BRITAIN'S first chain of Smart repair centres is to be established by former contract hire and leasing company chief Richard Pepper. He co-founded vehicle refurbishment company Scuffs Cosmetic Repairs a year ago and it currently operates from two sites in Bristol, including its head office in Brislington, and sites in Reading, Cannock and Enfield.

A business will shortly open in Cardiff and hopes are high that units will operate 24 hours a day. Now Pepper, who has acquired 100% of the company's share capital, plans to open a further 16 sites this year with a long-term target of 250 sites nationwide. The former chief executive of Bristol-based BCH Vehicle Management has become chief executive of Scuffs, with the aim of offering fleets, trade and retail customers with a sameday 'total vehicle refurbishment service' in a bid to boost residual values.

'For every £100 spent on a vehicle I reckon that the owner can get £200 back on disposal,' said Pepper. 'The Scuffs concept evolved from my experience of running a vehicle management company with the continual pressure on residual values. We looked at all ways to improve the resale values of returning vehicles through refurbishment and having seen the benefits first hand, the idea for one company to provide a one-stop shop for vehicle refurbishment developed.'