The team has a remit of delivering consistency in the appraisal process to NAMA standards across all BCA operations.

Led by Ashley Feldman, head of vehicle imaging and branch appraisal services, and Andy Kendall, audit & training manager, the nine-strong team works with BCA’s branch appraisal staff, field-based inspectors, driver teams and valeting contractors to ensure all processes are aligned and consistent.

Frequent training and support sessions are held for front-line appraisers as well as regular monthly branch audits, including pre-sale preparation and digital imagery. This complements the training of over 200 BCA management and staff who attended the NAMA accredited appraisal course. Training and orientation sessions are also held for BCA’s field inspectors and plate driver teams.

The Appraisal & Inspection Audit Team also assist branch operations with the full integration of BCA’s Appraisal Post-Valet initiative, designed to ensure vehicles are presented for marketing and imaging in the best possible condition to build buyer confidence. The scheme operates in all locations and will roll out improvements to all facilities nationwide over the coming 12 months. BCA has also launched a specialised Branch Appraisal App to ensure consistent and accurate appraisals are produced for onward use in the remarketing process.

BCA’s chief operating officer UK remarketing, Simon Henstock commented: “The importance of professional appraisals that adhere to NAMA standards cannot be over-emphasised, as this builds buyer confidence and delivers benefits for buyers and sellers alike. The new Appraisal & Inspection Audit Team plays a critical role in this, working across 23 BCA remarketing centres, field inspector, driving teams and valeting partners to ensure a high level of consistency across the appraisal and inspection process.”

He added: “BCA are continuing to invest in the construction of new buildings and facilities which allow for appraisals to be completed in a well-lit dry environment where a fair and accurate representation of a vehicle’s condition is gained. Our philosophy is that vehicles must be valeted immediately following consignment to our care and control with a full body steam wash and valet before appraisal. BCA are also investing in technology to ensure vehicles are imaged and presented effectively, particularly for online and remote buyers who do not see the vehicles ‘in the metal’.”

Henstock concluded: “With the addition of the BCA Branch Appraisal App and the roll-out of Appraisal Post Valet, BCA continues to innovate in this area, investing in training for staff and developing new tools and processes that generate reliable data for buyers and the widest exposure of stock for buyers.”