In the past year, working in the accident vehicle repair industry has become even more pressurised as insurance companies tighten the screw on turn around times.

Coachwork Renovations Ltd, proudly bearing the British Kite Mark and a former finalist in these awards, has upped its service level to meet the demand.

The 35-year-old firm has now introduced shift work while increasing the number of staff.

In addition to car, van and light commercial vehicle repairs, the company – which is based on the Imperial Business Park, West Mill, Gravesend – also offers services such as vehicle recovery, courtesy cars and vans, small to medium area bodywork repairs, air conditioning recharge, diagnostics, valet and four-Ewheel alignments.

Company secretary Charlotte Burnige said: “We also recycle as much as we can from paper to plastics and are always trying to reduce the amount of waste we produce from a leaking tap to paper wastage.

“In the past 12 months we have really focused on our staff training, taking on new apprentices and offering incentives to our long term staff who wish to take on training programmes.

“We encourage everyone to be trained with the latest repair knowledge, as the industry can be fast moving and, in turn, the requirements of our customers.”

Dealing with people who have had an accident is a serious business, but it can have lighter moments too, such as the time a customer sent a car a get well card.

Then there was the car that came in for repair four times since 2007 with different owners each time. Sadly, it met its end in the workshop when the insurance company wrote it off.

Of the company’s service level, Ms Burnige added: “It is our aim to offer all our customers expert knowledge, advice, high quality repairs and an all-round excellent service.

“We recognise that for most people having an accident can be an incredibly stressful time. It is our aim to reduce that for our customers with an impeccable service.”

The Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards are supported by the Messenger and each entrant gets a profile in our papers and online.

The winners will be announced at a gala night on October 4.