Thorogood joins Rainbow

Rainbow Accident Repair Group has appointed Richard Thorogood as partner and director in the business alongside current owners Earle Avann and Andy Waters.

Richard is formally partner and group managing director of south coast accident repair group, Seward. Following the acquisition of Seward by Nationwide in April 2015, Richard became divisional director with responsibility for 18 sites. He also helped develop and transform the Nationwide HiTech motor manufacturer market strategy and led the development of the first dedicated HiTech specialist center at Milton Keynes.

Richard said, ‘Over the last 10 years, my relationship with Earle and Andy has grown significantly and having enjoyed a fantastic tri party relationship with my previous business partners, Ian Clarke and Paul Marden, I am confident that this format works extremely well and plays to everyone’s strengths.

‘Whilst my last two and a half years at a senior level within the Nationwide business has been an enjoyable experience, nothing can compare with owning your own business and in order for me to achieve continued personal success, this is certainly the only motivation I require.’

He continued, ‘The expansion of the business is an important part of our future strategy and our acquisition of TST Reading, now renamed Rainbow Reading from Steve Peart, has been concluded with all the existing team remaining in place and signals our positive intent for 2018 and beyond.

‘I look forward in assisting to drive the business forward and building upon the excellent stable footing that Earle and Andy have in place.’

Earle Avann said, ‘Andy and I will both remain very much involved in the business, however with Richard joining, we have the additional vision, drive, determination and focus to achieve our mutual common goals. 2018 and beyond looks very bright, for Rainbow.’

Rainbow Bodyshop Group is a Berkshire and Hampshire based accident repair group.