Get a Kitemark, boost your garage business – that’s the message from the British Standards Institute but also the companies who have already signed up to the scheme.

An independent survey carried out by aftersales specialist Automotive Advantage has revealed that more than 60% of firms who have the ‘Kitemark for Garage Services’ are reporting increased trust from consumers. Almost nine out of 10 said they had received comments about the Kitemark from clients.

Ian Harper, director of global marketing and business development at the BSI, said: “We’re on an aggressive campaign to grow the Kitemark for Garage Services and these results are a major boost. It’s particularly pleasing to see the investment made by independent garages pay off, with increased business and confidence in their service and repair.”

Set up 18 months ago, the scheme has started to gain momentum since January. Only a tiny number of UK garages are involved, but 500 applications in the last six months means it looks set to grow. Bosses hope the results of this survey will boost that further.

“One garage is reporting that he’s now getting warranty work from customers, which would normally be done by a franchised dealer. When he and other companies are questioning customers about what made them come to their garages, they believe it’s because of the Kitemark,” said a spokesman for the project.

After meeting a series of rigorous criteria, garages pay £1,500 to join. They have to pass ‘mystery shopper’ tests, an annual audit of their business and pay £750 per year to retain membership.