December 2020

NEWS Independent garages offer best value for money MONTH 2017 AFTERMARKET 5 www.aftermarketonline.net Independent garages are offering motorists outstanding value for money, unrivalled by any other sector in the aftermarket, a new study by the IGA has found. The UK Independent Garage Labour Rate Study has been carried out by the IGA during the past twelve months to provide its members with a reference tool to establish whether their labour rate is comparable with other garages in their vicinity. The IGA has also developed a labour rate calculator to accompany the study, which will help members to review their costs and work out an approximate breakeven hourly rate. IGA Chief Executive Stuart James observed: “The study clearly shows that in many cases, independent garages have been absorbing the rising costs involved with running a garage business, rather than passing those increases on to their customers. “While this is great news for their customers, it is impacting on garage profit margins year-on- year, which in the long-term is not sustainable. In these difficult times, it is more important than ever for garages to build all ongoing costs into charging structures to future-proof their businesses.” He added: “A significant number of members have taken part in this study and feedback indicates that they will use this to review their charge out rates, so they can make a sustainable margin and continue to provide their vital services to local communities.” Hard copy of the study were sent to IGA members during November. Meanwhile, The IGA has also been shortlisted for the new COVID Champion Award at the 2021 Learning Awards, for the support they have given to garages throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Learning Awards is run by the Learning and Performance Institute (LPI), a professional body for those working in training. Other organisations up for the award, introduced this year to recognise organisations that having put in a sterling service over the course of the pandemic, include notable names like Kellogg’s, Lidl UK and AstraZeneca. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 18 February 2021. DECEMBER/JANUARY 20 1 AFTERMARKET 7 Follow us on Facebook @aftermarketmagazine Absolute Alignment stocks up Absolute Alignment has recently doubled its storage space for stock, increased staffing levels, and is preparing for the Brexit deadline on 31 December by increasing the number of wheel aligners that will be readily available to customers in early 2021. Commenting on their preparations, Absolute Alignment Technical Director Chris Dear said: “With demand still on the rise, we are increasing our stock levels to ensure we can deliver for all of our customers throughout the winter, including during the second wave of COVID-19 and amid the uncertainty that Brexit is likely to bring with it in January. Chris added: “As a company we have been taking on extra staff, while continuing to adapt the ways we work in order to protect our team and their families, and our customers. We have also been working hard to guarantee deliveries and installations for all garages requiring our services in all areas of the country, including Scotland and Wales.”