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 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 Destination Coventry For many, summer is about travel and new experiences. And while not an exotic destination blessed with natural wonders, I experienced that in July when I headed to Coventry for the TechFest event. Considering GSF is not an exhibition organiser, it was a very well-thought-out event. The timing worked well. There were plenty of visitors when I arrived early on, but the number grew as the afternoon turned into evening. The visitors were clearly having a great time, and the exhibitors looked like they were having a blast too. So many of the stands had entertainment, games, challenges and competitions, and there were giveaways aplenty. There was also lots to entertain the kids that many visitors had brought with them. And that was all very much by design. I had the opportunity to speak with Steve Horne, GSF’s CEO, who was understandably very pleased with how it was going and explained the ethos behind it. Steve told me the concept came from a desire to give something back to their customers. He wanted the event to provide an opportunity for everyone to have fun, enjoy some good food (which was free), be entertained and to facilitate direct contact between their suppliers and their customers. And so alongside the food, the wellness centre, the kids’ entertainment zone and the many interactive elements were all part of delivering that concept. I did wonder what the exhibitors’ perspective would be. I’ve been to events like this where suppliers are ‘obliged’ to attend by customers who stage the event. But I could not have been more wrong. I spoke to several exhibitors, and they all said the TechFest events were an excellent opportunity for them to meet with and talk to their end-user customers. And they also said the events were a firm fixture on their annual event calendar. Steve backed that up, explaining that there is, in fact, a waiting list of suppliers that want to get involved, and that those who are there are upping their game each time they exhibit. If you have not been to a TechFest event before, I would recommend it. The next one is being held in Wembley on 17 September, with potential new locations under consideration for next year’s programme. In the meantime, there is lots of news and insight in this issue of Aftermarket. I hope you enjoy the issue. Chris Callander Editor
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=