Awards

Sponsored by Suncorp Left: David Copley and Rebeka Harrison of Miedecke Accident Repair Centre, national winner of best small shop and regional winner for NSW best small shop, right; Sean Dempsey from Suncorp.

The winning formula

The  Suncorp/AP&P Autobody Repairer of the Year awards are in their 17th year in 2012. Their purpose is the celebrate excellence in the paint and panel industry.

The awards are divided into three categories. New shops are either brand new or substantially remodelled within the last 18 months. Large shops have over 15 employees and small shops less than 15 employees.

There are three winners in each state, small, large and new and the three national winners are selected from these and announced at a winners' event in October.


Shops can either nominate themselves or are nominated by industry suppliers.

The judging team cannot visit all of the nominated shops and so a shortlist of finalists is drawn up for judging.

Previous winners are excluded from entering the awards for two years in the same category. However if a workshop won as a new shop they can enter as a small or large shop the next year, whichever is appropriate.

Entries are open from January until June.

What the judges look for

What makes one workshop a winner over another? Well there were some bare basics to start off with:

• A clean, tidy reception
• Good signage
• Dedicated estimating space
• Investment in the latest repair technology
• Organised parts area
• Good repair procedures in practice
• Staff training
• Recycling and sustainable issues
• A clean, healthy work environment
• Good H&S procedure
• Staff catered for
• Accredited repairers for manufacturers or approved by insurance companies

This is not a beauty competition where only the shiniest workshops win, the judges look for efficient workshops dedicated to providing the best repairs and customer service. Over and above the basics, the judges are looking for involvement in the industry, ideally some innovation in working practice, a vision for the future of their business and a positive attitude towards the industry.

Good luck to all of this year's entrants.

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