Transport Secretary told of challenges facing independent garages

Government support needed to ensure they can afford to remain open, adapt and thrive

Transport Secretary told of challenges facing independent garages
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The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has written to the new Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, highlighting the importance of the independent garage sector to the UK’s economy and the current issues facing the industry.

Stuart James, IGA chief executive said: “Independent garages carry out over 70 per cent of the UK’s service and maintenance work, sitting at the heart of communities and quietly providing key services that keep the UK’s vehicles roadworthy and roads safe.

“The automotive landscape is rapidly changing, and small garage businesses are facing a number of unique challenges which require the government’s support to ensure that they can afford to remain open, adapt and thrive.

Related: Vehicle technician salaries are increasing, IMI data shows

“We have briefed the secretary on issues currently affecting independent garages, including the rising cost of energy, the right for independent garages to access vehicle technical information so that consumers can choose where to take their car for servicing and repairs, and lack of apprentices and skilled people entering the sector.

“We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Department for Transport and representing the interests of the UK’s 35,000 independent garage businesses.”

3 Comments

  1. the colleges have failed to supply new staff

    have held on to the people for a few years and releaesed then to us with zero ability and we have to pay the going tate for no input from the new people

    Reply
  2. what about the mot price no rise in 13 years but 13 years ago dvsa supplied the it equipment and the paper there excuse is garages are discounting mot tests i have seen it £40 for mot with full service so they add £20 on the price of parts for service job done are they really happy to let britans road safty be used as a marketing tool

    Reply
  3. Ian Thank you for your comments, I totally agree, i have recently seen an advert for MOTs for £15-00, Yes £15-00 as we know this is an imposable task and just a marketing tool to obtain work by incorrectly failing vehicles incorrectly, and ie charging £15-00 to adjust each headlamp, a total of £30-00 for both, these garages need to recoup the loss from somewhere. THE MOT PRICE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

    Reply

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