The awards season is open for 2019 so it's time to get those nominations in. Now in their 24th year, the Paint & Panel awards aim to shine the spotlight on many businesses as we can each year who excel in the field of autobody repair.
This year we held a round table to ensure the awards accurately reflect our ever evolving industry. We discussed all aspects of the awards and the outcome for 2019 is a number of new awards. The concept of sustainability has been difficult to communicate, with many interpreting it to mean only 'green' initiatives. Sustainability is part of Axalta's DNA and its mission is to encourage its customers to run their businesses sustainably to ensure long term success. With this in mind the Sustainability Award has been renamed the Axalta Business Excellence Award.
Last year we introduced the Outstanding Mentor award and while mentoring is important in an industry struggling to attract the next generation, we felt it would be better to highlight some of the great young people that have come into autobody repair. This year we will have an award for a Young Achiever. The person must be under 21 and work in a bodyshop, but not necessarily on the tools. We're looking for someone hard working, with the right attitude who their employer believes could have a great future in autobody repair.
We've had some heavy vehicle repairs win best shop in the past. It was felt that now they should have their own category. Judging for this will be from video entries.
It was agreed that the MSO award category would remain for shops from 3-20 sites. We welcome nominations from larger MSOs in the best practice categories outside of the best shop category.
The roundtable also discussed the judging criteria and agreed that efficient office processes should be added.
Detailed information about each award can be found on the Paint & Panel website in the awards tab/bodyshop awards as well as the link to the Survey Monkey nomination form.
Nominating is quick and easy - all you need to do is put your name and contact details and those of the shop or individual you want to nominate. Self nominations are encouraged. Remember, this isn't a beauty competition, except possibly in the new shop category. There have been plenty of winners from old shops that aren't glossy and glamorous. Clean, organised with the right equipment and attitude is all that's required. We love visiting shops we haven't been to before so if you have never nominated your business make 2019 the year to do so. Winning raises your business profile and team morale. Entries close on 31 May, judging takes place in June and the first week of July. Winners will be flown (where applicable) to our glittering awards dinner which takes place on 11 October at Melbourne's Arts Centre.
Award Sponsors
We are extremely grateful to all of our sponsors who make these awards possible. Their commitment to recognising and rewarding talent and supporting an event which brings the whole industry together has been much appreciated by the many businesses and individuals who have taken home their award.
Platinum Sponsors
Axalta Coating Systems
Steven Brett, Managing Director said: "Axalta is honoured to once again be part of the Paint & Panel Awards for 2019.
We know how much time and effort goes into making a winning shop stand out from the rest and look forward to celebrating their success later in the year."
Compass
Managing Director, James Frape said: "Compass is honoured to support the Paint & Panel Bodyshop awards again this year as Platinum Sponsor.
"It’s important we continue to recognise those that exceed standard in the industry. Each year, the winners’ list provides an invaluable benchmark of industry excellence and with the competition as fierce as ever, taking a trophy home is considered a true achievement. I encourage you to consider entering or nominating for the 2019 awards."
Gold Sponsor
Director Steve O'Brien said: "Owning a small to medium enterprise can be a very lonely occupation. Amongst the many duties one of them is to motivate and compliment staff on a job well done, but who compliments you?
"That is why these awards are so important – recognition for a job well done; the extra effort; the vision; that only your peers truly understand and appreciate.
Shop owners deserve recognition for succeeding in what is a very tough, competitive industry which is why iBodyshop is so proud to become a Gold Sponsor of this premier event.
"Good luck to all the 2019 nominees."
Our supporting sponsors are Glasurit, PPG, Norton Saint, Vantage Automtive, AkzoNobel, Car Craft Accident Repair Centres, Motor Trades Assosication of Australia and Collision Repair Expo.