NBRA calls for action on late payments

The National Body Repair Association (NBRA) has written to new Small Business Commissioner Paul Uppal, to bring to his attention the impact that late payment culture is having on the UK economy, and the threat it poses to UK bodyshops every year.

Chris Weeks, NBRA director comments: “The body repair sector is an industry that has been severely hampered by the practice of late payments. Several NBRA members have been significantly affected by Accident Management Companies (AMC) failure to pay for repair work. This has resulted in severe job losses and even the closure of repairer businesses.

“Following a similar investigation by the Competition Market Authority (CMA), we also highlighted the case of Drive Assist UK, whereby the firm repeatedly refused to pay its invoices on time, before declaring bankruptcy whilst still in debt to several NBRA members. This contextualises how serious the issue of late payments is.

“We have expressed our interest in meeting with the Commissioner to discuss the possibilities of overcoming the culture of late payments further, as well as seeing if there are any areas Mr Uppal would be able to assist the businesses that NBRA represents.”