Three sizeable body repair businesses have collapsed – Fast Track, UK ARC, Washington – underlining the difficult trading conditions experienced in the accident repair industry.

Fast Track, which closed four of its eight sites late last year, went into administration in April. DWS Bodyworks (AM50 No 6, £10m turnover) has bought two sites, in Mitcham, Surrey, and Dulwich, London, taking its network to five bodyshops.

Fast Track’s Ashford Coachwork site in Middlesex is to be redeveloped, but will not be used for motor trade purposes.

The fourth remaining site, R&M in Croydon, has now closed.

UK Accident Repair Centre (ARC) in Aylesford, Kent, number 34 in the AM50, is another casualty.

Although the £3.3m turnover company is still trading, Michael Charles of Amco-Agency, agent to the liquidators Langley and Partners, has been instructed to sell the business and its assets.

This includes five separate buildings, which make up the 50,000sq ft site, plant and machinery. Forty-five employees are affected.

Meanwhile, Washington Coachworks in Newcastle upon Tyne appointed Tait Walker as administrator on May 3.

North-east repair group ADR Accident Repair Centres (AM50 No 15, £6.2m turnover) has bought Washington’s 14,000sq ft Pontefract Panel Beating site.