In the next edition of our blog series – Bodyshop Spotlight – we’re focusing on our award-winning repair centre in Kings Langley. This centre has rapidly established itself as a leading bodyshop serving the Greater London area – a region traditionally underserved by repair capacity 

To learn more, we caught up with Ciprian Bucur, Area Manager, who has managed the site since it opened in June 2023. 

Bodyshop Spotlight: Activate Accident Repair Kings Langley

Kings Langley was awarded Best New Bodyshop at the 2024 Bodyshop Excellence Awards, what makes the site so special? 

“The Kings Langley site sets the standard for innovation, efficiency and customer care. Commercially, we are designed and equipped to be one of the most advanced bodyshops in the UK, and we thrive because of our clear focus on service, quality and team engagement.”

What was it like opening the bodyshop? 

“A few of us leaders were involved in designing the site from the very beginning. Myself as Area Manager and Eduard Leau, Bodyshop Manager. Together we were able to bring extensive industry experience to the process, really helping shape an efficient bodyshop layout.  

We also had fantastic support from a project team, led by Marita Sullivan, Business and Programme Manager and including Operations, HR, IT, and Facilities team members. 

Eduard and I also spent some time at other Activate Accident Repair sites, so we could ensure all new team members learned the correct Activate Accident Repair knowledge and processes from the very start. This hands-on approach helped us prepare the site to launch at very high standard.”

What equipment does the Kings Langley site have that makes it stand out? 

“Thankfully, we’ve invested in some incredible technology on the site that guarantees we will be future-ready and help us stand out as a leader in LCV and fleet-focused body repair.  

Our advanced repair technology includes a Car-o-liner system for long-wheelbase vans, two 5.5 tonne 2-poster lifts, a 5.7m wheel alignment ramp and a 3m-high double oven for high top vans.  

We have Autel ADAS calibration, which not many bodyshops in the UK have, this allows us to offer full one-stop pre and post-calibration, wheel alignment and programming. 

We also have a BSI kitemark accreditation, passing the initial and follow-up audits with absolutely zero non-conformities. We want to make sure that we support the team to ensure they have all the training needed to deliver the highest quality repairs – all panel beaters are fully qualified, four are fully EV-trained, and we have two fully qualified painters. “

Can you tell us more about the team dynamic at the site? 

“Team members are the key to delivering great service and great results, so it’s critical to us that we ensure we look after the team here. When we designed the site, team member wellbeing was at the forefront of our minds. We have a well-equipped kitchen, meeting rooms and even a shower facility. Alongside this Activate Group demonstrates its commitment to looking after the team by providing tea, coffee, milk, cereal and weekly fruit and breakfast deliveries. 

The benefit system here is something that displays the consideration shown to our team, the 25 days annual leave, life assurance and the generous healthcare support that we receive really motivates everyone on site and helps us know we are truly valued and looked after. 

Since opening, we have only had two members of the team leave the business, and one was due to retirement. The original team has remained in place since the day we opened, something that I think can be considered a rare achievement in this sector. This is a true reflection of the positive culture we have created here.“

Kings Langley has almost a 5-star rating on Google, what does this mean for the site? 

“We pride ourselves on providing top-tier customer service, the customers are at the heart of what we do, our job is to make someone’s bad day better. This shows in our google reviews – we don’t just say it, we really mean it.  

One of our reviews that really stand out to me is this: “The team completed the repair much quicker than expected without compromising on quality. From start to finish, the customer service was excellent – professional, friendly, and always willing to keep me updated on the progress. They take pride in their work and truly value their customers. Highly recommend for anyone looking for fast, reliable, and professional accident repair service!” 

It means a lot when we hear these sorts of stories reflecting our site, it makes us feel proud of what we do and strive to keep doing better.”

Finally, what future plans do you have for the site?

“If we are to look ahead, I would say that the site is committed to continued improvement and growth. We also look forward to equipping the next generation with the best knowledge, and have already had two apprentices join us as part of Activate Group’s award-winning apprenticeship scheme. 

We’re also introducing our night shift, this will significantly expand our capacity to meet the increasing demand in repairs from both our fleet and retail customers, whilst also creating new opportunities to expand our pool of talent, and increasing the scope for future development.”

Thankyou to Ciprian for sharing some more insight into the operations and the future with Activate Accident Repair Kings Langley