Thursday 28th September, Neil and Matt travelled to the Bodyshop Awards at the Hilton in Birmingham, and having been announced as finalists, they had no expectation of a win amongst the brightest and best in the industry. Just to be in the final four was a feather in the cap.

Dinner jackets on and a small libation for courage, saw them sit down with 600 of the great and good of the repair industry, for an evening of good company, food & drink in the care of super host David (Crofty) Croft, the voice of F1 for the modern generation.

As the awards were dished out to the recipients, the hard fought categories of best small / medium / large bodyshop loomed large on the horizon.  Small bodyshop awarded, and it was now time for the family run company from Linton to hold their breath as the envelope was torn open to reveal which company had taken the prize for best medium bodyshop of the year.

Collective jaws hit the floor as Matt & Neil stared at each other in disbelief, did they said our name? Had they? "Matt, we've got to get up", as the pair staggered to their feet and walked with applause to the stage. It's at this point that the recollection becomes hazy, blinded by lights, fireworks (yes we had those) and Crofty thrusting his hand out in congratulations, the pair of deer in the headlights were presented with the award for Medium Bodyshop of the Year.

Awkward photo done and the journey back to their seats took a lot longer as many hands of congratulations needed to be shaken.

Libation number 2 to steady the nerves and the reality of being award winners was starting to sink in. Kind and friendly people sought the winners out to offer congratulations and much back slapping was received.

Neil said post win that the award reflected the work of the entire team, as the award could not have been won with out their dedication, hard work and support.



So you could get your car repaired by just any old bodyshop, or you could come to your local, family run, award winning bodyshop in Linton.