The second industry briefing of the year, hosted by the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), took place at the cutting-edge premises of The Turbo Guy in Glasgow on Thursday, 17 May, with a strong attendance.
Members were welcomed by managing director of The Turbo Guy Allan Mitchell, before IAAF membership development manager Mike Smallbone updated members on the latest industry developments including Type Approval legislation and the ongoing fight for equal access to in-vehicle data and resources, where IAAF has recently voiced its support for a manifesto urging the EU Commission to “act now” for fair digitalisation opportunities.
Smallbone also brought to delegates’ attention the IAAF’s latest news and planned activity for the rest of the year, which included the announcement that its Annual Conference and Awards Dinner 2018 will return to DoubleTree by Hilton in Milton Keynes on Thursday, 6 December 2018, one of the annual highlights on the IAAF calendar.
There was also news of 2018’s Golf Challenge, held in aid of BEN, to take place at two venues, the first on 10 July at Worsley Park, Manchester, and the Midlands event taking place on 15 August at The Abbey Hotel & Golf Course, Redditch, Worcestershire.
With the IAAF also appearing on stand at Automechanika Birmingham next month to promote its Right2Choose campaign, 2018 is building up to be a busy, productive year for the federation.
Guest speaker Nona Bowkis from Lawgistics, who gave a presentation on General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at the last session in Coventry, was again in attendance to raise awareness and remind members of the importance of being ‘GDPR ready’ when the new legislation comes into effect on 25 May.
Mike Smallbone updated Glasgow attendees on the changes around the corner for both the aftermarket and motorists alike, addressing the threats to the aftermarket and what the future holds.
To wrap up proceedings, members were given a tour of The Turbo Guy’s impressive manufacturing facility based on Shawbridge Industrial Estate to the south of the city, where the company has heavily invested in the latest VSR and VNT flow equipment for the benefit of its wide aftermarket customer base across Scotland and the UK.
IAAF membership development manager Mike Smallbone said: “With such pivotal issues that are currently ongoing, with each outcome to affect the industry for years to come – such as GDPR, Type Approval, access to in-vehicle data and hybrid electric vehicle technology – it’s so important that the aftermarket is kept abreast of these major developments.
“Our industry briefing sessions enable this, so the more businesses that join the IAAF, the more that will benefit from it.
“The Glasgow session has been fantastic, and what better backdrop to hold it in than The Turbo Guy’s impressive facilities.
“We’d like to say a big thank you to Allan and his team for welcoming us.”
The session then finished at 1.15 pm with lunch, where delegates had the opportunity to network with fellow members.
Watch out for the next date and location to be announced soon.
For further information about the IAAF click ‘more details’ below.