Independent cosmetic vehicle repairer Smart Repairs has increased its turnover by 40% in the past year, following its expansion to cover the whole of the UK.
The Leeds-based company, which services most of Yorkshire’s major car dealerships, has boosted its turnover to £7.5 million, while also trebling its workforce.
The recent appointment of three technicians in Hertfordshire, Surrey and South Wales means that the company now has 100 staff across the country, with 40 based in Leeds. Another 15 technicians will be recruited early next year.
As part of its national expansion programme, Smart Repairs has invested £1m into its van fleet and equipment. Next year, the company expects its turnover will soar to £9m.
Darryl Short, managing director of Smart Repairs, said: “This has been a game-changing year for us. We had previously concentrated on looking after customers and clients in the north of England, but this year we have expanded our operations to service the whole of the UK.
“We have recently expanded into Scotland and we have further sustainable growth plans for the North West, the Midlands and the area by the M25.”
The company carries out 180,000 vehicle repairs a year.
Phil Newstead, co-owner and major investor in the business, added: “Clearly the global pandemic had its challenges last year, but one of its consequences was a boom in the second-hand car market, which naturally led to a great deal more work for us. We managed to stay open and working most of the time, despite the difficulties of the various lockdowns.
“We can both see that our future is in providing a quality repair offering across all of the UK, to warranty companies, insurers, dealer groups and vehicle remarketing companies.”
Newstead, who acquired Dent Wizard Ventures from Manheim in 2011 through a management buyout and sold it to Amtrust for £16m in 2017, bought into DHMB, which trades as Smart Repairs, in 2019.
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