Kerridge Automotive Systems has become the first UK dealer management system provider to gain accreditation from the Institute of the Motor Industry.

The company trains almost 4,500 people a year from motor retail outlets that use its Autoline DMS. Being granted Quality Assured Awards (QAA) status by the IMI means that dealership staff who undertake Kerridge’s training gain an independent IMI certificate, and can count it towards their IMI membership and continuous professional development.

“Through becoming part of the QAA scheme we hope to set a standard and elevate the level of confidence at dealer level,” says Stephen Asprey, Kerridge marketing director.

“It can be difficult for employers recruiting key staff, such as dealership accountants, when they interview applicants who claim to fully understand the DMS. There’s always a leap of faith that they are really as skilled as they claim to be. This means that the applicant can produce an IMI-backed certificate as proof.”

A total of 25 individual programmes are offered, from CRM operations management to marketing and aftersales reporting. Kerridge has training locations at Hungerford, Glasgow and Telford, and also provides on-site training at dealerships.

Stuart Brooks, the IMI’s head of public relations, says QAA benefits dealership staff directly. Over time they can build a portfolio of evidence of their skills and training, which will be useful when seeking promotion or other jobs.

Kerridge systems are used by a large number of franchised dealers, including Reg Vardy plc, Westover Group and CEM Day. Its Autoline DMS is approved by a large number of carmakers, including Renault and Nissan.