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摘要

Can individual bodyshops compete in a market that is becoming dominated by regional and national networks? HEATHER GRANT reports on the rise of affinity groups. In the past two years there has been a proliferation of body shop groups. Independents have got together and even regional groups have joined forces to provide greater national coverage. The common aim is to offer a stronger proposition to work providers who are looking to reduce the number of partners in their supply chain. Zurich was the first insurer to embrace this concept when, in 2008, it reduced its approved network from around 134 bodyshops to just four regional groups.