Bodyshop Awards & Expo 2024 partners

3M is delighted to sponsor the Bodyshop Awards and 30 Under 30: Rising Stars for another year. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists, we look forward to celebrating with you all on 19 September 2024 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole in the grounds of the NEC.

Light vehicle manufacturers rely on Axalta’s coatings to deliver performance and beautiful colour. The superior corrosion protection of electrocoats, lush basecoats and durable clears are formulated to provide a flawless finish that will endure the toughest weather and road conditions. For more information, visit: www.axalta.com

Repairify is a leading provider of innovative diagnostic technology and remote services, that ensures the correct and safe diagnosis and repair of automotive electronic systems for bodyshop glass and mechanical repair centres. Repairify’s services enable repairers to diagnose, program, and calibrate vehicles in-house rather than having to move the work to a main dealer or employ a subcontractor. This results in incremental revenue streams, whilst reducing key-to-key times and improving customer satisfaction. Repairify IMI trained technicians, in combination with our patented technology and datacentre incorporating OE tools, provide an exceptional capability to successfully complete customer requests; fully supported by our global indemnity to protect our customers.

Vizion Network

Through the development and application of innovative, forward-thinking processes and systems, Vizion and its network of repairer partners remain at the forefront of customer service. Vizion remembers the past, focuses on the present, with an eye to the future to ensure we benefit from lessons learned to deliver the needs of today, for a better tomorrow.

Since 1792, AkzoNobel has supplied innovative paints and coatings that help to colour people’s lives and protect what matters most. AkzoNobel’s world-class portfolio of brands, including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon, is trusted by customers around the globe. AkzoNobel is active in more than 150 countries and uses its expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Every surface is an opportunity. It’s what you’d expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that’s dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today while creating an even better tomorrow. Let’s paint the future together. For more information, please visit: www.akzonobel.com

Automechanika Birmingham is the leading trade exhibition for the aftermarket and supply chain targeting visitors from the UK. In 2023 it brought together 511 leading brands from 23 countries and 14,402 senior UK-based visitors. The event hosts a dedicated collision repair area with interactive demonstrations and leading suppliers. Attracting thousands of visitors from independent and multi-site bodyshops, a third of all UK bodyshops attended Automechanika Birmingham 2023. Attend or exhibit at Automechanika Birmingham 2025, which will be held on 3–5 June 2025 at the NEC Birmingham. Find out more here: https://automechanika-birmingham.uk.messefrankfurt.com/birmingham/en.html

BASF Automotive Refinish is the number one sustainable vehicle repair solution, with leading brands Glasurit, R-M, and baslac offering unparalleled innovations and digital solutions. BASF is committed to leading the industry towards greater sustainability, and now BASF is proudly leading the way with its next generation of clearcoats and Eco Balance mixing clears. Designed to further drive sustainability in the refinish industry and boost bodyshop profitability and efficiency, this latest clearcoat employs the unique ChemCycling technology. The products not only contribute to the circular economy but also reduce CO2 emissions, and by reducing drying time, energy consumption is significantly lowered, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, another sustainable solution: 100 Line Eco Balance mixing clears based on Glasurit’s Biomass Balance approach have been added to the 100 line waterborne basecoat series, which already offers the lowest VOC content below 250 g/L in the industry. The new mixing clears now drastically reduce CO2 emissions by up to 50%.

The automotive claims and repair sector is a complex industry with a mix of technologies, products, and services all trying to provide a harmonised claims and repair process. CAPS, the Common Automotive Platform Standard, makes sure everyone’s on the same page, improving communication at scale whilst defining how data should be shared between the relevant stakeholders. It connects with most claims reporting software and improves efficiency for bodyshops, insurance companies, and all connected parties by reducing friction, caused by analogue and inefficient communication methods.

DEBRA UK was established in 1978 by Phyllis Hilton, whose daughter Debra had epidermolysis bullosa (EB), as the world’s first patient support organisation for people living with EB. Today DEBRA UK is a national medical research charity and patient support organisation for anyone living in the UK with any type of EB, their family members, carers, plus healthcare professionals and researchers specialising in EB. Annually DEBRA UK supports 3,800+ members and employs over 370 staff and 1,000+ volunteers who support the charity across a network of 90+ charity shops located throughout England and Scotland. DEBRA UK is also the largest UK funder of EB research and since 1978 has spent over £22m on EB research and has been responsible, through funding pioneering research and working internationally, for establishing much of what is now known about EB.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

For more than 65 years, Enterprise has established itself as a leader in providing replacement vehicles and courtesy cars that are relied upon in the event of an accident. By working closely with insurance, broker, bodyshop, assistance provider and dealership partners worldwide, Enterprise has developed a unique approach to managing their replacement vehicle needs. Enterprise can provide value for money and high-quality solutions that keep your customers mobile. By constantly reviewing the needs of the market, Enterprise continues to develop new and innovative mobility solutions to better support the needs of its customers.

