thatcham.org Press Room

British Bodyshop Awards Finalists Announced

Tue, 29 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have announced their three finalists in the category of ‘Excellence in Training Support’, ahead of the inaugural British Bodyshop Awards to be held in June.

The British Bodyshop Awards is a new industry driven awards ceremony giving insurers, accident management companies, vehicle manufacturers and independent networks the opportunity to recognise and reward best practice in their own specialist areas...

Prices Frozen on New escribe Product, Plus Free Link to TIM Through Audatex

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The Insurers’ Research Centre, Thatcham, have announced details of a new ‘escribe’ product, which will offer enhanced repair methods access and functionality to repairers and insurance engineers, at no additional cost.

Speaking at the Auto Body Professionals members conference, Thatcham Chief Executive Peter Shaw confirmed that not only would the new 2013 product be offered at existing 2012 prices, but that going forward all escribe customers who also subscribe to Audatex' AudaEnterprise Gold, would benefit from a free of charge link to Thatcham Integrated Methods, representing an annual saving of £350 on existing prices...

Apprentice Graduation Sparks Nationwide Celebrations

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

A record number of young accident repair technicians graduated from Thatcham’s Apprentice Academy this week, boosted by more than 50 successful apprentices from the Nationwide Apprenticeship Academy scheme.

A key fixture in the repair industry calendar, Thatcham’s annual Apprentice Graduation has come to represent a significant milestone, both for the young repair technician at the start of a successful career and for the industry set to benefit from this fresh injection of new talent...

Thatcham Recognise Excellence in Training Support

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Insurers’ research centre, Thatcham, have announced their winner in the British Bodyshop Awards’ category ‘Excellence in Training Support’, on a glittering night for the British bodyshop industry.

The British Bodyshop Awards is a new industry driven awards ceremony giving insurers, accident management companies, vehicle manufacturers and independent networks the opportunity to recognise and reward best practice in their own specialist areas.

As the county’s largest automotive training centres, the team from Thatcham’s Automotive Academy are ideally placed to recognise best practice in terms of training support...

VDA Wins New iPad

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have revealed Andy Crisp of Fix Auto Devon as the lucky winner of a new iPad, following the research centre’s recent ‘escribe’ prize draw.

Visitors to Thatcham’s Repair Focus event gained a sneak preview of the ‘new escribe’ product ahead of its planned launch for 2013 and those providing their feedback on the current product were entered into a prize draw.

The iPad prize means that in his role as Vehicle Damage Assessor, Andy will now be able to use the ‘new escribe’ anywhere in the workshop where there is a Wi-Fi or 3G connection, underlining just one of the product’s innovative new features...

Thatcham Seek Industry Feedback on New escribe

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Trials of Thatcham’s new escribe product will begin this week, as the research centre looks for industry feedback on their all new repair methods and data product.

Following focus group workshops conducted at Thatcham during July, Thatcham have now arranged for 15 customers to start trialling the new product over a planned 8 week period. Those taking part, who include representatives of some of Thatcham's member insurance companies, will now have the opportunity to experience all of the new features ahead of the product's planned release towards the end of 2012...

Thatcham Add New Dates to Satellite Training Programme.

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham are delivering on a commitment to provide easy access to training and accreditation through their satellite training programme, as the Automotive Academy announce additional dates, during August and October, for Vehicle Damage Assessors based in the West Midlands.

In response to customer demand for more flexible training delivery, Thatcham have taken their own brand of high quality training and ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) direct to UK insurance engineers and repairers, using satellite training facilities to ensure simple local access...

Thatcham Turns Repair Spotlight on Latest Technology Challenges

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham Automotive Academy have announced details of an innovative suite of 'New Model Awareness' courses, which have been specifically developed to assist repairers and insurance assessors with essential advance knowledge of the very latest vehicles coming to the UK car parc.

Designed to acquaint repair personnel on the repair challenges associated with new model releases, this series of courses will kick off with an in-depth focus on the Audi A3, Ford B-Max MPV and Toyota Prius 3+...

Thatcham's VDA Apprenticeship Scheme, Now Available to Older Applicants

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham’s unique, funded Vehicle Damage Assessors (VDA) apprenticeship scheme is now also available to applicants over 18 years old and with start dates set for November up and coming assessors are being encouraged to take up the few remaining places.

This increased availability comes in direct response to industry feedback; Academy Business Manager Clare Ballard said “We are delighted to be able to listen and act on our customers’ recommendations and to find a way to provide this excellent opportunity to a wider audience...

Association of British Insurers signals potential for reduced premiums with the introduction of Autonomous Emergency Braking into group ratings

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

UK insurance industry adopts findings and adjusts group ratings to reflect the significant potential to prevent collisions and reduce accident repair costs.

Following pioneering accident risk assessment work by Thatcham, the UK motor insurance repair research centre, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) are introducing important changes to their Group Rating system. As a result, motorists who buy cars fitted as standard with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) technologies could immediately benefit from a one to five group drop in insurance rating...

Winning Vehicle Manufacturers Celebrate Security Success

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Vehicle manufacturers were celebrating nearly a decade of achievement in vehicle security, as the winners of the ninth and final, British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards (BIVSA) were announced at Thatcham this week.

