The board of the insurer-funded collision repair centre Thatcham has rejected a bid by Carter and Carter Group.

Thatcham, the training centre which serves repairers, insurers and vehicle manufacturers said the fact it is not bound by franchise or product, has been at the centre of its strategy to share researched repair methods and procedures for over 30 years.

Peter Roberts, Thatcham chief executive, reported total board agreement for continued funding of the centre: “The Thatcham Board are in this for the long term, not to make a quick profit by selling off such a vital industry asset.”

Carter & Carter, floated last year, has rapidly become the largest contractor involved in publicly-funded automotive technical apprentice training for service and repair.