What Retainagroup does

Retainagroup Limited is a UK-based private company founded in 1982 (originally as Retainacar Limited) that supplies proprietary security marking systems and a centralized ownership register for vehicles, parts, and valuable assets. The company's core asset is the International Security Register (ISR), a 24/7 secure database holding millions of records linking unique etch codes to VIN, VRM, and ownership details, integrated daily with the UK Law Enforcement Data Service (LEDS) for stolen/recovered vehicle alerts. Retainagroup offers multiple marking technologies — laser etching (BS EN/IEC 60825-1:2007 compliant), stencil and fluid systems, ultra-destruct UV labels, and electrolysis metal etching — applicable to glass, polycarbonate, painted surfaces, and bare metal including catalytic converters. ISR CodeCheck (isrcodecheck.com) provides free public verification in six languages.

The business operates a hybrid commercial model combining enterprise sales to OEMs and dealers, authorized dealer extranet portals for Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Nissan, a direct-to-consumer UK Shop (Stripe-powered), and recurring-style services for data hosting and analytics. Revenue streams are predominantly transaction-based: one-time marking kit sales (£10-£15 per unit for consumer packs, custom quotes for fleet), £22 lifetime ISR registration fees per vehicle, OEM VIN plate supply (with 50% dealer discounts), and recurring dealer portal access. Adjacent revenue includes ISO/IEC 27001:2022-certified secure data hosting for third parties, analytics reporting delivered via Excel and Power BI for insurers and law enforcement, and Certificates of Conformity (CoCs) supporting vehicle homologation.

The customer base spans 14+ automotive OEMs (Renault, Ford, JLR, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Stellantis, KGM, Subaru, Isuzu and others), UK police forces, the Home Office, NaVCIS, Thatcham Research, fleet operators, and individual consumers. The company is registered in England (Company No. 3164074), headquartered in Ashford, Kent with 11-50 employees, and holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO 9001:2015, BS7858 staff vetting, and Thatcham NVSA accreditation. Operating geographies include the UK (primary) and the United States (catalytic converter product launched 2019).

Name

Retainagroup

Legal name

Retainagroup Limited

Website

https://retainagroup.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Retainagroup is a UK-based security marking and vehicle registration company, operating the International Security Register (ISR) database and proprietary marking technologies for automotive OEMs, dealerships, law enforcement, insurers, fleet operators, and consumers across the UK and US.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vehicle and Asset Security Marking Services

NAICS

Metal Coating, Engraving (except Jewelry and Silverware), and Allied Services to Manufacturers (332812), Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing (33639), Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers (441330)

SIC

Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)

akta.pro primary industry

Security, Tamper-Evident & Track-and-Trace Printing (IMALAKAJ)

Keywords

• Vehicle security marking
• Asset marking systems
• Catalytic converter etching
• VIN plate replacement
• ISR registration services

Headquarters

HQ city

Ashford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Security Marking Products: One-time sale of marking kits including Window Etch Packs, Vehicle Parts Packs, and Catalytic Converter Etching Packs. Sold directly to consumers via UK Shop e-commerce and to dealers/manufacturers through enterprise sales.
2. ISR Registration Fees: One-time registration fees for vehicles and assets on the International Security Register. Vehicle registration fee is £22 per vehicle. Provides lifetime registration with no ongoing subscription fees.
3. Replacement VIN Plates & Labels: Supply of OEM and replacement VIN plates, type approval labels, and Certificates of Conformity (CoCs) through authorized dealer portals for Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Nissan.
4. Data Hosting Services: ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified secure data hosting for third-party organizations including backup database hosting and fixed asset register management.
5. Analytics & Reporting: Vehicle crime data analysis and reporting services for manufacturers, insurers, law enforcement, and government bodies. Provides trend reports, vulnerability assessments, and effectiveness evaluations in Excel and Power BI formats.
6. Dealer Portal Services: Authorized dealer extranet access for Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Nissan partners to order replacement VIN plates, glass marking stencils, and register vehicles.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Retainagroup supplies vehicle and asset security marking systems anchored by the International Security Register (ISR), a 24/7 secure database that links uniquely etched or labelled codes to vehicles, parts, and owners for instant verification. The company manufactures laser etching units and chemical marking products (window etch packs, vehicle parts packs, catalytic converter etching packs, ultra-destruct UV labels) and sells OEM/replacement VIN plates and Certificates of Conformity to automotive manufacturers, dealerships, fleet operators, and consumers. It also offers ISO-certified data hosting, vehicle crime analytics, and dealer portal services to OEMs including Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Nissan.

