A former director of accident vehicle replacement firm Drive Assist, which collapsed in 2012, has been disqualified from directorship for 13 years.

The company, which went into administration with debts of more than £82m, owed more than £7m to 150 bodyshops for unpaid repair bills.

The National Association of Bodyshops (NAB) took up the case on behalf of its members, and has been notificed that Christopher Wright, a former Drive Assist director, has been disqualified from acting as a Director for thirteen years.  

Frank Harvey, head of the National Association of Bodyshops said: “The findings of the Insolvency Service and, in turn, the severity of Mr Wright’s punishment, is a clear indication of the complicit roles that have been played in the misrepresentation of the financial stability of Drive Assist UK Limited.  

“NAB hopes that it is an obvious deterrent to anybody who may be intent on abusing the professionalism and good nature of our members and the wider body repair community in future.” 

NAB said it wants to ensure the body repair sector is protected from any similar incidents that may arise in future, and is calling for all directors of the company to be held accountable for its collapse.