The Vehicle Builders & Repairs Association
The Vehicle Builders and Repairers Association (VBRA) is the UK’s longest-established trade body representing professional repairers, coach builders, and converters across the automotive sector.
Upholding Excellence in Vehicle Repair & Standards
The VBRA is part of the National Body Repair Association (NBRA) since the two merged in recent years, but the VBRA name is still used for its specialist sectors. The VBRA supports its members by:
Setting Standards
Setting industry standards for quality and safety.
Providing Accreditations
Providing accreditation and recognition for workshops that meet those standards
Training & Advice
Offering technical advice and training to improve skills and keep up with new vehicle technology.
Industry Representation
Lobbying and representing members’ interests to government and industry bodies.
The VBRA Leadership
Over Sixty Years of Industry Excellence
Your VBRA representatives are Thomas Hudd, National NBRA/VBRA Technical Business Development Manager, who has been part of the VBRA for seven years, and Gerry Braddock, National VBRA Commercial Manager, who has been part of the VBRA for 27 years.
VBRA Mission Statement
Supporting Compliance, Reducing Risk & Strengthening Professional Standards
The VBRA is the UK’s only trade association solely dedicated to supporting commercial vehicle bodybuilders and repairers. Our mission is to uphold and advance the highest standards in the commercial vehicle repair sector by providing leadership, accreditation, and guidance that reflect the unique technical demands of the industry.
We are the founders of the Elite Truck & Van Standard — the UK’s only recognised benchmark that evidences a repairer’s competence in both cosmetic and structural commercial vehicle body repair. We also lead the sector in developing and publishing ADAS safety guidance, helping ensure that repairers are equipped to work safely and effectively with the latest technologies.
Through industry collaboration, advocacy, and expert technical support, we empower our members to deliver safe, compliant, and high-quality repairs — building trust with operators, insurers, manufacturers, and the wider commercial transport sector.
VBRA Suppliers
FAQS
You’ve got questions,
we’ve got answers
Everything you need to know about industry standards, technical specs, and membership support.
The VBRA is the UK’s only trade association dedicated exclusively to commercial vehicle bodybuilders and repairers. Unlike general automotive bodies, we focus entirely on the technical and structural needs of HGVs, LCVs, and trailers, providing industry leadership and independent accreditation.
Using a VBRA Member with the approved Elite Truck and Van standard guarantees that your fleet is in the hands of verified experts. Our members are audited against rigorous safety and quality benchmarks, ensuring repairs are compliant, roadworthy, and performed to a standard that protects your vehicle’s residual value.
Yes. We lead the industry in ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) safety guidance. We provide our members with the technical framework needed to identify, calibrate, and certify the complex safety sensors found on modern trucks and vans, ensuring they function correctly after a collision.
Membership provides industry-leading accreditation, technical support, and a voice in government and insurance discussions. You also gain access to exclusive ADAS protocols, and the right to display the prestigious VBRA and Elite Standard branding.
A VBRA membership empowers commercial vehicle bodybuilders to gain industry influence, enhance credibility, share best practices, and future-proof their operations.
We inspect your equipment, staff certifications, and safety processes to ensure they meet our high standards. Once approved, you are assigned a membership grade that reflects your specific technical capabilities.
For more information please visit our membership page or contact our team