Used cars

Kitemark scheme is taking off

The Kitemark for garage services is finally beginning to catch on!

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Standard is being picked up by more centres

By Ross Pinnock

01st July 2007

The programme designed to boost customer confidence has had a slow start, with only 65 garages signing up since 2005. However, that figure will be bolstered later this year when two as-yet unnamed car manufacturers commit to joining the programme.
That will require every dealer within their networks to meet the strict British Standards Institute (BSI) guidelines. And with a further 130 garages due to be given Kitemark status by the end of the month, BSI estimates that the number of registered garages in the UK will be close to 500 by the start of next year.

The Kitemark has also been boosted by the MVRA, formerly the Motor Vehicle Repairers Association, which has given its support to the scheme. The organisation has previously used its own code of conduct to raise service standards.

It costs £1,500 to apply for Kitemark status, but gaining the coveted quality mark isn’t a formality. Firms have to undergo a technical inspection, provide agreed customer facilities and offer clearly displayed menu pricing for certain jobs.

Staff must be properly trained in their tasks and the garage must also meet customer service and satisfaction standards. “There are a lot of good garages out there, but we are all tarred with the same brush. The Kitemark should help to change that,” said Jack Kyriacos, the proprietor of East London Garages. His independent workshop in Plaistow gained the Kitemark in April 2006.

To help motorists find their nearest accredited dealer, the BSI website now includes a locator service. Log on to services.bsi-global.com/Kitemark and enter your postcode to find the nearest reputable garage.