The key bodyshop challenges have been revealed in the latest Motor Ombudsman annual survey.
Its “snapshot of sentiment” has identified rising operational costs, taxes and utility bills at the largest issue for 89% of bodyshops this year.
This is a rise of 14% on last year and underlines the growing financial strains facing the sector in 2025.
The research also found that more than half of repairers (56%) are expecting motorists to cut back on essential repairs in a bid to save money this year, with 48% predicting that vehicle owners will also forgo ad hoc maintenance and routine maintenance.
Meanwhile, close to half of repairers that were surveyed (48%) said that recruiting personnel would be a major hurdle this year, with 55% saying they had to raise wages last year to attract and retain staff.
Key bodyshop challenges
Electric vehicles was also highlighted as an issue with 21% of repairers saying that battery-powered cars would provide less scope for additional revenue opportunities due to fewer parts involved.
Despite these challenges, just under half of respondents (42%) said they still plan to invest in the refurbishment of their premises, with a slightly smaller proportion (39%) planning to increase their workforce.
Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and Motor Ombudsman managing director, said: “Our latest survey of businesses in the service and repair sector shows an interesting juxtaposition of rising costs to operate on the one hand, and less revenue due to consumers delaying repairs and maintenance on the other, thereby setting the scene for a more challenging trading environment.
“This of course may be amplified by continued difficulties recruiting qualified staff to meet customer demand, meaning some significant headwinds persist this year for the nation’s garages and workshops.”
Optimism
“However, amongst the possible hurdles set to be faced by businesses this year, there are positives to take away from the study in that there is still an appetite to invest to provide an even better customer experience.
“As garages weather this latest storm, we will continue to support and shine the spotlight on our accredited businesses so that even more consumers are aware of the benefits of using a repairer that is committed to the high standards laid down by our Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair.”
