GRAHAM RICHARDSON & SON FLYING HIGH WITH THE KITEMARK®

Family owned bodyshop Graham Richardson based in Essex recently gained the Kitemark - setting the high standards that consumers' and fleet managers expect when having their cars repaired. Not all bodyshops are the same: To earn the Kitemark, vehicle body repair shops must prove that they conform to tough new standards set down in PAS 125. These include strict requirements that focus on skills, repair methods, equipment and materials. In addition, workshops must demonstrate that they have repair process management controls in place to monitor activities. All these elements are then assessed by independent BSI inspectors and must meet stringent benchmarks to be awarded the valuable Kitemark by BSI. Therefore a motorist should always look for the Kitemark symbol when choosing a bodyshop. Most drivers don’t realise they can choose where their vehicle is repaired should they be involved in an accident Established in 1966 by Graham Richardson and his wife and it’s now run by his son and daughter Mark Richardson and Rachel Saleh. They now have 16 staff who are a team of highly trained individuals with many years of practical experience in the automotive body repair field, and enjoy many long term relationships with a wide range of customers which vary in size from just one or two vehicles right up to a fleet of over 1200 vehicles. Mark Richardson, managing director at Graham Richardson & Son commented: “We decided to go for the Kitemark as I felt that with the way vehicles are now designed and built using a wide variety of materials, we needed to move forward with the technology to ensure that the vehicles are repaired using the correct repair methods and skills required. The trade has needed some discipline and we all need to change. We all think we know the correct repair technology but without the without the Kitemark I feel we would not been able to adjust the technicians through the changes. “The staff did find it tough to go through the changes, but now it’s in place they feel it is an improved working environment. They are more organised and they feel more satisfied that the repair methods apply the correct repair techniques.” For more details on Graham Richardson & Son, contact 01206 796 543 or visit www.grahamrichardsons.co.uk. For details on BSI Kitemark visit www.kitemark.com. For more details on For media enquiries relating to this press release, please contact Tracey Treanor at Chicane on 07789 078710 or e-mail tracey@chicanemarketing.co.uk 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

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