The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has increased its lobbying capability and improved its support offering with the addition of 1,500 garages to IAAF membership status.
At last year’s IAAF Conference, the industry body announced plans to strengthen its representation of the broadest range of automotive aftermarket businesses, adding to its list of suppliers and developers by offering IAAF membership to independent garages across the UK.
Support requires IAAF Membership expansion
Since this move to recruit garages was announced, the Federation has enjoyed a 94% conversion rate across all garages spoken to, underlining its ambition to bring garages into IAAF membership and to bring the supply chain closer together. IAAF member packs and IAAF signage are now being distributed to garages across the UK.
“It is 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,” commented IAAF Chief Executive Mark Field.
“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 IAAF 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.
Automechanika Birmingham Garage Awards
The 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 commented.
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.
