North-west accident repair centre Aldon Coachworks has become Fix Auto Blackpool and Fylde.

The move forms part of Aldon Coachworks’ strategy to ‘future-proof’ its business, and comes just seven-months after the business relocated to a purpose-built 7,500 sq ft bodyshop with the capability to repair more than 120 vehicles a month.

Owned by Dave Halliwell and  Chris Allen - owner of Chris Allen Ford and Chris Allen Mazda car dealerships - Fix Auto Blackpool and Fylde encompasses two bodyshops that sit two streets apart from each other on the Poulton-Le-Fylde Business Park.  Collectively they span 14,500 sq ft, hold car parking facilities for more than 100 vehicles and boast three spray booths and 30 workbays. Twenty-five people operate across both centres.

The BSI Kitemark-accredited business also holds vehicle manufacturer approvals for Mazda and Toyota and counts a number of leading insurance companies amongst its customer base.

Halliwell said: “While we are proud to hold several very strong customer relationships, the reality is that we are struggling to get to the negotiating table with insurers and other customers. By being part of such a dynamic network where there really is a huge amount of strength in depth ensures we will now be part of that negotiating process, as well as benefiting from access to some innovative systems and a wealth of operational support.”

Ian Pugh, of Fix Auto UK, said: “The North West of England is an area in which we’re looking to strategically develop our footprint, and the appointment of Fix Auto Blackpool & Fylde is the latest piece of the jigsaw.  I am delighted to see that David and Chris have recently invested heavily in the future of their business, and am sure that their entrepreneurism and foresight will bring significant benefits to our network in the region.”