The IAAF Conference 2025 highlighted the need for the independent aftermarket to embrace the future; and lead it.
The automotive industry is experiencing a rapid change. New technologies, both powertrain and system, are combining to provide numerous challenges. Many new regulations are pushing the sector into new and interesting positions, and some of these risk alienating drivers.
In addition, drivers are increasingly failing to look after their vehicles. Regular servicing and maintenance has reduced as the cost of living crisis impacts drivers pockets.
Therefore, the IAAF Conference theme of Future Shock led a call for the aftermarket to prepare for change. It explored everything from mental toughness and leadership, through to electrification, supply-chain pressures, fleet opportunities and engaging with the next generation of talent.
In addition, the IAAF Conference also saw the first running of Garage Den, where businesses pitched ideas and products to a panel of workshop owners, seeking partners to develop plans before the upcoming UK Garage and Bodyshop Event in June.
Toughness in the markets
First to take to the stage at the IAAF Conference was performance coach and former rally champion Penny Mallory. She was present to discuss mental toughness, examining what it takes to thrive under pressure.
With demands on the aftermarket increasing, and businesses under pressure to deliver, Mallory highlighted that: “Mental toughness is not a superpower, it is a skill you train daily so you can stay calm and courageous as the industry shifts.”
Mallory’s talk focused on her experiences throughout her sporting career and life experiences, drawing on the challenges she faced to navigate through with a stronger outlook. She outlined four key pillars; Control, Commitment, Challenge and Confidence, explaining how each can lead to an improved outlook, and how they can help with better performances.
Automotive economist Professor David Bailey then explored the wider global and domestic context, from trade frictions to the slower-than-expected EV transition, telling the crowd at the IAAF Conference that the independent aftermarket remains a key area of opportunity.
Discussions included the impact of tariffs imposed by the US, and the uncertainty around EV regulations, especially in Europe. Following the conference, the EU announced a scaling back of its 2035 ban on petrol and diesel engines, with stricter targets for carmakers but no 100% CO2 emission reduction required until 2040.
This is likely to impact UK targets, although currently the government remains committed to its 2030 petrol and diesel new-car ban, and its 2035 deadline for the end of hybrids and plug-in hybrids.
“UK automotive is at a crossroads,” Bailey said, “but the aftermarket can be a bright spot for those who understand how consumer behaviour and vehicle age are changing.”
The IAAF Conference then turned to global trends, Max Wegner, Principal at Roland Berger, highlighted intensifying competition across the value chain, rising vehicle complexity and the urgent need for businesses to refine their strategic positioning. “The easy wins are over,” he noted. “The aftermarket must sharpen its strategy and invest early to stand out in a more digital, price-sensitive world.”
Fleets and more at IAAF Conference
Following the market overviews, Tim Guidotti, Director at Ferdotti Motor Services, took to the IAAF Conference stage to discuss the rapid rise of fleet servicing, and the cultural and operational shifts needed to support high-uptime customers.
The final keynote of the day came from Mickey Wilson, who explored how the aftermarket can engage with, and attract, Gen Z talent into the workplace. With a continuing skills shortage, the automotive market is competing with other technology sectors for the first time, as it moves from mechanical to software engineering.
Therefore, the aftermarket is currently in unchartered territory. It has to appear attractive as a career prospect to areas such as gaming, app development, and programming markets. Wilson’s message was clear, authenticity is everything.
“Gen Z expects honesty and purpose,” she told IAAF Conference delegates. “Influence today belongs to those who tell the most authentic story.”
Entering the Garage Den
The IAAF Conference closed with the first-ever running of the Garage Den. Embracing the growing garage membership, the final act saw leading workshop owners and industry figureheads invest their time and effort into pitched products and ideas from aftermarket businesses.
Making up the panel were Tina Drayson of CCM Garages, Matt Cleevely of Cleevely Group, Randeep Reehal of Courtwood Car Services, Gary Wood of Intelligent Auto, Tim Guidotti of Ferdotti Motor Services and The Fleet Guy, and Michael Shaikly of Shaikly Motor Services.
First up was Milwaukee Tools, who secured Matt Cleevely to work with their range of heated jackets. TechMan’s Chief Revenue Officer, Greg Johns, pitched the company’s garage management system with its developing AI receptionist interface, with Tina Drayson keen to help its development.
Delphi’s Country Director UK, Aliya Lam, delivered a compelling pitch centred on the brand’s ‘Make Some Noise’ campaign which is launching in 2026. This industry-wide movement will raise awareness on the importance of choosing quality products when it comes to braking components. Mick Shaikly stepped up to champion the cause.
Then it was the turn of Hella Gutmann’s UK Sales Manager, Riccardo Sorano, who demonstrated how the company’s mega macs S 20 enables workshops to carry out quick and efficient diagnostics on complex, cyber-secure vehicles. It piqued the interest of Gary Woods, who will be working with Hella Gutmann to take it further.
WAI’s pitch was delivered by Marc Roder, International Sales Director, with a detailed overview of the company’s three-phase EV cables. With his EV expertise, Matt Cleevely stepped up to champion the products.
Finally, William Jones, Sales Director at Cataclean, presented the company’s all-in-one engine and emissions system cleaner, showcasing its solution to answer the complex engine maintenance and emission challenges faced by technicians and drivers alike. Randeep Reehal was interested to take the brand forward with its development.
The results of these new partnerships will be showcased at the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event in June of this year, with journeys starting shortly after the close of the IAAF Conference.
Shaping the future
Delegates then retired to get ready as the IAAF Conference turned into its annual awards dinner, reflecting bot only the best companies and workshops in the independent aftermarket, but celebrating the success of the industry after another year of changes, challenges, and opportunities.
“This year’s conference and awards dinner have shown the very best of our industry,” comented IAAF chief executive Mark Field. “From the insight shared on stage to the incredible energy in the room that evening, it is clear that collaboration, passion and leadership run through every corner of the independent aftermarket. Together, we are not just ready for the future, we are shaping it.”
The 2025 programme reinforced that leadership in the aftermarket is not defined by title or role, but by daily actions and a shared commitment to supporting the sector’s long-term resilience and growth.
You must be logged in to post a comment.