Fix Auto has become the first network of independent body repairers to register all its sites to attain the Thatcham BSI Kitemark.

The UK arm of the global chain has submitted an application on behalf of its franchises and all 23 sites will now undergo pre-assessment to establish their status in relation to PAS 125.

John Matthews, head of Fix Auto UK, says: “I believe that this initiative will succeed where others have failed because it is driven by insurers’ increasing need to address liability exposure and improve their customer retention.”

It is hoped that several franchises will achieve their full Kitemark license before the official launch on February 21. Fix Auto began in Canada in 1991 and has been represented in the UK since October 2005.

The network covers 23 areas including Derby, Cardiff, Birmingham and Ipswich. The company’s ultimate goal is to have 200 franchised operations in the UK.