Keith Upex from Darlington and Simon Noble from Billingham, who work at the Simon Bailes Peugeot Accident Repair Centre in Northallerton, have been awarded the ATA standard for panel and paint technicians. To help customers search for the best trained staff, Keith and Simon are now listed on a public on-line register and they will be re-assessed every five years to ensure that the improved standards are maintained.

The ATA is a voluntary assessment scheme designed to give customers peace of mind by proving a technicians competence. To gain accreditation technicians must sign a code of conduct and pass a series of thorough practical tasks and an on-line knowledge test.

The scheme is supported by the Department for Trade and Industry, Trading Standards and all major vehicle manufacturers and service and repair organisations. It represents a significant investment in terms of time and money for accident repair centres, such as Simon Bailes Peugeot, to support their staff. However managing director, Simon Bailes, believes the long term benefits for both his staff and customers are well worth it.

Simon Bailes commented: “I have always been passionate about constantly working to raise the professional status and credibility of skilled technicians in the motor industry and encouraging recognition for the profession in the North East. Keith and Simon should be extremely proud of their achievement which demonstrates that they are outstanding technicians. Also, I am delighted to be instrumental in pioneering this ground-breaking assessment scheme as it ensures that our customers constantly get the best service from our highly skilled technicians.”