The Institute of Automotive Engineers Assessors is the only professional body designed for the vehicle damage assessor and it aims to promote and develop the science of design, manufacture and related technology of motor vehicles, and their repair. Today the IAEA retains the core values from its heritage and maintains the highest standard of engineering expertise and competence available. The IAEA is delighted to be associated with the Bodyshop Awards 2024.

FLP Group is proud to be the UK’s sole importer of Kapci Coatings, a global manufacturer of automotive coatings established in 1985. Kapci Coatings’ refinishing products continue to grow in the UK offering a quality finish at a competitive price. From VOC-compliant products to paint schemes and fast-drying primers and clearcoats, Kapci Coatings products provide solutions for greater productivity and profitability in bodyshops during this crucial time of rising costs.

LKQ provides the UK and Ireland’s most comprehensive end-to-end collision repair offering, covering far more than paint, consumables and parts. LKQ’s industry-leading technical and sales team has everything at their fingertips to help bodyshops of all sizes thrive. LKQ has customer relationships spanning decades only made possible by continuous investment in the customer experience. LKQ is also home to the market’s leading training platform, LKQ Academy, with dedicated courses for bodyshops, covering everything from technical skills on the bodyshop floor, to the latest technologies and sustainability. LKQ is committed to being a supportive partner, helping bodyshops to grow their businesses profitably and sustainably.

The Morelli Group has been a supplier of paint and associated consumables to professional automotive repairers since 1957. Morelli Group’s recent acquisition of Coachfinish NI has cemented the group’s place as the UK’s biggest independent automotive refinish distributor. Morelli Group is the largest supplier of Glasurit, Axalta, PPG, and DeBeer paints and 3M’s largest independent distributor in the automotive market. Eyebox, Morelli Group’s training centre in Coventry, offers IMI Accreditations and courses in automotive refinishing. Since 2011 Morelli Group has continuously supported the IMI Skills Competition, WorldSkills. Morelli Group continues to look for ways to encourage new staff to join our fantastic industry.

Remit Training is an award-winning, innovative training provider working closely with industry bodies and employers to ensure training is relevant, effective and delivers a high return on investment. Ofsted rated as “outstanding” for leadership and management and as a “good” provider overall, Remit partners with organisations to deliver high-quality training and a competitive edge.

The Stellantis Multi-Brand Accident Repair Programme is a UK wide network of approved accident repair centres that represent nine of the vehicle manufacturer’s 14 global brands in the UK, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep, Peugeot and Vauxhall. Stellantis is one of the world’s leading VMs and is guided by a clear vision to offer freedom of movement with distinctive, affordable and reliable mobility solutions.

Thatcham Research is dedicated to understanding the opportunities and risks of new vehicle technology and supporting our partners in identifying the best strategies for its safe, secure, and sustainable adoption. We provide rigorous engineering-grade research and data to help insurers, government, vehicle manufacturers, technology companies and the repair industry make better, more informed decisions. Since 2004 we have been sharing our expertise and providing technical training to develop skilled technicians through our Automotive Academy. Highly skilled technicians are essential to assuring a future ready and sustainable UK body repair industry and in addressing the growing skills gap. Using our blended training approach and with access to cutting-edge research from our onsite Repair Technology Centre, apprentices and skilled technicians benefit from an unrivalled learning environment where expert instruction, modern tools and technology and the very latest vehicles, combine. Let us help you develop your sustainable workforce through apprenticeships and training.

The Volkswagen Group Total Loss Avoidance (TLA) Programme, brought to you by TPS, keeps vehicles on the road by avoiding costly write-offs. TLA provides bodyshops with additional discounts on Volkswagen Group Approved Genuine Parts, to get the repair costs either below, or closer to, the write-off threshold. This means bodyshops keep repairs in their workshops and, because Volkswagen Group Approved Genuine Parts are designed to fit first time – every time, they can guarantee a reliable repair and get customers back behind the wheel of the car they love. TLA is designed to save bodyshops time and money, and customers say it’s one of the easiest programmes out there.

A1 ADAS Solutions is a family-run business covering the UK with mobile ADAS calibration services, remote diagnostic services and diagnostic & garage equipment supplies. The company ensures continual investment into the latest equipment to ensure we stay ahead of the market and keep in line with the car manufacturer’s requirements. We employ a team of highly qualified staff and invest in ongoing training to provide a competent first-class service & support for all our customers. The business also promotes positive culture and continuous improvement through its ISO-integrated management system for quality, environmental and health & safety.

