Ron Gainsford OBE appointed as non-executive director
Motor Codes, the Trading Standards-backed garage scheme, has reinforced its position at the heart of the government’s new consumer landscape with the appointment of Ron Gainsford OBE to its board of directors.
The former chief executive of Trading Standards Institute takes up the position of non-executive director immediately, a decision ratified this week by the Motor Codes board.
Chris Mason, managing director, views the appointment as a significant move and one that paves the way for further strengthening regulatory relations:
“Motor Codes worked closely with Ron, throughout his tenure at the Trading Standards Institute, and his influence and expertise played no small role in shaping Motor Codes into the credible, effective consumer protection body that it has become.
“Ron joining us comes at an important time for self-regulation, with the Trading Standards Institute set to launch its custodianship of the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, in succession to the Office of Fair Trading, to the public in June and we look forward to sharing in Ron’s expertise as the automotive industry enters this next phase of consumer protection.”
Ron Gainsford has worked alongside Motor Codes throughout its evolution, primarily as chair of its Independent Compliance Assessment Panel and is keen to contribute to the continued relevance of the code for car owners:
“Trading Standards Institute worked with the automotive industry for a number of years on implementing a consumer safety net in the new car sales and car servicing sectors. It is a great achievement that there is now an extensive, approved mechanism in place that directs people to a trusted environment. I look forward to helping Motor Codes strengthen its position as the approved garage code and in its continued, successful efforts in reducing consumer detriment.”
Motor Codes works at the heart of the government’s self-regulatory set-up, operating Trading Standards approved codes and formally partnering Citizens Advice in its call-handling operation, where calls relate to car purchases and warranty claims.
The extent and diversity of Motor Codes’ make-up is reflected in its subscription numbers, counting the vast majority of the UK’s franchised dealer network, alongside 1,865 independent garages.