In the presence of Jeremy Browne, Minister of State for Crime Prevention, Volkswagen UK were presented with the overall best car manufacturer award for the 3rd year running with the Beetle, Phaeton and Sharan amongst its category winners, whilst Nissan scooped the LCV equivalent with the Nissan Primastar winning outright in the Heavy Van category...

New escribe delivers online for Safety and Value Conscious Repairers

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Crash repairers and insurance engineers are set to benefit from vastly improved access to the latest multi-franchised crash repair methods as Thatcham Research prepares to launch the next generation, all new escribe to guide the repair process.

Thatcham’s position as the source of unique automotive repair methods and times has been aligned to the changing needs of its customers to ensure new escribe delivers on efficiency and safety without any increase in price.

Now fully online and therefore always up to date, the new escribe product is now versatile enough to be accessed on not only PCs, but also the latest smartphones and tablets...

More Vehicle Technology Under the Spotlight at Thatcham

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Following the success of Thatcham Automotive Academy’s recent New Model Awareness Course, specifically developed to provide repairers and insurance assessors with essential information on the efficient and safe repair of the very latest model releases; another set of technology complex vehicles has been identified for the next training event to be held November 23rd and 27th.

Academy Business Manager Clare Ballard said ‘As the only automotive skills provider linked to a world leading research centre Thatcham Academy continues to support the repair community by providing unique insight into the technology which will bring challenges to Bodyshops and engineers...

Thatcham Research Celebrates Euro NCAP Accreditation

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The UK insurance industry’s automotive research centre, Thatcham Research, is celebrating its accreditation as a Euro NCAP testing laboratory, marking a significant milestone in its 43-year history.

It has become only the eighth European laboratory to be recognised for having the facilities, expertise and rigour required to carry out the crash testing programmes that lead to vehicle manufacturers being awarded the much valued safety star ratings...

Tony Emms Appointed as Chairman of the Board at Thatcham

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham Research, the insurers’ automotive research centre, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tony Emms, UK Chief Claims Officer at Zurich as the new Chairman of the Thatcham Board.

As Chief Claims Officer, Tony has responsibility for Zurich’s claims function across the UK. Previously, Tony was Zurich’s Motor Claims Director. Tony has a strong background in insurance claims and prior to joining Zurich in 2003, he held a number of senior claims roles within several other insurance organisations.

Tony Emms said "I am delighted to have been appointed as Chairman of the Thatcham board...

3,000 repair operations added to escribe in 2012

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The winner of this year’s ‘escribe Early Bird’ competition has more reasons than ever to celebrate, as they prepare to take advantage of the focused new features that escribe – Thatcham’s crash repair data product brings to the repair community. They will also have access to over 3000 additional repair operations covering new vehicles which have been added to escribe in 2012, with even more planned for 2013...

Carbon and Composites add to Thatcham Training Mix

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham’s Automotive Academy have announced details of another new course for their ever expanding technical vehicle repair training portfolio. ‘Introduction to Carbon Fibre and Other Composites’ has been specially developed to familiarise delegates with the repair processes associated with composite materials – an increasingly common component within modern vehicle structures.

Like all training at Thatcham’s Academy, this course is delivered by specialists drawing on their first hand experience from vehicle research projects, in this case including Aston Martin and McLaren...

Chief Executive of UK's largest automotive body repair group goes “back to the bodyshop” for apprentice week

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

To show his support for National Apprentice Week, Michael Wilmshurst, Chief Executive of Nationwide Accident Repair Group plc, donned his overalls and took part in a body repair training programme at the Thatcham Automotive Academy.

A day after the prime minister announced that apprenticeships ‘will be the new norm’ for school leavers looking for alternatives to university, Michael Wilmshurst, who heads the UK’s largest automotive body repair company, Nationwide, took part in a morning of panel repair and paintwork training at the Thatcham Automotive Academy...

Thatcham Recognises the Value of Training

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham Automotive Academy announced the winner of the ‘Excellence in Training Support’ award at the British Bodyshop Awards last night.

Tom Callnon, Academy co-ordinator at Nationwide Accident Repair Services plc, was given the prestigious honour of receiving this award at London’s Battersea Evolution for his dedication to the promotion and facilitation of apprenticeships and training.

“Tom has been in post for just over a year and has already made an exemplary contribution to skills development within our industry,” said Thatcham’s Commercial Director Lesley Upham, who presented the award...

Excellence in Training Support

Tue, 29 May 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have announced their three finalists in the category of ‘Excellence in Training Support’, ahead of the inaugural British Bodyshop Awards, to be held at the Battersea Evolution in London on 26th June.

Prices Frozen on New escribe Product

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham are announcing details of a new escribe product for the 2013 subscription year which, whilst offering enhanced repair methods access and functionality, will be available to subscribers at existing 2012 prices.

Apprentice Graduation Sparks Nationwide Celebrations

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

A record number of young accident repair technicians graduated from Thatcham’s Apprentice Academy this week, boosted by more than 50 successful apprentices from Nationwide Accident Repair Services.