Product overview

Retainagroup is a UK-based vehicle and asset security company founded in 1982, offering a comprehensive suite of security marking, registration, and verification services. The core product is the International Security Register (ISR), a 24/7 secure database that underpins all marking systems. The product portfolio includes physical marking products (Window Etch Pack, Vehicle Parts Pack, Catalytic Converter Etching Packs) that permanently mark vehicles and assets with unique ISR-linked codes, and identity services (VIN Plates, Certificates of Conformity, Glass Marking Systems) for compliance and traceability. The company also provides data hosting and analytics services, serving OEMs, dealerships, fleet operators, insurers, and law enforcement across the UK and internationally. All marked items are registered on the ISR for 24/7 verification by police, insurers, and the public via the ISR CodeCheck service.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• International Security Register (ISR) A 24/7 secure database used by law enforcement, police, insurers, and the public to instantly verify and trace marked vehicles, parts, and valuable items; underpins all of Retainagroup's marking systems with permanent record retention since 1991.
• Automotive Security Marking Comprehensive security marking and registration services for vehicles using laser etching, stencil and fluid, electrolysis, and ultra-destruct labels, with all data registered on the ISR for 24/7 traceability; offered to OEMs, dealers, fleet operators, and consumers.
• Window Etch Pack Self-apply window marking system with six-window stencils and industrial-grade fluid that permanently etches a unique ISR code into all vehicle windows to deter theft and enable rapid recovery.
• Vehicle Parts Pack Dual-layer UV asset marking system with 12 ultra-destruct labels and UV fluid for permanent identification of vehicle parts (engines, doors, body panels), combining visible deterrence with invisible UV footprint for traceability.
• Catalytic Converter Etching Pack (Single/Double/Quad Label) Industrial-grade etching fluid pack for permanently marking catalytic converters with ISR-linked security codes; available in single, double, and quad label configurations for vehicles with multiple converters.
• VIN Plates and Labels Secure, traceable OEM and replacement VIN plates and labels with audit trail to prevent fraud and maintain vehicle identity throughout the lifecycle; supplied to Ford, Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai, and Nissan via authorised dealer portals.
• Certificates of Conformity (CoCs) Official Certificates of Conformity proving vehicles meet regulatory and environmental standards to facilitate smooth imports, conversions, and registrations.
• Glass Marking Systems Laser and chemical etching systems for permanent glass marking compliant with BS 6262-4 and Building Regulations Requirement K, providing batch control, anti-counterfeiting, and traceability for the glazing industry.
• Asset Marking Services Permanent, tamper-resistant marking for business assets (laptops, phones, tools, specialist equipment) linked to the ISR for instant identification, theft deterrence, and recovery support.
• Tool Marking Pack Permanent, tamper-proof identification system for tools and tradesmen's equipment using ultra-destruct labels and UV fluid, registered on the ISR for 24/7 verification.
• Secure Data Hosting Services ISO-certified in-house data hosting and management services for third-party organisations, including secure Fixed Asset Register hosting for SME compliance with the Companies Act 2006.
• Analytics and Insights Vehicle crime data analysis and reporting services drawing on ISR and LEDS data to identify theft trends, support compliance, and assist manufacturers, insurers, and regulators in reducing vehicle theft and fraud; delivered via Excel and Power BI.
• ISR CodeCheck Free online verification service enabling the public, law enforcement, and insurers to check the status of marked and registered vehicles and assets 24/7; multi-language support.
• ISR Found Service Online reporting service to help reunite businesses and individuals with their marked assets by allowing finders to report found property items linked to the ISR database.
• Motorcycle/Scooter Marking Pack Security marking and registration service for motorcycles and scooters linked to the ISR database for theft deterrence and recovery.
• Bicycle Marking Pack Security marking and registration service for bicycles with frame etching, linked to the ISR database for owner verification and theft recovery.
• Marine Pack Security marking registration for boats and marine vessels with unique etch codes beginning with ADSW, registered on the ISR for traceability.
• Trailer Pack Security marking registration service for trailers with unique etch codes, linked to the ISR for identification and recovery.
• 24 Valuable Items Pack Asset marking and registration service for multiple valuable items (laptops, phones, storage devices) with permanent marking linked to the ISR.
• Key/Luggage Tag Pack Key and luggage tag marking system with unique codes registered on the ISR for identification and recovery of lost items.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50% reduction in theft likelihood for marked vs unmarked vehicles (Police National Computer data analysis)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability4 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• RenaultcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1991Renault became the first vehicle manufacturer (OEM) to protect all their new UK vehicles with Retainagroup's marking system in 1991, establishing the company's OEM partnership model.
