Car repair firm faces hard road with eco drive
One of Bath’s leading car accident repair and bodywork specialists is going green thanks to a grant from the West of England Combined Authority.
Bodywork Ltd, a family-owned business in Lambridge, has specialised in quality repairs and restorations for nearly 70 years, and is working to reduce its carbon footprint.
“It’s difficult being green,” said Andrew Legg, the owner. “We’re always trying to be as green as possible, but we’ve faced many obstacles.
“We received a grant for workshop equipment that reduces our carbon emissions and we’ve bought an air compressor unit and air dryer unit that are much more efficient than the last one,” he said.
The new equipment is helping to reduce the amount of electricity used to power the spray booths; and their new air compressor powers hand tools more efficiently.
Bodywork has also installed electric vehicle charging points and its next step will be solar panels to power them.
Mayor of the West of England Combined Authority Dan Norris visited the company to check it out.
“People from all over Bath and the surrounding area have been coming to Bodywork for their car body repairs for over 70 years,” he said.
“All the indicators tell me they are a trusted, family owned business. I’m fascinated to see how funding has helped them replace a tired system with a more efficient air compressor.
“We have so many fantastic local businesses like Bodywork across the West of England it’s easy for me to get carried away!”
According to Andrew, Bodywork has also faced an uphill battle to get permission to install solar panels.
Whilst awaiting permission, the photo-voltaic panels available have changed due to Brexit, and his planning permission is no longer valid for the new panels.
In addition, a tree has grown in the property next door which is casting a large shadow where Bodywork will need the sun to shine on their solar cells.
But Andrew was very grateful to the Metro Mayor and the help that his authority, the strategic transport body for Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset, can provide.
“I think Mr Norris is spot on; he understands the technology and he understands that we can’t get ourselves out of this mess unless we get rid of some of the bureaucracy.”