Manheim is looking to appoint new franchisees as part of plans to expand its smart repair business in the dealer sector.

It will be the first time the company has gone down the franchisee route, but sees it as integral as it looks to grow in this sector.

The auction company owns Dent Wizard and Flying Colours, the specialist paint and internal trim repair companies, and is aiming to build on existing growth of smart repairs in the auction, de-fleet, contract hire and rental sectors.

Manheim’s franchise director David Mercer is already looking to appoint a franchise manager to oversee the programme on a daily basis, with existing employees of Dent Wizard and Flying Colours given the opportunity to convert to a franchise in the programme’s first phase.

Franchises will cost £18,000, but as an introductory offer, Manheim has them at £12,500. Wheel Wizard franchises will also be offered in the future.

“The dealer sector is using smart repair more and more on its new and used products and we felt a local technician managing relationships with its local dealers is the best way to manage this side of the business,” says Mercer.