Expansion accelerates at cosmetic vehicle repair specialist
Smart Repairs, an independent cosmetic vehicle repairer, has achieved a record-breaking year.
The Leeds-based company, which recently bought an 18,000 sq ft freehold premises in Weaver Street, has seen its turnover grow by 34%. This year turnover will soar to £7m, with net profit set to exceed seven figures.
Darryl Short, managing director, explained: “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.
“One of the keys to our rapid – and sustainable – expansion has been our flourishing new relationship with Insurance Underwriters Fortegra, which has come about because of a number of factors.
“This contract is gaining momentum by the day, with repairs of more than 300 cars per week for this one client alone. Significantly, Fortegra is one of the many new clients added to our portfolio this year.”
A spokesman for Fortegra added: “We were looking for the right partner to provide services for its repair insurance customers in the North of England. Smart Repairs stood out as a professional and accomplished company with well-equipped and scalable operations.
“Since then, Smart Repairs has expanded its network from the north of England to national coverage.
“We are very grateful to have a dedicated partner that takes the utmost pride in their work and customer service.”
Smart Repairs is co-owned by its founder Dan Besau and major investor Phil Newstead.
The company carries out 180,000 vehicle repairs a year. It currently employs 92 staff across the UK with that number expected to rise to 110 by the end of this year.
Other clients of the firm include Auto Protect and Leeds-based dealer JCT600.
Besau said: “Every single member of our staff works exceptionally hard to achieve and maintain the highest of standards. It is vital this continues as we expand across the UK.
“We believe a key part of our success is the way we treat our staff. This, in turn, translates into the friendly, positive and efficient service we provide for our customers.”
Newstead added: “Clearly the 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 are expanding across the UK this year, with a special focus on the M25, Essex, the North West, the North East and Scotland. We are now hiring experienced mobile technicians to help with this expansion drive, which will see full UK coverage by the end of the year.”
