Editorial 3 www.aftermarketonline.net JUNE 2024 Editor John Shepherd john@aftermarket.co.uk +44 (0) 1732 370 345 Head of Sales Angela Lyus angela@aftermarket.co.uk +44 (0) 7823 736 629 Managing Director Ryan Fuller ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk Operations Manager Emma Godden-Wood emma.godden-wood@dfamedia.co.uk Marketing Manager Hope Jepson hope.jepson@dfamedia.co.uk Finance Department accounts@dfamedia.co.uk +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Chief Executive Ian Atkinson ian.atkinson@dfamedia.co.uk Contributors Bill Fennell | Olaf Musshoff Chris Jones | Frank Massey Martin Pinnell-Brown | David Banks Published by DFA Media Group 192 High Street Tonbridge Kent TN9 1BE +44 (0)1732 370340 ISSN 2516-9149 Aftermarket is published 10 times a year and is sent free of charge to applicants meeting the publisher’s criteria. All others may subscribe at £60 per anum, £120 Europe and £150 rest of the world. While every care is taken to provide accurate information, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or ommisions, no matter how caused. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior consent of the publisher. The views of contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Copyright: DFA Aftermarket Media Ltd 2024. Average net circulation July 2022 to June 2023 17,274 Welcome to your new-look Aftermarket magazine! We all like to look our best as we prepare to get out and about and enjoy summer and we’re no exception — which is why we’ve given our industry-leading publication a bright, fresh redesign. But I hope you agree it’s more than a ‘makeover’. As you will see in the following pages, we have expanded our news content to ensure you are even better informed about developments impacting the aftermarket. In our new Spotlight section, we will be going beyond the headlines to drill down into the detail of keynote issues of importance to businesses in our sector. I’m delighted that in our first Spotlight feature, The Motor Ombudsman managing director Bill Fennell writes exclusively about how the organisation can support garages in dealing with customer complaints through its Alternative Dispute Resolution process — and so avoid potential reputational damage and more. In our newly expanded business features section, Heliot Europe UK partner manager Gareth Mitchell looks at innovative hi-tech solutions mechanics and garages can add to their toolkits to help track down and recover stolen vehicles, should they become unsuspecting victims of crime. Meanwhile, with Automechanika Frankfurt looming on the horizon in a few months’ time, I had the pleasure of catching up with Automechanika director, Olaf Musshoff, who exclusively talks about the continuing importance and influence of UK aftermarket businesses on the global stage. But before we head to Frankfurt, it’s the return of the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event at the NEC Birmingham this month. As you’re reading this issue, the chances are you are either preparing to go to the show, you’re already exploring the myriad of UKGBS stands at the NEC, or you’ve recently left, clutching show goodies and business cards — unless, unlike me, you’re more tech savvy and have gone completely digital with e-cards! We’ve got a curtain-raiser for UKGBS starting on page 21 of this issue, including my interview with event director Joanne Knowles, followed by a selection of some of the companies and products you can expect to encounter. Our full review of the event will feature in next month’s edition. But while we reflect on the presentations, products, deals done and networking at the NEC, Joanne tells me her team is already looking ahead to the event’s next outing — in 2026 — such is its popularity. If, dear reader, we did not have a chance to chat over a cuppa or something stronger at UKGBS, I’m sure there’ll be plenty of opportunities to catch up soon. And I must also make sure you’ve got some other very important events in your calendars, including The Aftermarket Event in Farnborough in October (read all about that on page 12). Then last, but most definitely not least, the countdown is now well and truly underway for this year’s Top Technician and Top Garage competitions. But who will emerge victorious? Join me and the Aftermarket team in October for the contests’ awards evening. For details, turn to page 68. Meanwhile… enjoy the issue! John Shepherd Editor
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