Fix Auto North Brighton signals south coast growth for new MSO
Fix Auto UK’s presence along the south coast has been further strengthened with the addition of Fix Auto North Brighton by established franchise partner Daniel Lawes, marking his first move into multi-site ownership.
The new addition in Burgess Hill represents a significant milestone for Lawes, who joined Fix Auto UK in 2019 as the owner of Fix Auto Mitcham. Having successfully established and relocated his Mitcham operation into larger premises, he has now taken the next step in his growth plans.
Fix Auto North Brighton investment
Lawes acquired what was previously Johnsons Accident Repair Centre last December and has since invested significantly in facilities, equipment and people. The business continues to operate with an established team led by bodyshop manager Colin Vaughan, with Lawes building on the existing workforce and continuing to build on the strong foundations already in place.
The 7,500-sqft repair centre features two spraybooths, including one dedicated to LCVs, and currently employs a team of 12, including six productives. The site has the capacity to repair between 65 and 80 vehicles a month as the business continues to develop.
A key priority since taking ownership has been bringing the site in line with the high standards expected of a modern accident repair centre. The team successfully passed its BS 10125 audit, providing an important early milestone in the site’s development.
Lawes said: “When I joined Fix Auto UK in 2019, I said my ambition was to become a multi-site operator. However, I knew I first needed to firmly establish Mitcham, which I have done following the relocation of the business.
“Over the years, I’ve looked at numerous potential opportunities but not one met my requirements. When I heard the previous owner of this site was considering retirement, I knew it could be the right opportunity for me.
“Crucially, it is in an area where there isn’t currently an existing Fix Auto UK repairer, so it gives me the opportunity to further grow the brand while developing the business in a new territory.
Great team
“I’ve made a significant investment in the business, from the site and equipment to our people. We’ve invested in the development of our team and introduced an apprentice scheme, alongside the investment required to achieve the BS 10125 audit, which we passed with flying colours. I’m also delighted to have inherited a great team who have adapted incredibly quickly to the way I want the business to operate,” he added.
Mark Hutchins, operations director of Fix Auto UK, added: “It is hugely rewarding to see one of our established franchise partners take the next step in their journey with us. Dan has worked incredibly hard to build a successful business with his Mitcham site and his decision to invest further and become a multi-site operator is a fantastic endorsement of both his own ambition and the strength of Fix Auto UK.
“Dan hasn’t simply acquired another repair centre, he has invested in the site, its people and the standards required to operate a first-class modern bodyshop. To pass his BS 10125 audit in the way he did demonstrates the commitment he is making to the business.”
