Fix Auto UK has announced its sixth appointment in Northern Ireland in just four years, continuing what it described as “remarkable growth” in the region. Newcastle Accident Repair, led by industry-recognised spray painter Danny Matheson, has joined the network and will now operate as Fix Auto Newcastle NI.

The latest addition increases Fix Auto UK’s Northern Ireland network capacity to more than 650 vehicles per month, with further room for growth. The expansion marks a rapid transformation from having no presence in the region before the November 2021 launch of Fix Auto Lagan Side.

Danny Matheson, who was named Spray Painter of the Year by Bodyshop Magazine in 2009, started the business in 2016 from a single-sized unit. He now operates from a 4,000 sq ft facility within a newly developed industrial estate, which offers further opportunities for expansion. The site passed its BSI 10125 audit with a 100% score before joining the network.

Commenting on the decision to join Fix Auto UK, Matheson said: “I’m a spray painter by trade and I take immense pride in every repair that goes out of my unit. I am extremely proud of where I have brought my business to but, like those franchisees who have already taken the step and joined Fix Auto UK, I am ambitious and I am a realist which means I know I need that extra element of help, support and guidance that comes with being part of the network to help me fulfil my ambitions. Going forward, I need to be part of a group of ambitious like-minded bodyshops.”

Mark Hutchins, operations director at Fix Auto UK, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Danny and his team on board. We have witnessed a remarkable growth in Northern Ireland and our stature and ability to repair vehicles en masse continues to grow at an impressive pace. Northern Ireland is firmly established as a key proposition of ours, Fix Auto Newcastle NI truly fits our criteria of having ambition along with repairing vehicles to the highest standards possible.

“No one can ignore just what the teams in the region are achieving. It was an absolute delight to welcome the teams from the region to our recent National Conference for the first time. Indeed, Fix Auto Ballymoney became the first site from Northern Ireland to win an award for their efficiency and high levels of customer service consistently delivered since joining in late 2023.”