. Mr Cresswell told BODY that the standard is ‘90% right it just needs some tweaking’. The draft changes will be widely circulated for industry consultation and feedback.
The review panel will work under the guidance of BSI project manager Brian Such. To apply to join, outlining your relevant expertise, email brian.such@bsigroup.com
Commenting on the review, VBRA Director General Malcolm Tagg said, ‘The onward march of innovative vehicle build technology continues to be a challenge to be met and this will no doubt form part of the pending review. Already alert to the need for continuous updating of knowledge in this and other areas of activity, the VBRA will continue to support members by providing guidance and advice relating to advancing repair methods. We will similarly continue to provide information to enable members to properly tool for the work they do, and offer training in the changing processes and techniques necessary to undertake safe repairs’.
Bailies Big It Up
Bailies Auto Refinishers is a fairly young bodyshop in Newtownabbey, NI, owned and run by Stephen and Lisa Bailie. Opening in May 2007, they recently made their first move from start-up premises into a bigger workshop. Opened in March, the official ribbon was cut by their Lord Mayor and company director Lisa Bailie.
The company has a unique and active marketing strategy, based around social media and an impressive website. The website is compact but shows precisely the values of the directors and the services they offer. Special offers and events such as the opening of the new premises have been successfully publicised via Facebook and Twitter. Their presence in the community is also promoted through the use of a very striking livery on the company vehicles.
ACT NOW
VBRA is asking body repairers to send them details of each and every example when a job is lost because the policyholder was 'persuaded' to use the insurance company approved network. They need the policyholders details and the circumstances. Please reassure the policyholder that their details will not be used or revealed to individual insurers but will be securely held within the evidential file being built up by the trade association.
Email examples to: vbra@vbra.co.uk putting Steering/Penalty Excess in the subject line.