• Law Enforcement Data Service (LEDS)coreTechnology or IntegrationDaily data integration providing ISR Stolen & Recovered Vehicle File with automatic alerts for stolen vehicles. Data sharing governed by formal Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) for prevention and detection of vehicle and property-related crime.
• National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClose collaboration with NaVCIS to deter theft and increase vehicle recovery rates. Joint work on vehicle crime analytics and reporting for manufacturers, insurers, and authorities.
• Ford Motor CompanycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerFord approved supplier for replacement VIN stickers and plates. OASIS Message #5939 establishes replacement VIN strategy agreed with UK law enforcement and Thatcham to ensure audit trail and prevent counterfeit stickers on stolen vehicles.
• Mazda Motor CorporationcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAuthorized dealer extranet portal for Mazda dealers to order replacement VIN plates and glass stencils through Retainagroup's secure portal system.
• Toyota Motor CorporationcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAuthorized dealer extranet portal for Toyota dealers to order replacement VIN plates and glass stencils. Partners must register with Retainagroup for portal access.
• Hyundai Motor CompanycoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAuthorized dealer extranet portal for Hyundai dealers to order replacement VIN plates and glass marking stencils. Strict dealer registration requirements.
• Nissan Motor CorporationcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerAuthorized dealer extranet portal for Nissan dealers to order replacement VIN plates. Proof of ownership and ID verification required for all orders.
• Thatcham ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVehicle claim check service helps Thatcham and individual insurers verify claims quickly and accurately. Products previously TQA accredited; continues NVSA scoring.
• Home OfficemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecipients of anonymised vehicle crime data reports including Top Ten Most Stolen Vehicles and enhanced analytics through DSA with LEDS.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Catloc: UK catalytic converter protection specialist offering marking cages and identification systems. Direct competitor to Retainagroup's catalytic converter etching packs and listed as a trusted brand partner.
• SmartDNA: UK security marking specialist using forensic DNA-based marking fluids and unique registration codes for vehicles and assets. Listed among Retainagroup's trusted brand partners and offers directly comparable anti-theft products.
• Supagard: UK vehicle protection brand offering paint protection, fabric protection, and security marking for new vehicles at point of sale. Competes with Retainagroup's OEM and dealer-facing vehicle security products.
• DataTag: UK-based security marking and registration company offering similar permanent marking systems, microdots, and registration databases for vehicles and equipment. Directly competes with Retainagroup across both consumer marking products and OEM partnerships in the UK market.
• Selectamark Security Systems: UK security marking company offering permanent marking systems, asset registers, and forensic marking for police and insurance use. Competes with Retainagroup's ISR service across vehicle, equipment, and personal property marking.
• Autowatch (UK): UK vehicle security company offering alarm systems, immobilizers, and tracking products for cars and commercial vehicles. Adjacent competitor in vehicle theft prevention referenced among Retainagroup's trusted brand partners.
• CESAR (Security Components Ltd): Industry-wide UK scheme for construction and agricultural equipment security marking, providing registration and verification similar to Retainagroup's ISR for plant and tool theft. Competes for fleet and commercial asset marking contracts.

Regional players

• TASSA (The Auto Security & Asset Protection Scheme): UK vehicle security marking accreditation scheme working with installers and manufacturers across the UK. A regional industry partner that influences the same OEM and dealer ecosystem as Retainagroup, referenced on Retainagroup's partner page.

Broad incumbents

• Datatool (Scorpion Automotive): UK motorcycle and vehicle security specialist offering alarms, immobilizers, and tracking products. Adjacent competitor in vehicle theft prevention serving OEMs, dealers, and consumers in the UK.
• Tracker Network (UK): Established UK stolen vehicle recovery specialist using GPS/VHF tracking technology with police partnerships. Operates in adjacent vehicle theft prevention space but uses digital tracking rather than physical marking, addressing similar OEM and insurer customers.

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/RetainagroupLtd
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@RetainagroupLimited
• Facebookfacebook.com/RetainagroupLtd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/retainagroup-limited

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Retainagroup