Auto Windscreens’ technicians Steve Abrahams and Mark Blaylock fought off stiff competition from the best in the country to take both gold and silver at the UK Master Fitter final on 16-17 November.

Now in its third year, UK Master Fitter is part of WorldSkills UK, which runs national and international competitions, designed to showcase talent in vocational skills in different business sectors. WorldSkills UK is managed by the National Apprenticeship Service, in partnership with organisations from industry and education. Steve, who works from the Newcastle fitting centre and Mark, who is based in Leeds, were among six top scoring technicians from the seven regional heats in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland competing for the title. The final took place at The Skills Show at the NEC, where competitors were required to repair and replace a windscreen and a side and rear window, all within a specified timeframe and under the watchful eye of the UK Master Fitter judges.

Theo Paphitis, Patron of the Skills Show, said: “Congratulations to the winners of this year’s WorldSkills UK National Competition Finals. There has been some fantastic work produced and I hope this will show everyone how Apprenticeships and vocational training can lead to worthwhile and valuable careers.”

Nigel Davies, Managing Director of Auto Windscreens, commented: “We’re so proud that Steve holds the title of UK Master Fitter, and that Mark followed closely behind in second place. These medals not only pay tribute to the fantastic technicians we have at Auto Windscreens, but also our superb support teams including Technical and Innovation as well as our fitting centre managers. I’ve always known it, and now it’s official - to quote the words from Tina Turner – we’re simply the best, better than all the rest!”

For more information about Auto Windscreens, call 0800 999 5000 or visit www.autowindscreens.co.uk.

Note to Editors:

Auto Windscreens is owned by Trifords Limited, part of the Markerstudy Group. It is a leading automotive glazing company, serving customers throughout the UK and across all sectors from managed fleet to insurance. With a nationwide network of fitting centres and backed by a fleet of mobile service units, Auto Windscreens is an expert in windscreen repair and automotive glass replacement. The company head office and dedicated contact centre is based in Chesterfield.

For further information, contact:

Lizzy Crofts

Group PR Executive, Markerstudy Group

E: lcrofts@markerstudy.com

T: 0844 854 8713

W: www.autowindscreens.co.uk

Saleem Miyan joined the Markerstudy Group Board of Directors on 5th November as Group Operations Director.

Utilising his vast experience gained in large multi-nationals across Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East, Saleem will be instrumental in driving operational development and strategy throughout the entire group.

In his most recent role, as International Group Board Director and European Managing Director for Digicore (Ctrack) Holdings International, Saleem held direct responsibility for the pan-European operations of Ctrack, where he developed new market entry strategies into the insurance sector and blue chip fleet operations.

Commencing at British Airways, Saleem has held senior positions at Ernst & Young, Philips and Wavetrend Technology Ltd, in a dynamic career spanning 21 years.

Kevin Spencer, Group CEO, adds “Saleem has a wealth of expertise in the cultivation and expansion of businesses and relationships, which is perfectly aligned to our strategy for organic growth and appetite for acquisitions. We are delighted to welcome Saleem to the Group.”

Note to Editors:

The Markerstudy Group includes the insurance arm of the business: Markerstudy Insurance Company Limited and Zenith Insurance plc (acquired in January 2010) plus supporting companies Markerstudy Limited and Zenith Insurance Management UK Limited, providing distribution, claims and administrative support. The following brands operate within the Markerstudy Retail Division: The Insurance Factory, Insurance Factory.com, Insurance Shop, Insurance Factory Commercial, Mobilers and Caterer’s Club, all of which offer value and choice to a wide range of customers.

Wessex Finance, a sub-prime lending and premium finance facility is also an integral part of the Markerstudy Group.

The Markerstudy Group also encompasses Auto Windscreens, which joined the Group in February 2011, and Tonbridge Coachworks Vehicle Repair Group (which incorporates Tonbridge Coachworks, European Automotive Solutions and Canterbury Accident Repair Specialist) acquired in June 2011.

For further information, contact:

Lizzy Crofts

Group PR Executive, Markerstudy Group

E: lcrofts@markerstudy.com

T: 0844 854 8713

W: www.markerstudy.com