Thatcham, the Berkshire-based motor industry repair research and training centre, has made training manager Derek Reynolds redundant.

Mr Reynolds, who was well known throughout the motor industry, left at the end of August.

Director of research Ken Roberts said there were internal matters to consider regarding cost savings and a member of the executive team had to go, “The training centre had a one-on-one structure with Derek and Mark Lyons which inevitably made this the area that was targeted” said Mr Roberts.

Mr Lyons has assumed Mr Reynolds' responsibilities and now heads the training centre, reporting to Mr Roberts. Thatcham has opened new admin, research and workshop premises adjacent to its old site.

The new facilities will enable Thatcham to expand its role in aftersales training for repairers and research into reducing claims costs, improving new vehicle design and repair times/ techniques for insurers and manufacturers.