Behind every successful repair network is a supplier who understands the pressures of the workshop floor. In the first instalment of our new Meet the Team series, we're introducing the people who work directly with our partners.
We start with Mark Boyd, Account Manager for Bodyshops at Charles Trent.
Over 40 years in the motor trade
Mark brings more than four decades of automotive industry experience to Charles Trent, having spent the majority of his career in sales and sales management with major manufacturers including Vauxhall and Audi. That background, working closely with service departments, workshops and dealer networks, gives him a detailed understanding of the pressures repairers face every day.
He's been with Charles Trent for around 18 months, having built relationships with the business over many years before joining. It was Charles Trent's approach to quality, technology and customer experience, and the way the business is changing perceptions of green parts, that drew Mark to join the business.
Supporting bodyshops from first contact to long-term partnership
Mark's role covers the full customer journey: introducing bodyshops to Charles Trent, onboarding new accounts and helping them get the most from the online Parts Portal. From there, he supports customers on an ongoing basis, helping them increase their use of green parts and ensuring they receive the best possible service.
No two days look the same. Mark works with large multinational repair groups and independent bodyshops alike, moving between customer meetings, account reviews and parts sourcing to help businesses operate more efficiently.
"Very often it starts with supplying a single part, but over time that develops into a strong, long-term relationship between two businesses," Mark explains. It's always rewarding when you can help source a difficult-to-find part and solve a problem for a customer."
Addressing the industry's biggest challenge: parts availability
Parts availability remains one of the most pressing issues for bodyshops and repairers, who need to balance speed of repair with quality and cost control. At the same time, insurers and repair networks are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, making green parts an increasingly practical solution.
Mark is clear that green parts are genuine OEM components rather than a compromise. "Customers aren't buying generic alternatives, they're buying genuine OEM parts," he says. "That's a major benefit for repairers who want quality, fit and reliability without compromising on standards."
Removing friction with the Parts Portal
A key part of Mark's role is helping customers make the most of the Charles Trent Parts Portal, which allows bodyshops to search stock, check availability and place orders without re-entering payment details each time. Everything is managed through the customer's account, with invoicing handled automatically in the background.
In an industry where time is critical, removing unnecessary administration allows bodyshops to focus on repairing vehicles rather than paperwork, helping customers progress repairs and return vehicles to their owners more quickly.
Quality you can rely on
Charles Trent parts are supplied with warranties of up to 12 months, and bodyshop account customers benefit from a 30-day returns policy, giving repairers additional confidence when sourcing components.
Colleagues and customers alike would describe Mark as approachable, knowledgeable and reliable, qualities that underpin his focus on trust and service. "Customers need to know that you're genuinely interested in helping their business succeed," he says. "Building strong relationships means understanding their challenges, being responsive to their needs, and consistently delivering on what you've promised."
Looking ahead
As manufacturers continue to face supply chain pressures and repair costs rise, Mark expects green parts to play an increasingly important role in helping repairers deliver high-quality, commercially viable repairs. For repair networks, embracing green parts brings the opportunity for greater efficiency, stronger sustainability credentials and more flexibility, without compromising on quality.
Want to find out more about how Charles Trent supports bodyshops and repair networks with quality recycled OEM parts? Get in touch with Mark today at [email protected]
