Some sad news emerged from the UK bodyshop sector in December with the loss of the well known and much liked industry figure Steve Butler. Steve died at the age of 75. He is survived by his wife Gill and sons Nick and James. 

Starting as a humble apprentice panelbeater, Steve went on to be the man behind the bodyshop consultancy ACT and prior to this, he also played leading roles in other organisations including the VBRA and paint company BASF. 

While training manager at BASF Steve became one of the true industry pioneers, developing innovative new training techniques which boosted the skills of painters from all over the UK and Ireland. He was also one of the first trainers to forge cross industry links, working with SATA to optimise spray efficiency and IRT on early infrared drying. 

A statement from ACT, were Steve retired from his role as managing director in 2014 said, “Following a career which took him from a ‘backstreet panel beater’ to an internationally recognised accident repair industry speaker and trainer, Steve was the very definition of a people’s person and was liked and respected by his peers in equal measure. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”