LKQ Euro Car Parts runs an annual Branch Manager Conference. For 2024, at the NEC Hilton Metropole in February, the company brought together the entire of LKQ UK & Ireland for the first time, including LKQ Euro Car Parts, LKQ Bodyshop, LKQ Leisure & Marine, along with Diagraph, the LCV business it bought in July 2023. Across the two days, 800 staff members, suppliers and garage owners filled the conference rooms, in order to find out more about what plans the business has over the next few years. A little star power was also applied in the form of F1 legend David Coulthard and F1 strategist and commentator Bernie Collins. Presentations covered a mixture of big-picture strategy, along with the broad support the business continues to offer the aftermarket, including training via LKQ Academy, the transition to EVs and hybrids as well as regulatory affairs including around the MOT consultation and Block Exemption. There was also time to cover the company’s 54 AFTERMARKET APRIL 2024 ON THE ROAD www.aftermarketonline.net LKQ Euro Car Parts is looking towards the future, and the roadmap was laid out at its 2024 Branch Manager Conference ongoing charity work. The event also included a sizeable trade fair made up of key ECP suppliers, including Hella, Shell, Varta, Pagid, Brembo, Valeo, Mann, Bosch, MEYLE, Ring, Schaeffler, Hidria and many more. Outstanding performance Proceedings began in the main hall with a video scenesetter from the new head of LKQ Europe Andy Hamilton and the recently appointed Chief Executive of LKQ UK & Ireland Kevan Wooden, who then took to the stage in person. “2023 was a continuation of our outstanding performance over the last five years,” he said. We have had some great sales growth this year. We are in a good place. January was a record month for us.” Referring to 2023 wins at the IAAF Awards, the UK Fleet Champions Awards and the IMI Awards, he said: “We won the three main awards last year, as a result of the support we provide to the industry, and outside the industry.” He added: “We are going to sustainably grow in 2024, A MIGHTY TREE... Above: LKQ UK & Ireland CFO Andy Southby
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