Editor’s comment 3 www.aftermarketonline.net SEPTEMBER 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 Martin Brown | Emma Carrigy Mark Field Darren Frogson Ellen Plumer | Jörg Weisgerber 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 We’re all fired up for a sparkling celebration! It’s bonfire night this month and we’re sparking the excitement in this issue as we head to the finals of our industry-leading Top Awards. To find out who will be rocketing away from the winners’ podium in a blaze of glory, you will have to wait until next month’s edition of the magazine. However, rest assured Aftermarket online and our socials will deliver all the results as soon as our Top Technician, Top Garage and Top Apprentice champions are announced following finals day, on November 15, at the prestigious awards ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Coventry. The build up to that glittering event starts in this edition… find out who all the finalists are, and the amazing package of prizes available from our fantastic sponsors, in our extensive Top Awards preview features starting on page 21. Meanwhile, we have another packed edition of news and informative articles. In our business section, find out how you could reap the rewards of future proofing your workshop and boost the benefits of in-house ADAS calibrations. Don’t miss my interview with IAAF chief executive officer, Mark Field, who tells me how he sees the association’s role in championing the future of the aftermarket. I’m also pleased to introduce the first of what will be a series of regular articles from Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS). Launching the series, on page 15, is the body’s chairman, Darren Frogson. He not only gives an insight into the work of the prestigious and trusted industry body, but focuses on how best to ensure confidence in the lubricant marketplace and what garages need to watch out for. In other pages, join me on my latest garage visit to meet the award-winning team that is the driving force behind D&D Autos in Kent. And if you’re about to take a tea break while reading this, turn to the inside back page and have a crack at solving our puzzles. The Aftermarket team look forward to catching up with you at the Top Awards finals day and celebration on November 15. Until then — enjoy the issue! John Shepherd Editor
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