Editor’s comment 3 www.aftermarketonline.net SEPTEMBER 2025 Editor Chris Callander chris@aftermarket.co.uk +44 (0) 1732 671123 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 Darren Frogson Marcus Gregory Rebecca Pullan 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 2026. Average net circulation July 2024 to June 2025 22,797 Let’s talk Welcome to the April edition of Aftermarket magazine, my first in the editor’s chair. As I write, I’m starting my fourth week in the role, and I can honestly say I don’t think I have had a warmer welcome in any sector I have worked in over my years in publishing. One of the first things John Shepherd said when he was handing over the reins – exceptionally well, it has to be said, thanks, John – was that the aftermarket sector was incredibly friendly, and it was no exaggeration. In my short time in the hot seat, I’ve had some extremely interesting meetings and conversations with people working in and for the companies that supply and support the aftermarket sector, and I have more scheduled, which is great. What I’m really keen to add to that mix is speaking to those of you working at the coal face. I’d like to find out what life is like for the independent garage operator, directly from those who are living and breathing it. Initially, there are three main areas I want to explore. The first is SERMI. What are your thoughts? Have you started the process of becoming SERMI-approved, or are you waiting to see how it develops? Do you think SERMI will improve or restrict your ability to carry out certain repairs? And how do you expect SERMI to change how your workshop operates day to day? Thinking more broadly, do you think SERMI will strengthen the position of the independent aftermarket or create further barriers? And how do you expect smaller garages to cope compared to larger workshop groups? If you have any views on any aspect of SERMI, I’d love to hear from you. My contact details are below. I’m also looking for garages to feature in the magazine’s garage visit section. Maybe you have an unusual niche, an interesting location or building. Do you have a business model you haven’t seen elsewhere? Have you done something a bit out of the ordinary that has had a positive impact on workshop efficiency, customer satisfaction or your ability to attract staff? If you think there is something about your operation that would interest your peers, please also get in touch. I’m also open to reader feedback. We put together Aftermarket magazine for you, our readers, so it’s important to hear your thoughts. Is there anything you want to see more of, or less of? What are your favourite sections, or your least favourite? Is there anything we are not covering that you’d like to see? Do you do the tea break crossword, sudoku and code word? If you’d like to share your views, please also get in touch. I hope you enjoy the issue, and I look forward to hearing from you. Chris Callander Editor
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