BSI KITEMARK® FOR GARAGE SERVICES TO BE RAISED WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT

Robert Halfon MP for Harlow has Tabled a Motion in Parliament on 21st October following a recent successful wide reaching radio morning with consumer motoring champion Quentin Willson debating poor garage servicing. Worryingly over half 58% of the British population who have had a car serviced in a garage before are not totally confident that the work they have paid for has been carried out. That’s according to recent YouGov research commissioned by BSI , which throws light on just how wary people have become of garages and what work is actually being done to their cars. Robert commented to the House: “I put forward to the Leader of the House that the BSI Kitemark for garage services is a good step forward in supplying formal recognition of the good workmanship of garages and their value for money. BSI is an independent body that owns and operates the Kitemark scheme and has done much to improve consumer confidence in the quality of a good service. I therefore call on the Government to support the BSI Kitemark for garage services as a demonstration of compliance to a known national standard.” The response was well received by Sir George Young who agreed that motorists are entitled to a high-quality service. The next stage is for Sir George to raise the issue with the Secretary of State for Transport, which has been put forward. To obtain the Kitemark garages must address key areas: customer service, customer satisfaction, customer facilities, staff competencies – the quality of workmanship in the garage, their ability to use the equipment available, technical inspection 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. Quentin Willson, the UK’s consumer motoring champion commented: “Victims of dodgy garages can be eradicated if motorists would only use the BSI Kitemark certified garages. The Kitemark scheme has the most rigorous assessments and insists upon annual reassessment to make sure that the same quality and service is being delivered year after year. “A Kitemark garage will deliver the best service in the car repair industry and is truly consumer centric. Motorists the have right that their garage works to the highest possible professional standards. “The purpose of a Kitemark inspection is that the garage can demonstrate that they have been independently assessed and their work skills and practices are the best available in their capability to do, the work and those they have the right skills and knowledge.” For more details on how to achieve the Kitemark visit www.kitemark.com. For media enquiries relating to this press release, please contact Tracey Treanor at Chicane on 07789 078710. NOTES TO EDITORS: About BSI Group BSI Group is a global independent business services organization which enables businesses, governments and other organizations to increase profits and market access, and to enhance reputation with its standards-based solutions and assurance services. From its origins as the world’s first National Standards Body, BSI Group draws upon over 100 years’ experience to partner with 66,000 organizations in 147 countries from its 50 offices. Today, through its independence, innovation and integrity, BSI continues to improve the lives of millions by raising standards worldwide. To learn more about BSI Group, please visit www.bsigroup.com Contact: Claire Lynam, Head of Communications & Alliances, BSI. Tel: 08450 765600, claire.lynam@bsigroup.com www.Kitemark.com

Tags: