Big names back TTS solution

Technology start-up company, Ridgeway Technologies Ltd has introduced a new estimating solution – Body Damage Quote (BDQ) – for external vehicle damage, backed by big names within the industry.

The Thatcham Times System (TTS) based calculator, is backed by Thatcham Research and Experian data and is being headed up by Mike Paterson (ex-Innovation Group and Thatcham Research). The start-up also has the support of a number of big industry names including Ian Bowen (ex-Innovation Group), Paul Jarvis (ex-Glass’s), David Murby (ex-Glass’s and Audatex), and Rob Whalley (ex-Experian, now APD Research). Sheila Bradley, ex-Innovation Group will head up sales activity for the repair sector.

The cost calculation system, which incorporates both manufacturer parts prices and a SMART repair calculator, is aimed predominantly at the retail market, an area which at present often falls somewhere between the traditional bodyshop approach of a fully costed assessment and mobile repair ‘menu pricing’.

‘The aim was to build something that is simple to use and transparent for the consumer,’ explained Mike. ‘Users simply key in their vehicle registration and mileage, mark up any external damage using the on-screen stock image, along with any necessary details, and the system will do the rest – presenting the customer with a summary quote, whilst the bodyshop gets the fully costed and itemised assessment.’

BDQ is set for launch at Thatcham Research’s RepairFocus on 6 June.