Steer Automotive claims 'fastest growing body shop' title after latest acquisition

Steer Automotive Group has laid claim to the title of “UK’s fastest growing accident repair group” after completing the acquisition of Tyne Tees Vehicle Repair Group (TTVRG).

Steer, whose chief operating officer is BookMyGarage.com non-executive director and former Lookers and Stratstone aftersales director Gavin Ruddick, has added the £8.3m turnover family-owned business as part of its strategy to broaden its footprint.

TTVRG employs 64 people across its five sites across the North East.

Its addition to the Steer Automotive Group business means that it now operates with a turnover of £60m per year from 21 sites across the Midlands, North East and Scotland employing over 400 team members and repairing in excess of 30,000 vehicles per year.

Steer Automotive chief executive, Richard Steer, said: “This is another important step in our ongoing growth plans as we continue to deliver our vision for Steer Automotive.

“From the outset, it has been clear that TTVRG are outstanding operators and will be an excellent addition to our group. The North East is a terrific region in which to do business and we are looking forward to expanding our profile and service offering here with support from Darren and his team.”

TTVRG owner and managing director, Darren Norton, has joined the Steer Automotive operations board as part of the deal.

Steer said that Norton will now play a key role in the group’s growth strategy.

Norton said: “This is an exciting moment for our business as we join an ambitious and progressive group in which all of our existing employees, suppliers and customers can thrive.

“I am looking forward to continuing to lead and grow TTVRG’s outstanding workforce backed by the expertise and resources of our new colleagues within Steer Automotive.”

After COVID-19 lockdown periods put strain on the body shop sector, Steer is not the only business aiming to grow its influence as a service provider.

Last year Activate Group unveiled its plans to invest £15m to expand its Activate Accident Repair body shop division with a further 15 technology-led sites - creating over 750 jobs.

Activate first  announced the creation of its new Activate Accident Repair body shop division in June 2019, committing an investement of £3m to five centres over 12 months and creating 240 jobs.