Nationwide Accident Repair Services has continued its expansion plans, acquiring the Autobodies bodyshop in Matlock and appointing a new Business Services Division to provide additional network support.

The division is headed by former Carter and Carter support services director Des Hackman, and will be responsible for providing support to its bodyshops, including accident repair, parts, aftersales and staff development.

Its introduction continues Nationwide’s plans to grow the company both organically and through acquisitions. The Matlock site brings its network to 68, providing extra capacity to support recent contract wins with Norwich Union and Hastings Direct. Additional sites are being sought.

Nationwide Chief Executive Michael Wilmshurst, said: “I believe that the Matlock site represents an excellent fit with our current network and I am delighted to welcome the team on board.

“We continue to look for further bodyshops which fit our strategy to deploy work across Nationwide’s network of bodyshops in a way which allows for maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness.”