Thatcham Recognise Excellence

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have announced Ayode Duroshola from Solus as their winner in the British Bodyshop Awards’ category ‘Excellence in Training Support’, on a glittering night for the British bodyshop industry.

VDA Wins New iPad

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have revealed Andy Crisp, Vehicle Damage Assessor at Fix Auto, Devon as the lucky winner of a new iPad, following the research centre’s recent ‘escribe’ prize draw.

VDA Training on Your Doorstep

Sun, 22 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Delivering on a commitment to offer high quality training in your area, Thatcham have announced August and October dates in The Midlands for VDA ATA preparation training and assessment.

New escribe in Live Trial

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Trials of Thatcham’s new escribe product will begin this week, as the research centre looks for industry feedback on their all new repair methods and data product.

Summer Offers on Adult Training

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Get Trained, Get Qualified. Talk to us now so you don’t miss out on our unbeatable offers for Adult Training. Call 01635 293174 to take advantage of selected Summer savings – training must be booked and taken by the end of October 2012.

Spotlight on Latest Technology

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham announce details of an innovative suite of one day 'New Model Awareness' courses designed to acquaint repair personnel with the specific repair challenges associated with new model releases.

VDA Apprenticeships For All

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The Thatcham/IAEA Vehicle Damage Assessors (VDA) apprenticeship scheme is now also available to applicants over 18 years old and with November start dates, aspiring assessors are being encouraged to take up the few remaining places.

AEB to Impact Group Rating

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 23:00:00 GMT

The UK insurance industry adopts the findings of Thatcham's AEB testing protocols and adjusts group ratings to reflect the significant potential to prevent collisions and reduce accident repair costs.

Winning Manufacturers Celebrate Security Success

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Manufacturers were celebrating nearly a decade of achievement in vehicle security, as the winners of the ninth, British Insurance Vehicle Security Awards (BIVSA) were announced at Thatcham this week.

New escribe Delivers Online

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

More Vehicle Technology Under the Spotlight

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham's Automotive Academy have released more dates and new vehicles for their popular New Model Awareness course. Vehicles under analysis during November include the Vauxhall Mokka and Toyota GT86.

Thatcham Joins the Elite for Crash Testing

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham mark a new era for crash testing as the centre joins an elite group of official European and UK vehicle safety testing laboratories to be officially accredited by Euro NCAP.

Tony Emms Appointed New Chairman

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham have announced the appointment of Tony Emms, UK Chief Claims Officer at Zurich as the new Chairman. Tony will lead a new look Thatcham board drawn from Thatcham's 30 member insurers.

Best in Class

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Euro NCAP have announced their top safety choices for 2012. As prominent members of the European vehicle safety organistion, Thatcham carry out a wide range of vehicle crash and technology testing on their behalf.

escribe Early Bird Winner

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The winner of this year’s ‘escribe Early Bird’ competition has more reasons than ever to celebrate, as they prepare to take advantage of the focused new features and 3,000 additional repair operations that have been added to escribe in 2012.

AEB Fitment Ratings

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Does the new car that you are looking to buy have an Autonomous Emergency Braking or Forward Collision Warning system fitted? Is it standard or optional fit? Use our handy ratings guide to find out.

Carbon & Composites add to Training Mix

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Introduction to Carbon Fibre and Other Composites has been specially developed to familiarise Thatcham training delegates with the repair processes associated with composite materials.

Latest Results from Euro NCAP

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Euro NCAP has today announced the latest test results for four new cars. The Renault Zoe, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Auris and RAV4 all achieved the top safety score of 5 stars from the European vehicle safety organisation.

1,000th Apprentice for Thatcham

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham has enrolled its 1,000th Apprentice since the creation of its Apprenticeship Programme in 2004, as employers look to ensure that workforce skills maintain pace with technology advances.

Chief Execs Go Back to the Floor

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Chief Executives Michael Wilmshurst of Nationwide Repairs and Peter Shaw of Thatcham experienced life as a paint technician as they went 'back to the floor' in support of apprentice week.

Thatcham Drive Whiplash Debate

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Thatcham Chief Executive Peter Shaw presented the research centre’s vision on how to improve vehicle safety and reduce whiplash, as senior transport ministers and insurance bosses held talks this week.

Young Drivers Get Safety Lesson

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Young drivers from the Under 17 Car Club got a lesson in vehicle safety and future technologies from Thatcham experts, on a visit to the Berkshire based crash lab and whiplash research facility last weeek.

Excellence in Training Support

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to Nationwide's Tom Callnon – the winner of Thatcham's 'Excellence in Training Support' award at the repair industry's British Bodyshop Awards.

Up to Pace at Thatcham

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Thatcham’s Automotive Academy have revealed the latest technology complex vehicles that will provide the basis for the research centre’s popular ‘New Model Awareness’ programme.

Behaviour Based Motoring

Thu, 16 May 2013 23:00:00 GMT

Chief Executive Peter Shaw gave insurance brokers an insight in to Thatcham's work on standards in telematics, as part of the ‘Behaviour based motoring’ panel discussion at BIBA this week.