News 9 www.aftermarketonline.net DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026 Mark Field, chief executive of IAAF, has slammed November’s budget for doing nothing to support the thousands of businesses that deliver affordable mobility to the millions of motorists every day. Chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves (pictured) announced a range of measures to “update the tax system for a modern-day economy”, including a new per-mile levy for electric and plug-in hybrid cars from 2028. But Field said: “We’re an aftermarket, not an afterthought and shortterm thinking by successive governments has now meant £4 billion of grants to sell EVs that not everybody wants or can afford. Even more remarkable is this government’s plan to charge the ones that do, with a payper-mile tax on EVs. This will further reduce EV adoption.” Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI, said the institute was delighted that its pre-budget call for action to improve access to apprenticeships had been partly addressed in the budget. But he added: “When will the government recognise the critical role of the aftermarket in giving businesses and consumers the confidence to switch to EVs?” Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, welcomed changes to the VED expensive car supplement and other measures but said this would not offset the impact of introducing the EV excise duty. International best-selling marketing author, Dee Blick, will be passing on her expertise for Aftermarket readers in the new year. Dee is a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Marketing and an author of best-sellers including The Ultimate Small Business Marketing Book and The 15 Essential Marketing Masterclasses for Your Small Business. Her fifth marketing book, You’re the Best! How to build an authentic and magnetic personal brand, launched in November. Dee said: “I’ve spent the last four decades working with thriving, small businesses where the business founder undoubtedly shapes the brand story and crucially how customers perceive their business. “For the last 20 years, I’ve forged strong connections in the automotive aftermarket. Having worked with many technicians, I know they’re time pressed, but they should not drop the ball when it comes to building their personal brand.” You don’t have to be a motivational style speaker to succeed, Dee said. “Readers of my new book will find a blueprint they can use to shape, inform, and inspire their brand building, with no fluff or filler. I’m thrilled to kick off my column in Aftermarket in February, sharing excerpts from the latest book.” ૻ6KRUW WHUP WKLQNLQJૼ XQGHU ᎮUH in industry budget reaction Marketing expertise at your service!
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