ACG is the leading funding partner for bodyshops across the UK, improving their cash flow and working capital. ACG’s products free up time and energy from bodyshops tracking monies owed for approved work, enabling them to cover expenses, focus attention on operational activities, and enhance working capital. Working with ACG, bodyshops are guaranteed: Quick decision making; Rapid funding; Pay-as-you-go service; Professional support & guidance. Tania Davis UK Autolinks said: “ACG’s rapid funding solution ensures we’re never waiting around for payment from insurers and the monies owed to us is sat in our bank account within 24 hours, guaranteeing our working capital is at a healthy figure.” For more information about ACG and its funding services, visit acg.co.uk.

Core Diagnostics provides a market-leading, remote support service which is trusted by technicians across the UK and Europe, from small workshops to large accident repair centres and nationwide glass replacement networks. Its success is powered by an unrivalled combination of technology and expertise – a result of its unwavering commitment to continual re-investment in infrastructure, IT and people. The Core Remote allows Core Diagnostics’ team of IMI-accredited technicians to carry out a wide range of remote coding, programming and ADAS calibration procedures. Users benefit from no waiting times or frustrating queues and unparalleled coverage of the vehicle parc, including EV brands such as BYD. In addition, Core Diagnostics provides ADAS calibration tools from some of the world’s leading brands including Bosch, Autel and Würth. Specialist knowledge of ADAS technology and equipment allows Core Diagnostics’ ADAS experts to recommend the optimum calibration solution for every workshop for maximum return on investment.

For more than 40 years INDASA has been manufacturing performance coated abrasive materials for the professional trades from our manufacturing facility in Aveiro, Portugal – one of the most modern production plants in Europe. With UK-wide coverage we provide the bodyshop industry with performance surface preparation products and training.

Onyx Repair Innovations is a leading provider of repair solutions for the automotive industry. The company’s flagship product, Onyx, is a cloud-based, next-generation bodyshop management system, built by repairers, for repairers. It’s designed to streamline the repair process via intuitive workflow automations to increase efficiency, and real-time data insights to inform repair shop strategies. There are too many complex, legacy systems on the market which require dedicated admin resource to operate, Onyx was built to counter this challenge through a modern approach to usability and automation.

With depots in Blackburn, Reading and Taunton, Primrose can guarantee same-day service across the length and breadth of Britain. We support accident repair centres with ADAS calibrations, module codings, electric vehicle shutdowns and diagnostics. Our IMI accredited technicians carry out pre-and-post vehicle scans and ensure there are no faults left before we leave. With our advanced and up-to-date vehicle diagnostic and calibration equipment we can help with any issues on all cars and now we have redefined the way you manage your calibration needs with our brand new app, Nexuss. Designed to simplify the calibration process, our app offers a new standard in convenience and efficiency for both technicians and customers alike. Manage bookings, access compliance documentation, view live report data and more by signing up today.

Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes, a division of the Sherwin-Williams Company, manufactures and distributes a complete line of advanced technology automotive paint and coating systems. Providing high performance automotive coatings, we serve a variety of customers globally including multi-shop operations (MSO), dealerships, fleet owners and refinishers and bodyshops. With a rich history in refinishing, dating all the way back to the late 1800s when we were among the first to bring coatings to markets specific to transportation. We are now redefining the industry with innovative, results-driven colour systems, “powerhouse” ancillaries that deliver premium and consistent results you can depend on time-after-time; repair after repair; day after day. In the UK we are present with our new premium waterborne brand Ultra 9K and the Ultra System ancillaries. Furthermore, we have our long-term brands Octoral and DeBeer Refinish with complete car refinish systems.

Silverlake Automotive Recycling specialises in supplying high-quality OEM body panels for vehicles across the UK. With more than 75 years of experience, Silverlake is committed to providing first class, recycled OEM parts that meet the highest quality standards. Whether you need doors, bonnets, or bumpers, Silverlake ensures its customers receive reliable, original parts at competitive prices. A nationwide delivery service allows the business to promptly and securely ship parts directly to customers, no matter where they are in the UK. Silverlake is are committed to quality and exceptional service, making it a trusted name in the automotive industry.

Trading under the name of Walcom Walmec UK, Walcom UK is owned by the family which designs and manufactures Walcom UK’s amazing equipment. Walcom UK’s USP is all about efficiency and productivity, all Walcom products are made with these two things in mind. Walcom’s spray guns are the lightest on the market within their sector. In material savings, Walcom’s TD3 Thermodry Technology is one of the most innovative products out there; heating the air while the painter sprays for optimal temperatures and a more fluid material. Walcom is one of the world’s most up-and-coming businesses within the refinish sector.