IGA stepping up to advocate for garage owners amid rising costs

In a world where independent garages are feeling the pinch from a new round of costs, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) is stepping up to advocate for these dedicated business owners.

With mounting pressures from operational expenses and ongoing uncertainty over new layers of cost being imposed on garage businesses over many years, especially following the Autumn Budget of 2024, many garages are being forced to assess all areas of their business. Careful consideration of return on investment is now essential to ensure sustainability and profitability.

Jonathan Douglass, Director of the IGA, said “We understand the challenges our independent garages are facing. It’s important for them to know they have the option and the means to review and, where possible, realign their prices to reflect the value of their services. At a time where increasing income is becoming more of a necessity, we’re here to help independent garages assess their strategies while speaking up on their behalf about cost burdens outside of their control.”

For many independent garage owners, the situation is becoming increasingly difficult. Escalating wage costs, increasing overheads, such as property rent and utilities, and, since the last budget, the looming prospect of even higher payroll costs, are all significantly impacting margins, making it tough to maintain a sustainable operation.

Having recently been invited to a meeting to discuss the implications and find a practical solution to the unchanged MOT Fee Cap, the IGA is committed to collaborating with the government to ensure independent garages are not only supported but able to sustain their services.

Douglass continues, “We are here to help independent garages find a solution to these burdens. We believe in the strength of our community and want to empower them to take control of their pricing. We set out to help garage owners enhance their livelihood while continuing to provide first-class service to their customers.”

The IGA is encouraging owners to assess their costs and feel confident in adjusting their prices as necessary where they can.

Douglass concludes “It’s vital to set rates that are fair to their garage as well as their customers. To support members with these challenging decisions, the IGA provides access to a custom Labour Rate Calculator to help them get the full picture of their business costs and potential charge-out rates. The intention is that garages can base their labour charges on a percentage rate of their costs in an easy-to-use visual way, rather than basing their labour rate on what others may or may not be charging. This isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving in an ever-changing, increasingly complex business landscape.”