On the move 57 www.aftermarketonline.net SEPTEMBER 2025 MAHLE Aftermarket has welcomed industry expert Mike Smallbone as a consultant to support its work with motor factors and garages across the UK. Smallbone, whose career spans more than four decades, brings exceptional experience and a deep understanding of the automotive aftermarket to this newly formed role, MAHLE said. Having founded his own business, Aftermarket Business Solutions, three years ago, Mike has become a go-to name in the sector for practical, hands-on support. His recent work includes closer collaboration with colleges to promote careers in the trade and support the next generation of technicians. He is now working independently, but in close alignment with the MAHLE team. His consultancy support will include customer service training, tailored to the specific needs of motor factors and workshops. He will also lead a business development workshop series and conduct fact-finding visits to motor factors and garages, gathering real-world insights to help MAHLE better understand customer needs. Jason Smith, MAHLE sales and marketing manager for the UK and Ireland, said: “Mike’s approach complements our vision perfectly, listening to our customers, offering tailored support, and helping them meet the challenges of a changing industry.” The Eurorepar Car Service network (ERCS) has appointed Neil Gibbs as its new head of network. ERCS said Gibbs has extensive automotive industry experience from his previous role as parts operations manager at Distrigo. Gibbs said he was determined to reinstate the value of ERCS to members while positioning the network as a crucial bridge between OEMs and independent workshops. “The ERCS message is that it needn’t be OEMs and franchises versus independents, but that we can all work together. That’s the point of ERCS and Distrigo, but the sector is still a long way from adopting this mindset, which is critical to the future.” Gibbs added that training and resources are key to independent survival and the network is looking at how to make things such as its training programmes more accessible for the demands of independents. Access to critical vehicle and market data is also becoming essential to the operations of independent businesses, Gibbs said. “We want to bring the network closer together as a community, connecting our members with their supplying Distrigo hubs and Stellantis as an organisation through social media, working groups, dealer councils and building genuine rapport.” Halfords has appointed Adam Pay as MD of its garage business unit. Pay will lead Halfords’ growing garage services business, taking over from Karen Bellairs, who is staying with the business as chief customer officer. He will report directly to CEO Henry Birch and join the company’s executive team. Halfords said Pay has more than 20 years of senior operational experience in the automotive and service sectors. His previous roles include MD of mycar and Kmart Tyre & Auto in Australia, deputy chair of the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, and operations manager at Kwik-Fit in the UK. Commenting on Pay’s appointment CEO Birch said: “With Adam at the helm of our garage services division, we’re well-positioned to accelerate growth and continue delivering for our customers. “I’d also like to thank Karen for her exemplary leadership of the garage business and look forward to her continued contribution as chief customer officer.” Smallbone named MAHLE brand ambassador Gibbs becomes Eurorepar head of network Pay joins Halfords as MD of garage services Adam Pay Neil Gibbs Mike Smallbone and Jason Smith
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