THE technical director at an Ipswich refinishing distributor is celebrating after reaching the finals of a national training awards.Peter Ray, of BeeBee Refinishing Supplies, based at Boss Hall Business Park, Sproughton Road, was one of five finalists in the Technical Trainer of the Year Awards held in Milton Keynes in October by specialist automotive refinish coatings distributors IRIS Coatings.

THE technical director at an Ipswich refinishing distributor is celebrating after reaching the finals of a national training awards.

Peter Ray, of BeeBee Refinishing Supplies, based at Boss Hall Business Park, Sproughton Road, was one of five finalists in the Technical Trainer of the Year Awards held in Milton Keynes in October by specialist automotive refinish coatings distributors IRIS Coatings.

Mr Ray achieved the accolade for his still in advising and guiding local vehicle refinishers on applying paint and refinish products used in modern vehicles.

The firm has also just taken on three new members of staff to launch its new spraybooth company, providing spraybooth equipment and installation services to paint refinishing companies.

Out of a total of 38 participants, Peter made it down to the five national finalists. He was required to produce the closest colour match to a car body shell previously painted in a mystery colour, and demonstrate full personal protective equipment and health and safety requirements during the competition.

The finalists were also required to complete a 100 point questionnaire to prove their technical prowess, scoring an average of 93.7 per cent across the board.

Steve Masters, managing director of BeeBee Refinishing Supplies, said: “We are delighted that Peter made it into the national finals. It enables us to demonstrate to our customers that our technical trainers are highly skilled and equipped to set and meet very high standards in the industry.”