A Burley-based independent cosmetic vehicle repairer has announced a raft of new appointments as it expands throughout the UK.
Smart Repairs, which recently bought 18,000 sq ft freehold premises in Weaver Street, is hiring 100 new technicians across the country this year.
This is a result of a record-breaking 2021, which saw turnover rise to £5m from £3m in 2020, despite the challenges of Covid. This year turnover is forecast to soar to £7m, with net profit set to exceed seven figures.
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.
One key appointment for the Leeds business is 51-year-old Pete Read, who is heading up a new team of 11 technicians, focussed on serving the south of England.
He commented: “The rate at which this company is growing is phenomenal. We had a team of just one in the south six months ago. Now we have 11 – with another new starter arriving next week.”
Other new hires include Dale Lang, Lee Ansell, Dan Southgate and Glen Smith.
Phil Newstead said: “We are delighted to welcome Pete and his team aboard. They will enhance the Smart Repairs brand and raise our profile across the South and the South East. And, if everything goes to plan, and it certainly is at the moment, we will be expanding into the South West.
“These are tremendously exciting times for the company. 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 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.”