Meet: Andy Wren - Bodyshop Manager

"From a young age, I always had an interest in cars, from making go-karts in the garage with my Dad to buying, modifying and painting electric RC cars."

With over 17 years of experience in the automotive body repair industry, Andy started his career as an Apprentice at Williams, Bolton. Here achieved his NVQ Level 3 qualification in panel repair. At the age of 18, he had completed his apprenticeship and BMW career programme when he was nominated for The Apprentice of The Year.

"During my time at Williams, I developed my skills by learning how to strip and refit car components, trims, and replacing structural panels."

After completing his apprenticeship, Andy stayed with BMW for a further 9 years where he completed various courses, such as new repair methods and procedures at Bracknell BMW UK.

"Towards the end of my time at BMW, I developed a keen interest in body paint refinishing. So I decided at the age of 27 to follow my dream of starting up my own business repairing cars as a mobile repair service called: Smart Team."

Within the first two years, Smart Team quickly grew due to an increase in demand. Andy decided he needed to move from being a mobile repair service to a garage that was located in Bolton Town Centre. From here, Andy worked with many prestige car dealerships and traders, where he collected and delivered vehicles.

“After 5 years in the unit, I was looking to outsource diamond cut alloy refurbishment as it required specialist technicians and equipment to perform the refurbishments. This led me to Phil Barnard and Jamie Baxter who at the time were beginning to expand their alloy wheel refurbishment company, DA Techs, in Adlington, Chorley."

"In 2019, myself, Jamie and Phil decided to start a new business, which would see Smart Team move from Bolton to Adlington into the business park unit that DA Techs were vacating, and a name change to Smart Techs."

After just 2 years, Smart Techs had outgrown their unit and needed to move to a larger facility alongside DA Techs, where they have recently merged their services together to bring all their first-class offerings under one roof.

"We now have two new fully downdraft spray booths which has allowed us to perform more intricate body repairs for cars, 4x4s and vans."

"I'm excited for what the future holds with the expansion now that we have joined the DA Techs family, that has over 200 years combined experience in all bodywork, wheel and tyre repairs and refurbishments."