Mondial UK technician Nigel Halliday is the company’s first staff member to gain the industry-recognised ‘Automotive Technician Accreditation’ (ATA).

Mondial technical specialist, Iain Kershaw came joint second in the Top Technician 2005 competition.

Launched in June, ATA is designed to raise standards of car servicing and repair by testing the current competence of technicians working in the retail motor industry.

Mike Donley, training manager of Mondial UK, says: "We fully support the ATA initiative and are delighted to see Halliday gain accreditation. It is testament to his skills, coupled with an ongoing commitment to training. This scheme is a real benefit for the motor industry, helping it maintain and reward high quality technicians, as well as best practice."