Wow..... Did mine myself in a gazebo, well self prep and a friend sprayed it. £300 it cost.

As to answer your question I would go round local body shops and ask direct. £2.5k seems crazy. I never understand body shop prices. For example paint no more than £200. Say to prep and weld it took him a week, a weeks wage is £350. Profit on top of wages £500 =£1050 total I understand there are running costs but as said this is a cash job so no vat ect. Plus he's doing it to suit himself........ Crazy prices if you ask me. I'd say £1500 is fair in these circumstances.

If you can get it to Birmingham I can give you a number of a really decent body shop very cheap and work is spot on. He works on a in and out basis. Had a hole side of a golf I bumped into repaired and painted in 1 day £250 and it was mint.