Elite bodyshops grab growth in UK

The UK's bodyshop magazine has an interesting story about a new study by industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing.

 The study has identified a group of 84 emerging companies in the accident repair centres industry who have increased sales by an average of 23 per cent and are taking further control of the market.

Over the last two years, growth in the market has been sporadic, averaging -3 per cent two years ago and eight per cent last year. However, these high-growth companies have managed to grow much faster.

Of the 959 companies analysed in the just-published Plimsoll Analysis, 64 were found to be suffering the consequences of these high growth companies. They saw their own sales fall, on average by -7 per cent in the same period. David Pattison, author of this new market study, said: "This is absolute evidence that whatever growth there is in the market is being captured by a select group of companies."

The following table highlights how they are grabbing market share at the expense of the rest:

So what have these companies been doing to create this growth? According to Pattison: "It’s clear that the market is changing. The revenue and growth streams companies took for granted a couple of years ago have changed. Frankly, it’s the one question we all want to know the answer to, ‘Where is the market heading? These 84 winning companies seem to have the best idea."

Despite concerns to the contrary, this is not just a case of larger companies forcing out their smaller competitors. As the following table shows, growth is still being achieved by a number of small, innovative companies (as well as some of the majors):

The new Plimsoll Analysis provides a full financial analysis on the Top 959 companies in the UK bodyshop industry. Their full financial performance over the last four years is presented in the publication. The analysis is designed for the busy manager who needs to spot trends in the overall market, identify and understand threatening competitors. For those looking for quick growth, the analysis can also be used to seek out acquisition prospects.

Copies of the full 959-page analysis are available now in PDF format, priced at £350 (+VAT).