Elite Truck & Van Standards
VBRA empowers equestrian horsebox bodybuilders to produce safer, compliant vehicles while strengthening commercial credibility and industry influence.
VBRA are proudly part of the Retail Motor Industry Federations (RMI)

The Elite Truck & Van Standard
The commercial vehicle sector is evolving, and general repair standards no longer cut it. When handling 3.5-tonne chassis cabs up to 44-tonne HGVs, the technical demands, legislative requirements, and safety risks are on a completely different scale compared to passenger cars. The VBRA Elite Truck & Van Standard is the UK’s only audited framework specifically engineered for the structural repair and bespoke manufacture of commercial vehicles.
By joining the VBRA, you aren’t just gaining an accreditation; you are proving that your facility possesses the specialist expertise, heavy-duty equipment, and structural integrity required to keep the UK’s fleets moving safely.
- Unrivalled Structural Authority: Demonstrate your in-house competency in handling heavy-duty chassis alignment, frame-pulling, and specialist welding—eliminating the need for risky subcontracting.
- Total Legislative Support: Navigate the complexities of DVSA, VCA, and IVA compliance with direct technical guidance from the VBRA’s industry experts.
- Future-Ready Engineering: Stay ahead of the curve with specific guidance on integrating bespoke bodies with modern electric and hydrogen-powered chassis.
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.
Why the Standard Matters
The VBRA Elite Standard - Where Safety Meets Professionalism
Modern commercial vehicles integrate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electrified powertrains, and ultra-high strength materials. Repairing these vehicles requires advanced technical expertise and precise processes. The Elite Standard provides safety assurance, verified competence, reduced repair risk, operational reliability, and customer confidence — guaranteeing repairs are completed correctly every time.
VBRA Elite accreditation recognises two levels of repair capability:
- Elite Non-Structural: For facilities specialising in panel and cosmetic body repairs. Both levels meet the same high standards of safety, competence, and quality.
- Elite Structural: For full structural and chassis repairs, including alignment jig operations for trucks and large vans.
Join The VBRA
Complete the details below and a member of the team will be in touch.