Editor’s comment 3 www.aftermarketonline.net MARCH 2025 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 Marketing Manager Hope Jepson hope.jepson@dfamedia.co.uk Production Design Anthony Wiffen production@aftermarket.co.uk +44 (0) 7851 612799 Finance Department accounts@dfamedia.co.uk +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Contributors Harald Oosting | Phil Peace Mike Schlup | Richard Tutt 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 2025. Average net circulation July 2023 to June 2024 21,945 Industry’s finest keep calm and carry on Iwas preparing this issue of Aftermarket for publication shortly before the chancellor’s much anticipated spring statement to parliament and, despite previously ruling out further tax rises, all bets were off as to what she might announce. Independent garages are among businesses that have been feeling the economic heat for some time now, but many owners and operators have told me that keeping calm and carrying on is the best way ahead. However, there could be a glimmer of light soon. As I write, the Independent Garage Association was waiting to hear the outcome of its meeting with government policy chiefs, in which industry leaders pressed the case to lift the MOT price cap that has remained frozen for the best part of 15 years. Getting that cap lifted would not resolve all financial pressures overnight — but it would be a major step forward. You can read more about this in our special Spotlight feature on page 10. But there is plenty to be optimistic about too. We are part of a vibrant industry that is growing thanks to rapid increases in the use of technology and a highly-skilled, enthusiastic workforce. Talking of enthusiasm, not many would give up a precious day off to attend a seminar to expand their skills further still, but that was what happened recently at the first Repair Excellence Event, hosted by ALLDATA Europe, and held at the Shaikly Motor Company in Colchester. You can read more about the event on page 46, but it was great to catch up with the dozens of independent workshop owners and technicians that turned out to take part, despite the early-morning start. Aftermarket was also delighted to team up with Castrol for an exclusive webinar last month on understanding oil. For those of you who missed it, see page 6 for details of how to watch it again. Meanwhile, our ongoing campaign to acknowledge and reward the garage industry’s champions continues, as this year’s search to find the UK’s Top Technician, Top Garage and newly-launched Top Apprentice gathers pace. If you have not yet entered, don’t be left behind! Turn to page 18 for details of how to enter — and find out which industry-leading organisations are among the latest that have signed up to back the contest. And if your company is making news, do get in touch and let Aftermarket help share your story and expertise with industry peers. Enjoy the issue! John Shepherd Editor
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