LISBURN BASED BODYSHOP LINDSAY FORD FIRST BODYSHOP IN NORTHERN IRELAND TO GAIN THE KITEMARK®

Lindsay Ford bodyshop at Lisburn (Knockmore Industrial Estate) has been recently awarded the Kitemark- and it is the first bodyshop in Northern Ireland to gain such a prestigious certification. 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. The company has been in business since 1963 and was started by two brothers David and Nick Lindsay but was brought by Ford Retail in 2008 when the brothers retired. Lindsay Ford is now the largest Ford Dealer in Northern Ireland and one of the largest in the UK. They have eight locations and two bodyshops and they are also in the Top 100 companies in Northern Ireland. Dean McVeigh, Group Bodyshop Manager commented: “The industry needs a standard and the BSI Kitemark standard goes much further then just a checklist- it is extremely thorough process. We decided to be proactive prior- ahead of the game and to be the first in the region to attain the Kitemark certification, as we believe soon insurers will be mandating it in Ireland as well as England. “Overall we did not find the process difficult it was a case of tweaking certain procedures. The ATA training was received well by our staff and we have already found that it has helped with processes in the bodyshop and the documentation of repair. We plan to use our knowledge and experience to get our second site Kitemark certified over the next few months.” For information on applying for the Kitemark, visit www.kitemark.com or www.Kitemarkautomotive.com. For more information on Lindsay Ford, visit www.lindsayford.co.uk or phone 028 92 606200. 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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