THE format and fees for the new national standard for bodyshop repairers, which aims to bring consistently high levels of crash repair work for fleets, has been announced.

Available from January, a full Thatcham BSI Kitemark will be awarded to bodyshop owners who feel their businesses meet a predetermined set of standards called PAS 125.

To gain the Kitemark, bodyshops will undergo a two-day initial assessment, plus a further surveillance visit within the first 12 months.

The first year will cost £2,450, including the Kitemark licence fee.

In subsequent years the annual fee will be £2,500, which includes two unannounced surveillance visits and the continued use of the Kitemark.

Alastair Trivett, global managing director at BSI Product Services, said: ‘We are dedicated to bringing a quality mark that is recognised by the UK adult population and is synonymous with safety and quality – the Kitemark – to an industry which is vital to the safety of all road users.’