May 2021

BY Barry Babister, founder of software platform MOT Juice F rom the impact of COVID-19 to increased DVSA regulations, the MOT industry has seen a seismic shift in the landscape over the past year. I have identified three key challenges for the sector and I will explain what they mean for the future of MOTs. #1 Recovering from the commercial impact of COVID-19 COVID-19 swept the globe last year, with far-reaching consequences for almost every commercial industry. The postponement of MOTs was one of the first headline announcements in the UK press, and what followed has devastated the sector. Restrictions on operating, reductions in opening hours, loss of customers, employee illness, and more have combined to create a perfect storm. Government announcements of two MOT service deadline extensions in the past year have only poured added fuel onto the fire, removing the incentive from already-hesitant drivers to book their vehicles in, and quashing demand. Financial support has come for some, but not all, and for many businesses, it has been too little too late. Hesitation from drivers over taking their car for service or urgent repairs means that an increase in MOT failures is now expected, only adding to the volume of work that centres can expect. As MOT centres gradually return to daily operations, owners are juggling backlogs, new registrations and an increasing number of failed vehicles alongside their annual tester assessments. This all leads to a high-pressured environment as they struggle to reach normality. #2 The arrival of DVSA Special Notice 03-20 For years the DVSA has used traditional disciplinary processes but, with the arrival of DVSA Special Notice 03- 20, they’ve shifted gears. New regulations and sanctions have been introduced for test owners failing to meet standards and the body now has the power to suspend testing immediately at a site until these shortcomings are rectified. So, what is a shortcoming? These shortcomings 20 AFTERMARKET MAY 2021 BUSINESS www.aftermarketonline.net WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR THE MOT INDUSTRY POST-COVID-19 Barry sets out the three MOT-related challenges the industry is facing have been defined to include a wide array of tests including non-calibration of MOT equipment, defective test equipment, signs displayed incorrectly, and incorrect vehicle records. With VEs looking at your performance over a five- year period for disciplinary cases, it’s vital that Test Centre owners are maintaining consistent and long-term impeccable standards. #3 Digitalisation is key The sector hasn’t been known as an early adopter of technology but, like all other industries, COVID-19 has accelerated the necessity to adopt digital methods of working. From sleek website user experience and clear communication channels, to SMS reminders and email automation, competitors are making themselves stand out in the market, and businesses that fail to adapt are getting left behind. The ‘Amazon effect’ reaches almost every industry today; the expectation from customers is that everything is available now, at the touch of a button. Rising to the Challenge How can MOT centres respond to the current landscape? Coping with increased workloads and the burgeoning weight of new DVSA sanctions has presented a clear need for a systemised approach – which is exactly why MOT Juice was created. The all-in-one solution for MOT owners, this powerful platform can monitor, track and control tester activity, giving you complete peace of mind and ensuring your work is prioritising DVSA compliance. Store all your records in one place, keep complete logs, track annual trainer progress, get reminders and benefit from transparent reporting that helps you take action, enabling you and your team to focus on what you do best. In a nutshell, MOT Juice is the technology that can help your business adapt to this new, challenging landscape, and it has the platform capabilities to scale your MOT centre with ease. To find out more visit www.motjuice.co.uk