October 2019

OCTOBER 2019 AFTERMARKET 5 www.aftermarketonline.net Top Technician and Top Garage 2020 have launched. Top Technician 2020’s first round opens on 1 October. Those wishing to take part should go to the new online home for Top Technician, which can be found by clicking on the Top Technician tab on the Aftermarket website homepage; www.aftermarketonline.net Top Garage 2020 will open on 1 November. The competitions have already secured the backing of three headline sponsors; Snap-on, VARTA and TechMan. Commenting on Snap-on’s continuing involvement, Tristain Hindle, National Sales Manager, commented: “Snap-on is delighted to be once more working with the team behind Top Technician and Top Garage as a sponsor for the 2020 competitions. These events show how vital it is for businesses and individuals within the automotive sector to be continually learning and developing their skills and keeping up to date with the latest challenges. “Essential to us at Snap-on is technicians being able to do their jobs to the best of their abilities, which is why we strongly believe in the importance of training. The automotive industry is constantly changing so our commitment is to continually enhance and improve our products to make sure we remain at the forefront of development.” Tristain added: “Our firm belief is in helping technicians be the best they can be by maximising their own potential and aligning that with getting the most out of their equipment.” Clarios is the global battery manufacturer behind the VARTA brand. John Rawlins, Marketing Manager at Clarios commented: “The VARTA team are thrilled to be working with Top Technician and Top Garage in 2020. As battery replacements become more complex and more time consuming, VARTA aim to help workshops and technicians be prepared for these types of challenging jobs. Through the partnership with Top Technician and Top Garage, VARTA is looking forward to working with some of the very best mechanics and businesses in the UK, whilst also helping the wider market understand the latest battery developments and provide best practice recommendations.” TechMan was the third headline sponsor to sign up. The company also agreed to host the finals for the competitions at their premises on Saturday 20 June. TechMan Director Terry Dorney said: “TechMan are extremely proud to be asked by Aftermarket to be the new host for the finals at In Town Automotive, Northampton. “Having been involved for the past two years of the event, it’s clear to us that these awards are viewed by technicians and garages as extremely prestigious and certainly seem the most rigorous competitions to win. We view our involvement in the awards as our way of giving back to the industry and supporting everyone in learning how to improve their business or personal goals. We wish every entrant the best of luck and we will no doubt see you along the way.” Top Technician 2020 and Top Garage 2020 are sponsored by Snap-on, VARTA and TechMan and come to you in association with ABC Awards, Auto iQ, the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and the Independent Garage Association (IGA). For more information on Top Technician and Top Garage 2020 turn to page 32. Kent mechanic in court for fake MOTs A Kent mechanic is believed to have made up to £10,000 in less than three months by issuing fraudulent MOT certificates for 66 cars, a court has heard. Between February and April 2018, 23-year old Harry Purdie from Tonbridge allegedly provided MOT certificates in the name of T5 R Us, a garage based in Sittingbourne where he used to work. As reported by Kent Online, Harry Purdie was earlier employed at the garage for a month, but was dismissed. Prosecuting, Barney Nickalls said Harry Purdie made the certificates "for personal financial gain and loss to the garage. He added: "If you're not inspecting the vehicles you could potentially have a number of vehicles on the road that are dangerous and may cause significant injury to members of the public." Medway Magistrates' Court heard that if the charges are true, the loss of earnings for garage owner Paul Reader amount to around £150 per MOT. The defence for Harry Purdie made no submissions, who withheld his plea. He was released on bail and is due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on 15 October. Sponsored by: Top Technician and Top Garage 2020 launch