One of the largest UK bodyshop chain operators, Nationwide Accident and Repair has called in administrators, reflecting the pressure on the business caused by the Coronavirus pandemic as well as the ultra competitive environment that volume repair centres are forced to operate in.

Nationwide Accident Repair Services operated 80 sites across the UK and grew from the Perry Group, a London based dealership. It became Nationwide in 2001 and was one of the driving forces in the UK bodyshop industry.  

The appointed Administrators, Price Waterhouse Coopers, have already announced that they have agreed to sale the bulk of the group’s outlets and assets to RunMyCar Limited which is a subsidiary of Redde Northgate plc. Of the 80 outlets, 30 will now close meaning that 540 jobs will be lost from a workforce of approaching 3000.

Rob Lewis, joint administrator at PwC, said, “As with many other businesses, the group had to weather major financial fallout due to the economic impact of COVID-19, which meant that trading volumes were significantly reduced. Against that backdrop, the sale reflects a significant positive outcome for the business, and we are especially pleased to have safeguarded 2,350 roles including apprentices, mechanics and technicians.”