Bodyshop group Bennett’s (Scotland) has taken the first step of an ambitious expansion plan with its £1.45m acquisition of Edinburgh’s JM Accident Repair Centre, bought from the John Martin Group.

The 22,000sq ft bodyshop is the latest addition to the group, which also owns bodyshops in Ayr and Glasgow.

The firm’s managing director Tom Bennett has the long-term aim of adding further sites in Dundee and Aberdeen.

“I paid a premium for it. I know that. But in the long run, I think it will prove to be a good move,” he says. A further £200,000 is being invested in computer systems and restructuring.

Bennett expects group turnover to reach £6m this year, securing the company’s place as Scotland’s largest independent repairer.

Bennett’s (Scotland) takes work from a number of providers, including Norwich Union.

The group recently found jobs for about 20 staff from collapsed Scottish bodyshop group Broomhill Autobody, but Bennett says the company is still recruiting.