THE BOSS of Britain's biggest independently-owned body shop group has called for ATA and BSI standards to be compulsory throughout the sector.

Speaking from the group's headquarters in the Wirral, he said: "We would like to see the new ATA and BSI Standards being mandated as minimum standards to operate in the sector within three years.

"Most insurers appear to be embracing the new BSI standard and are likely to require the Kitemark to be engaged as an insurer approved repair centre."

The call comes after the company pledged £200,000 to help its staff acquire ATA status. "The modern motor car has changed fundamentally in the last four years," explained Tracy.

"Ninety per cent of the steels now being used in the construction of motor vehicles are high strength steels which require new skills and equipment for safe repair."

Howard Basford managing director Neil Kirk said investing in training was an important part of cultivating a successful image. "We believe our success is firmly built on our people and in order to support our on-going growth strategy, it is essential we are seen as the 'employer of choice' by most capable people in our industry," he said.