June 2020

www.aftermarketonline.net JUNE 2020 AFTERMARKET 3 CONTENTS BUSINESS 8 Big issue: The view from the workshop 12 Adam Bernstein: Key information 14 Morris Lubricants 16 Andy Savva: Business planning 20 Digital Incubator 22 Top Technician and Top Garage 24 Furlough advice TECHNICAL 26 Frank Massey: Combustion 28 Kalimex: Life after lockdown IN FOCUS 32 Clutch and transmission 34 Garage management systems 36 Diagnostics PLUS... 39 Competition: Launch UK 40 Coronavirus round-up 42 Garage visit: Patcham Garage 44 Training update 46 Recruitment: New appointments 48 MEWA: Health and Safety 50 Teabreak DOMINANT ISSUE... Editor | Alex Wells alex@aftermarket.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 345 Contributors Adam Bernstein | Tina Chander | Frank Massey | Neil Pattemore | Andy Savva | Mike Shlup Commercial Director | Ryan Fuller ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Sales Executive | Hannah Rusbridge hannah@aftermarket.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 349 Operations Manager | Ewa Hodden ewa.hodden@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Project Liaison Manager | Emma Floyd emma.floyd@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Finance Manager | Clare Jackson clare.jackson@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Publishing Director | Ian Atkinson ian.atkinson@dfamedia.co.uk | +44 (0) 1732 370 340 Published by | DFA Media Ltd 192 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1BE Alex Wells, Editor Average net circulation July 2018 to June 2019 20,019 aftermarketmagazine @aftermarket01 ISSN 2516-9149 Aftermarket is published 10 times a year and is sent free of charge to applicants meeting the publisher’s criteria. All others may subscribe at £60 per anum, £120 Europe and £150 rest of the world. While every care is taken to provide accurate information, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or ommisions, no matter how caused. All rights reserved. No part of the publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior consent of the publisher. The views of contributors do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Copyright: DFA MEDIA LTD 2020. H ere we are, on what is now our third issue where COVID-19 is a dominant issue. It feels like it will be that way for a while. If you turn to page 50, you will find that even Arthur Parkit is in self- isolation, with only trash TV for company. Time…bends…and all that. Things get so strange, you wonder what reality is. Truth be told, at this point we probably all feel a bit like we have incurred the ire of some semi-corrupt local sheriff, which has undeservingly landed us in the Coronavirus County Jail for a spell. That said, if his dozy deputy leaves the door ajar, maybe we can sneak out and make a break for Baton Rouge. This would be a mistake though. This isn’t the Dukes of Hazzard, and the threat posed by COVID-19 is very real, so we have to sit here and play our harmonica, or bake cakes, or learn French, again. Seriously though, as we went to press, government messaging had shifted, and encouraged a return to work. In this sector, many businesses have continued to function, albeit in a limited way. After all, keyworkers needed to get to work. With the advice pivot also suggesting that workers should shun public transport in favour of walking, cycling or in most cases, driving, garages will become even more essential to the process of getting the country moving again. With this in mind, we have a lot of relevant content. On pages 8-11, Big Issue continues to look at what garages are doing to in this situation, while on page12 Adam Bernstein concludes his look at key information for employers. Morris Lubricants have gone big on hand sanitiser as you might expect, and we look at why and how on page 14. Meanwhile, on page 20, we talk to marketing agency Digital Incubator about how their clients are dealing with Coronavirus. If you want to know more about the furlough, we have an in-depth look at the legalities on pages 24-25. Kalimex has a special look at how additives and liquid tools can help your business going forward. That’s on pages 28-29. Finally, our Coronavirus round-up, looking at all the recent events and announcements, is on pages 40-41. As you would expect, COVID-19 is also mentioned in many other articles, but the focus is looking to make the most of your abilities as vehicles start moving again. On pages 26-27, Frank Massey is beginning a two-part look at combustion issues. On the business side, Andy Savva is starting a series on business planning. That’s on pages 16-18. If that’s not enough for you, we also have fab features on clutch and transmission, garage management systems and diagnostic tools. There is a lot to consider going forward. There are financial risks if people don’t go back to work soon, but health risks if they go back too soon. Specifically for our sector, the MOT extension risks pulling money out of businesses now, and then flooding them with too much work next year. Parts supplies are also a concern, with even Euro Car Parts having to take to Twitter to explain delays to its customers. If we thought 2020 was going to be doddle, we were way off. However, we will keep on top of all this for you, and make sure you are always properly informed. After all, it’s not like we are going to run out of paper...