Thatcham has launched a management course for general managers who have worked their way through the bodyshop business without formal training.

The general managers professional development programme, in conjunction with Nottingham Business School, is a two-year course starting in March. It will be run by Prof Peter Cooke, head of the Centre for Automotive Industries Management at the business school.

Peter Roberts, Thatcham chief executive, said several managers had signed up to the course by the end of last year. Paint suppliers were sponsoring at least two.

“We expect a few people to be sponsored to go on the course by equipment suppliers or car manufacturers who recognise the need for good, profitable accident repairers,” said Mr Roberts.

“With these prog-rammes, Thatcham is contributing to the future well-being and profitability of repairers, insurers, manufacturers and the motorists.”