A drop in revenue has led Just Car Clinics to seek new business with major and local fleets.

David Hickey, chairman of the bodyshop group, read a statement at its AGM today in which he described trading conditions this year as "challenging" as underlying body repair volumes were "adversely affected by the economic recession".

Hickey added: "As a consequence of this, Just Car Clinics has seen a small decrease in like for like turnover of approximately 4% during the first four months of 2009 when compared to the equivalent period in 2008, this has been particularly evident in less mature locations.

"In order to minimise the impact of the difficult market, the group has sought new business, particularly with fleet and local businesses, and has also reduced costs at locations where conditions make this necessary."