SMART car repairs are one of the key areas for growth open to bodyshops, according to David Wallace, managing director of Acoat Bodyshop Services. His comments came at the inaugural forum of the ABS mobile SMART (small medium area repair techniques) repairer group.

Held at the Skelmersdale premises of Karl Vella Auto Body Repairs, one of the founding members of the network, it was attended by the first five ABS members to enter the SMART repair business. Wallace said: 'As more members come on board with the mobile SMART repairs network in the coming months we'll be holding regular meetings of this type which will provide a forum for members to express views. We believe SMART repairs are one of the key avenues for growth open to bodyshops. They will not replace, but will complement existing bodyshop repairs and open up new customer groups looking for this type of service on a national basis.'