Former Drake Insurance claims manager Doug McKinnon returns to the crash repair business next month with a new web-based initiative called Plexus Online.

The system, which allows repairers to log their available capacity daily onto the Plexus website, will automatically allocate work to bodyshops according to postcode area and handle customer service. It will operate via a call centre run by Ventura in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Mr McKinnon said the company was initially working with one major insurer, but was in negotiations with two or three others.

“Our aim is to strip out a lot of the costs that bodyshops face and make the whole system more streamlined for repairers and insurance companies,” he said.

“Repairers spend too much time and money on customer service. Our system takes over the customer care aspect and completely automates the process.”

Plexus Online is initially inviting Audatex and BodyMaster equipped bodyshops to apply to join the network, but Mr McKinnon said there would be no insistence on using any particular computer estimating or management system.

Repairers will be charged a commission for work they receive which will be “in line with ABI guidelines”