IAAF Garage Section launches with 1500 garages
Federation boosts lobbying capability
Outstanding garage contributions to be celebrated with first Garage Awards
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has bolstered its lobbying capability and broadened its support offering with the addition of 1500 new garage members.
At its end-of-year conference and dinner in December 2022, IAAF announced plans to strengthen its representation of the broadest range of automotive businesses across the aftermarket supply chain, by offering membership to independent garages.
Since the move to recruit garages was announced, the Federation has enjoyed a 94 percent conversion rate across all garages spoken to, underlining its ambition to bring garages into membership and to bring the supply chain closer together. IAAF member packs and IAAF signage are now being distributed to garages across the UK.
Mark Field, chief executive of IAAF, said: “It’s important we support garages on the issues that matter to them, their business, and their employees, and this only happens through proactive dialogue and the IAAF listening to what garages need.
“The Federation has been very adept over its 92-year history at not only focusing on the future but supporting members in the here and now.
“Independent garages are facing incredible cost pressures across all areas of their business and we have a mandate from our membership to broaden our voice and offer expertise and support to ensure we as an industry are more connected and engaged in key matters.”
As an independent trade body, IAAF fights for the rights of the aftermarket supply chain including retained access to vehicle repair information to ensure they're on a level playing field with vehicle manufacturers.
IAAF also fights to strengthen the MOT test, ensuring it is futureproofed for the changing needs of the vehicle parc.
IAAF will recognise the outstanding contribution to the automotive aftermarket industry by garages when it hosts the Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards at the Hilton Metropole NEC on Wednesday 7th June. The event is headline sponsored by LKQ Euro Car Parts.
Nominations for each award can be made here, with eight different awards categories available, recognising a variety of attributes from business operations, customer service, marketing campaigns and community initiatives.
"Independent garages are often the unsung heroes of our trade and we hope the event will play a key part in highlighting the brilliant work the sector and individuals have done in recent years to keep UK motorists moving,” Field comments.
A further initiative to bridge the skills gap in the aftermarket has seen the Federation form the IAAF Academy, supporting garages, motor factors and educational settings, and work with training providers to inform current workforce on block exemption regulations, and electric and hybrid vehicles.
Bringing in new people into the industry is a key focus for the Federation at all levels of the supply chain, with the Academy’s aims not only to inspire the next generation of talent but also to upskill the current workforce.
From virtual to practical training, the IAAF Academy will cover all areas of an automotive aftermarket business, helping companies and their teams learn and familiarise themselves with new technology and legislation, while also enhancing personal development skills.