July/August 2021

JULY/AUGUST 2021 AFTERMARKET 21 sector as it moves inexorably into the 2020s? The onset of digitisation in vehicles and subsequent connectivity is a major challenge, coupled with the forthcoming cybersecurity legislation. The over-arching challenge is the same as it has been for many years and that is access to the vehicle and its data to ensure the sector remains a credible alternative for vehicle service and repair. Did the handover period between you and Mark bring back any particular memories? It’s been great to meet with Mark and the IAAF team again. Zoom meeting are great but it can’t beat meetings in person. My journey at IAAF has always been with Mark as one of the team and so our discussions have brought back many memories, particularly around our successes on numerous campaigns and, of course, our events programme. What advice would you give to Mark as you run out the door? Not so much a run as a walk - I will still be around until the end of the year to help out if required. As I said, Mark has worked closely with me over the past seven years and already has some great ideas which will take the IAAF forward into the future and I wish him all the very best. the IAAF’s communication and I look forward to spreading the message of the IAAF’s work further and wider in the coming years. The independent aftermarket sector faces challenges on a number of fronts, both at home and in the wider European context. Which areas will be the main focus going forward? Over the next 10 years, the look and make-up of the vehicle parc will change significantly. My role is to ensure IAAF members have unrestricted access to the opportunities available to them. In addition to BER and cybersecurity, we will also have to lobby the UK government in a post Brexit era and continue to support our European partners in FIGIEFA. How important is it for organisations like the IAAF to be working on behalf of the industry? It’s essential. The IAAF has been extremely effective at taking very complex pieces of legislation and helping all sectors of the market understand and benefit from them. The IAAF is working tirelessly in support of businesses up and down the supply chain and so effectively, dialogue is key to future prosperity for the trade. How will you approach the various challenges? I will always look to canvas as many viewpoints as possible and approach challenges with the membership’s long-term goals in mind. How do you think your background in media and marketing will affect your approach? The automotive aftermarket has become very comfortable with the digital platforms available to them and I will be looking to enhance the Federation’s visibility across many channels, while at the same time ensuring the IAAF website continues to proactively serve the membership with essential information and support. Wendy reflects on her achievements Moving onto Wendy, we wanted to find out how she felt about her time leading the IAAF, and how she sees the organisation moving into its new era. What are your feelings about retiring, and how do you feel stepping away from the IAAF in 2021? I have many mixed feelings because I have made so many great friends in the trade. But, after more than 30 years in the industry I’m looking forward to doing some new things and spending time with my family. But, I will miss all the people many of whom I have known for many, many years. Can you sum up what you think the key achievements were during your tenure? I think the IAAF has modernised considerably during my tenure and with a great team behind me we have successfully grown the depth and breadth of the membership, in order to reflect the evolution of the marketplace in a digital world. Furthermore, we’ve been a very pro-active Federation lobbying across many fronts both in the UK and Europe. What do you see as the major challenges for the The IAAF has been extremely effective at taking very complex pieces of legislation and helping the market understand and benefit from them ”