SAMBRA members triumph at Lightstone's milestone EchoMBR Awards celebration

The South African Motor Body Repairers Association (SAMBRA has reaffirmed its dedication to industry excellence after numerous member workshops were honoured as leading performers at the 2024 Lightstone EchoMBR Awards.

The celebratory breakfast gathering, held on 3 November at the Premier Hotel Midrand, commemorated two decades of these esteemed awards, which celebrate workshops maintaining outstanding standards in customer care, repair craftsmanship and right-first-time results.

SAMBRA-affiliated businesses distinguished themselves across various categories, claiming premier national accolades:

• Motor Accident Group achieved 1st place for Overall Top Performer, Repair Quality Score, and Most Likely to be Recommended

• Manna Panel & Paint earned 2nd place for Overall Top Performer and Most Likely to be Recommended, plus 3rd for Repair Quality Score

• MTEK Panelbeaters secured 3rd position for Overall Top Performer and Staff Friendliness

• Denys Edwardes claimed 3rd place for Fix It Right the First Time

John Magalhaes, Director at Motor Accident Group, reflected on the recognition: "EchoMBR has motivated us to question traditional approaches and pursue innovation as our path to excellence. This recognition embodies our aspirations for a future where technology, precision and quality unite to transform standards in motor body repair. We're privileged to receive national recognition for 2024."

Juan Hanekom, SAMBRA's National Director, praised all recipients, emphasising that their accomplishments showcase the exceptional standards, expertise and professionalism that characterise the association's membership.

"These outcomes confirm the remarkable talent and unwavering dedication to quality and customer care throughout the SAMBRA community. Each award recognises the effort, creativity and commitment our members demonstrate in their operations and customer relationships every day."

He further acknowledged that Lightstone's EchoMBR platform serves an essential function in highlighting performance and encouraging ongoing advancement throughout the sector.

"For twenty years, the EchoMBR Awards have established the standard for service distinction in the motor body repair sector. We congratulate Lightstone on reaching this significant milestone and praise them for delivering an impartial, evidence-based platform that enables repairers to assess, enhance and recognise excellence."

With the industry advancing through technological development, professional training and customer-centred innovation, SAMBRA continues its pledge to assist members in upholding international standards of repair and service delivery.