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 Production Design Anthony Wiffen Finance Department accounts@dfamedia.co.uk +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Chief Executive Ian Atkinson ian.atkinson@dfamedia.co.uk Contributors Bill Fennell | Jonathan Barrett Sophie Wahba | Kerrie Richards 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 ‘Silly season’ in the shade as summer gets serious The longest day of the year is already behind us and summer is officially here. The UK is also heading into the ‘silly season’ — a label often used at this time of the year, particularly by the media. Journalists, particularly those working in the national press, often turn their attention in these summer months to frivolous stories to make up for a lack of ‘hard news’. Why? Well with institutions such as parliament in recess, reduced sittings in a number of courts and many major publicly traded companies taking a break from reporting, the daily diet of news to feed a hungry media is reduced. However, anyone who thought the country as a whole might be navigating a gentle incline into the lazy, hazy days of summer, had a shock when the general election was called. Suddenly, the longed-for sunshine skies of summer had to make way for heavy political weather, with newspapers and broadcasters assailing us with the political twists and turns of political campaigns. The silly season was officially delayed. As this issue was being sent to press — to ensure the print edition is out for those of you who might consider packing it into your luggage as some essential beach/poolside reading — election news was reaching fever pitch. Ahead of the poll, our Spotlight feature takes a look at the results of a fascinating survey, which highlights some key industry concerns that will face whoever forms the next government. We also hear the key ‘asks’ that a top CEO has for the next transport secretary. In our business section, we get expert comment on what the arrival of Consumer Duty means for automotive professionals. We also get a legal perspective on recent and expected legislative developments in the constantly evolving area of employment law and the impact on the workplace. Also, find out what happened when I was given an exclusive behindthe-scenes tour of a 1 million sq ft distribution hub in Staffordshire that is a vital link in the aftermarket supply chain serving thousands of UK garages every week. You will all know of the company behind this amazing operation, but you have to turn to page 32 for all to be revealed. And just to check that you really do read this introduction… this is your chance to tell me more about you and your business. Please email me if you would like me to visit your garage and find out more about what makes your operation tick. You and your team could be featured in a future edition of the magazine. I’m also interested to hear whether any of your garages/depots have a workplace mascot. It might be an animal or object that has been adopted by the team to help the working day go with a smile and, while having an animal might not be suitable for every business, I hear on the grapevine there are some unsung and unusual mascots out there, so get in touch and tell me more! Meanwhile, enjoy this special summer double issue. Our next edition will be out in time for the start of September and will include an umissable preview of The Aftermarket Event. John Shepherd Editor
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