Winning first place in the Best Customer Satisfaction (CSI) Award category at the recent Isuzu Conference is a proud milestone for Brighton Body & Spray, recognising the dedication, workmanship and customer care that have defined this family-run business for more than three decades.
For Mike van Eijk Snr, the award represents far more than a trophy. It reflects years of hard work, the loyalty of customers and the commitment of a team that takes pride in every vehicle that passes through the workshop.
“We are very blessed after 31 years. This award is due to the effort and hard work of the entire team at Brighton Body & Spray, and my son, Michael, plays a massive role in that,” says Mike Snr.
It is a sentiment that captures the spirit of a business built on family, trust and a genuine passion for doing things properly.
Brighton Body & Spray opened its doors in Brackenfell in June 1995, when Mike and his wife, Ina van Eijk, turned their vision into a family business. Their goal was straightforward: provide quality autobody repairs and treat every customer with the honesty and respect they deserved.
What began as a small family venture has grown into a respected name in Cape Town’s autobody repair industry. While the business has evolved considerably over the years, the values established by its founders remain firmly in place.
Today, Brighton Body & Spray combines years of practical experience with modern repair technology, continually improving its capabilities to meet the changing demands of the automotive industry.
In an industry where vehicle repairs can be stressful for customers, communication and reliability matter just as much as the quality of the finished job.
Brighton Body & Spray understands that handing over a vehicle often comes with inconvenience and uncertainty. The team therefore places considerable emphasis on keeping customers informed, setting realistic expectations and delivering work to the standard promised.
Customers continuously praise the quality of the finished repairs, with many finding the results better than they had anticipated. This approach has now earned wider recognition through the Isuzu Conference award for Best Customer Satisfaction (CSI). Achieving first place in this category reinforces the importance Brighton Body & Spray places on the complete customer experience, from the initial enquiry to the moment a repaired vehicle is returned to its owner.
Maintaining high repair standards requires more than experience alone. Access to the right products, equipment and technical support is essential in a sector where vehicle technology and repair procedures continue to advance. Brighton Body & Spray partnered with PPG and has recently installed the MoonWalk paint mixing system through Balco Coatings. Mike is pleased with the relationship and the support available to his business.
“PPG and Balco are always available for training and assistance. Just one phone call and I have the support we need,” he explains.
Having reliable industry partners helps the workshop stay informed, improve processes and maintain the standards expected by both manufacturers and customers.
As a Major Structural Repairer, Brighton Body & Spray also holds manufacturer approvals across all major motoring brands. For vehicle owners, this provides added reassurance that repairs are carried out using appropriate methods and materials, with safety, vehicle integrity and long-term value remaining priorities.
Behind every successful repair is a team of skilled people, and Brighton Body & Spray is fortunate to have 17 qualified staff members contributing to its daily operations. Many have spent years working alongside the van Eijk family, building strong relationships and developing valuable experience. One of the workshop’s spraypainters has been part of the team for an impressive 18 years, a testament to the long-standing working relationships that form part of the company’s story.
Training and skills development remain important priorities. As manufacturers introduce new technologies and repair requirements become increasingly specialised, keeping employees up to date is essential. Investing in the team helps ensure that knowledge, workmanship and professional standards continue to grow together.
Despite the business’ achievements, Mike Snr has not stepped away from the daily demands of running the company. He still arrives at the workshop at 05:30 and often only leaves at 17:30. That commitment speaks volumes about the business he and Ina established more than three decades ago and the pride he takes in seeing it continue to thrive. From a small family workshop in Brackenfell to an award-winning operation recognised for customer satisfaction, Brighton Body & Spray has built its reputation one repair and one customer at a time.
The latest Isuzu Conference award is a significant achievement, but for the van Eijk family and their team, it also serves as recognition of something they have worked hard to maintain since 1995: a business where quality workmanship, dependable service and genuine customer care go hand in hand.