Following a selection process lasting some seven months, Queens Automotive in South London has been appointed by Ford as an Official Approved Transit (LCV) Repairer.

Queens’ new status will compliment its broad spectrum of services, resulting in what operations director Robert James says will represent a “one-stop shop” for all customers.

Already one of the largest 24-hour recovery service providers in south London, Queens has contracts with the likes of Jemca, the Toyota Tsusho Corporation-owned retail group which uses its secure storage facility in Croydon, the Metropolitan Police and RAC.

A 12-week preparation process is now under way to ensure its existing servicing and MoT centre in Penge is ready for the new role. Funded purely by Queens, the preparation covers everything from the purchase of specialist tools and upgrading to five-ton ramps, to the recruitment of additional staff.

Four fully skilled technicians are among the staff required, and these positions will be advertised in The Sun and local press. James says the company is looking for people trained to either National Diploma or, ideally, City and Guild standards, who will then enter the Ford training programme to qualify for Master Technician status.

James says the core operation hours will initially be 55 hours a week, but Queens will quickly offer servicing until at least midnight, and a day or night roadside recovery option will be offered from the outset.