Leading automotive research and training provider Thatcham Research is the latest organisation to join the 150-strong roster of influential speakers and training experts at the inaugural UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, held at Birmingham’s NEC from June 8th-9th.
Thatcham Research will be talking about, and demonstrating, the most dynamic changes affecting the body repair sector in the last 50 years. With dedicated space within the event Thatcham Research will be focused on changes affecting bodyshop operations including EV repair and BS10125 quality standards, with visitors invited to head over to the stand to get free hands-on demonstration and discuss future training with the Thatcham Research team.
Representing Thatcham Research at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event will be the company’s head of repair sector services, Dean Lander, who leads the Thatcham Research Automotive Academy, championing the development of apprentices while supporting the sector with repair data products, skills training and consultancy. Lander has over 30 years’ experience in the automotive industry.
“We’re really excited to have a presence in the dedicated EV and training hub at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, the first opportunity the industry has had to meet in person on this scale since 2019,” Lander said.
“The automotive industry is a really attractive career option for many people and our presence in the EV and training hub will offer new, tangible knowledge and insight that technicians and bodyshop managers can take home, regardless of where they are in their careers. Thatcham Research’s state-of-the-art academy provides vital skills and nurtures talent; helping alleviate the skills shortage in this industry, and the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event is a great platform at which to offer this insight,” Lander added.
Grant Elrick, sales director at Messe Frankfurt UK, organisers of the exhibition, said: “Thatcham Research is an expert in vehicle repair methods and its specialist Automotive Academy provides training and accreditation across the entire industry, from apprentices learning skills at the start of their career, to veteran technicians learning the latest methods and new technologies. It’s fantastic that visitors to the first UK Garage and Bodyshop Event can benefit from the industry leaders’ workshops at their dedicated training hub.”
With SMMT car registration data showing that 11.6 percent of new cars sold in the UK last year were EVs, Thatcham Research launched its pioneering ‘EV Ready’ training programme in 2021 to bring vital skills into the market.
EV Ready gives technical and non-technical staff vital skills and knowledge, and business owners peace of mind that all employees can handle and repair EVs safely and effectively.
Underpinned by Thatcham Research’s vehicle-led research and data expertise, coupled with a record for providing world-class training at its IMI-accredited Automotive Academy, means that Thatcham Research is uniquely qualified to provide training solutions that help the industry meet the increasing demand for EV repair.
A visit to the Thatcham Research stand (E54) will give visitors the opportunity to check out the latest vehicle technology and get insights from dedicated engineers as well as try out the EV Ready blended learning programme.
The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, presented by Automechanika Birmingham, provides the first opportunity for the industry to meet face to face on this scale since 2019, and get hands-on, learn, network and prepare for the fast-evolving landscape of the automotive industry.
Join thousands of business owners at the UK Garage and Bodyshop event at the NEC Birmingham from June 8th-9th. There’s a lot on offer to owners and professionals across the garage and bodyshop industry, including free parking, breakfast and refreshments. Free tickets are available here.
