Yorkshire cosmetic vehicle repairer sees 23 per cent rise in turnover after national expansion

Turnover is predicted to rise to more than £9m by the end of 2023.

The recent appointment of experienced technicians across the south west of England and South Wales means that the flourishing company now has more than 100 staff across the country, with 40 based in Leeds.At least another 15 technicians are being recruited later this year, including new staff to strengthen the firm’s operation in Yorkshire.

Darryl Short, managing director, said: “This has been a tremendous start to the year for us, the most successful we have ever had."Our decision to expand our operations to service the whole of the UK, rather than just the north of England, has paid off handsomely.”

He added: “Apart from making serious inroads in Cornwall, Devon, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, 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 around London."Smart Repairs, which includes most of Yorkshire’s major car dealerships among its clients, is co-owned by its founder Dan Besau and major investor Phil Newstead.

The company carries out more than 200,000 vehicle repairs a year.

Mr Short said: “We work quickly and effectively and ensure that all our work is exemplary.”

"He added: “Our expansion plans, which have gathered pace post-Covid, are very carefully targeted at geographical areas which are not especially well served by cosmetic vehicle repair companies.

"These plans have been massively backed up by the talented and hard-working team leaders and technicians we have been able to hire.”

As part of its national expansion programme this year, Smart Repairs has invested over £500,000 in its van fleet and equipment already this year.

Mr Newstead said: “The second-hand car market remains buoyant, despite the cost-of-living crisis and the current economic uncertainty.

"The supply of new cars is also starting to normalise and this will have a further positive impact on our business.

"The outlook for the sector is positive and we have every reason to be confident about the future, though we will never be complacent.

“We can see that our future lies in providing a quality repair offering across all of the UK, to warranty companies, insurers, dealer groups and vehicle remarketing companies.

"Our key aim is to be the largest smart repairer in the UK.

Leeds-based dealer JCT600 has worked with the business for many years and Smart Repairs now supplies services to JCT600 exclusively across Yorkshire.

It said: "We see them as a trusted and long-term partner for our business”.

Mr Besau said: “We are very proud and very humbled by this wonderful testimonial.

"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 and customers.”

He added: "This, in turn, translates into the friendly, positive and efficient service we provide for our customers, so it’s a win-win situation."