The_Accessor_Autumn 2025 web - Flipbook - Page 22
VDA OF THE YEAR
(Left to right) Awards Host, Paul Zenon,
Dean Lander (Thatcham Research),
Mel Johnston (Solus Warrington),
Phil Briggs (IAEA) and Simon Wait,
Bodyshop Magazine.
Credit: Bodyshop Magazine.
JOURNAL
MEL JOHNSTON,
SOLUS ARC WARRINGTON,
NAMED VDA OF THE YEAR
The recent Bodyshop Magazine Awards event included recognition for excellence in
vehicle damage appraisal with an award: ‘Powered by IAEA-Bodyshop Thatcham Vehicle
Damage Assessor of the Year’.
Assessors (IAEA) table. I was kindly
invited by the newly appointed
Institute President, Phil Briggs. The
evening was thoroughly enjoyable,
impeccably organised, seamlessly run,
and genuinely uplifting, with so many
worthy winners recognised for their
achievements.
Congratulations to VDA of the Year:
Mel Johnston, Solus ARC Warrington!
IAEA President, Phil Briggs, presented
the award on stage to Mel.
THE EVENING IN BRIEF
T
Congratulations also to Mark Parker,
Admiral Group Stoke-on-Trent, who
was highly commended for the
category.
Peter Beddow, IAEA London Region
Honorary Secretary, attended the
event and provided this report for
The Assessors Journal.
I recently had the pleasure of attending
the Bodyshop Awards at The Belfry,
Sutton Cold昀椀eld, as a guest at the
Institute of Automotive Engineer
This was a black-tie event, and the
room was a picture of elegance.
From the moment we arrived, the
atmosphere was warm and welcoming.
We enjoyed a delicious three-course
meal while the awards were presented.
The host, Paul Zenon, a talented
magician and comedian, kept the
audience entertained between
presentations, striking just the right
balance of humour and pace.
Vehicle Damage Assessor of the Year’.
That presentation felt emblematic of
the evening: professional, respectful,
and celebratory of the technical
standards we all strive for. The calibre
of entries and the evident care taken
by the judging panel underscored the
depth of skill and dedication across
our industry. My congratulations go to
the VDA winner, Mel Johnston of Solus
ARC Warrington, and indeed to all the
winners. Each award was a well-earned
recognition and made for an evening
to remember.
PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS
A standout moment for me was
watching Phil Briggs present the award
for the ‘IAEA-Bodyshop Thatcham
Mel Johnston was named ‘IAEA-Bodyshop
Thatcham Vehicle Damage Assessor of the Year’.
COMPANY AND CONVERSATION
Credit: Bodyshop Magazine.
I was seated at the IAEA table
alongside Phil Briggs, President; Gary
Hunt, Financial Of昀椀cer and Chairman of
the London Region; David Punter, Past
President; Chris Jones, Chairman for
the Birmingham Region and Education
Committee member;
22
THE ASSESSORS JOURNAL | AUTUMN 2025 | www.iaea-online.org/news/the-assessor
Credit: Bodyshop Magazine.
he insurance and repair
industry celebrated
outstanding industry
talent at the Bodyshop
Magazine Awards
2025, including the IAEA-Bodyshop
Thatcham Vehicle Damage Assessor of
the Year Award.
