A NEW drive-in accident repair centre at West Wilts Trading Estate in Westbury offers a unique customer- focused alternative to the traditional bodyshop.

Halo, which opened in Commerce Close in August, aims to create a retail environment, where customers can see their vehicle being repaired from the reception.

Owners Ros and Bradley Hanson, who also own the PMC group, which has sites in Sussex and Dorset, have over 20 years of experience in the industry and wanted to provide a more female-friendly service. Vehicles are driven into the centre, which has an average key-to-key time of 24 hours, and put on a track that is moved through the centre, rather than the car being driven to different places.

Noise from the workshop is restricted, as the glass is treble-reinforced, allowing customers to sit and use the wi-fi and sip tea or coffee in peace as their car is repaired.

Mrs Hanson said: “The main concept behind it was to provide a retail experience, one that sits alongside the quality you get from shops such as John Lewis.

“Traditional bodyshops tend to be intimidating and very male-orientated, so it’s about creating an environment more comfortable for the customer, especially for women.

“We wanted people to be able to see their cars being worked on, so that they can understand what goes into repairing their vehicles. It’s all very transparent.

“Customers have been surprised in a good way so far and they can tell that it’s had a woman’s touch.

“We want them to feel welcome when they come to our premises, so the small details are crucial.”

Another addition to the Halo service is its ‘bible’, which outlines every task done by the business, so all staff know what procedures should be followed.

Halo also offers a lifetime guarantee on repairs, as well as a 50 per cent discount on all labour for customers who use them for retail work, rather than making a claim.