UK automotive publication Motor Trader has produced its annual survey of the country’s top independent bodyshop sector, in conjunction with research firm Trend Tracker. The report found that consolidations and closures have played a major part in the market throughout 2009. The survey found of the top fifty bodyshops, the largest player was Nationwide Crash Repair Centres with an annual turnover of £179.4m, followed by Just Car Clinics with a turnover of £42.6m.

The average turnover per bodyshop site of the 264 sites operated by the top 50 companies was £3.4m. Average turnover per employee per annum was £77,411, while average number of repairs per employee per annum was 79. The average repair value was found to be £978. This is only slightly up on corresponding figures for previous years reflecting the price pressure the UK’s top bodyshops are under from the insurance companies.