Garage survey reveals effects of six-month MOT exemption

Vast majority saw business decrease, almost half used furlough but half were left confused over government’s super deduction capital allowance

Garage survey reveals effects of six-month MOT exemption
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A survey of independent garages has revealed the effects of last year’s six-month MOT exemption.

Some seventy-four per cent of garages saw business decrease in April 2021, according to the survey by Impression Communications.

It also revealed that 48 per cent of garages had accessed the job retention scheme (furlough) in April, and 51 per cent of respondents were unaware of how the government’s super deduction capital allowance could work for their business.

Looking ahead, 51 per cent of garages were “optimistic” about the future and 60 per cent of garages expected staff levels within their garage to stay the same over the next six months.

Related: Petition calls for industry support and action plan to correct ongoing effects of last year’s six-month MOT exemption

On the subject of apprentices and the skills shortage, only 37 per cent of garages currently employed apprentices.

Finally, the survey asked about electric vehicles and attitudes towards the vehicle type.

Twenty-five per cent of garages were currently trained on how to service and repair electric vehicles and a further 53 per cent of garages were interested in embracing training on EVs.

Mark Field, Impression director, said: “Without question the automotive aftermarket supply chain has performed admirably throughout the pandemic, but the effects of the MOT extension have had widespread and far-reaching consequences.

Related: One in five car owners never check engine oil, research finds

“Positively and with support, independent garages are ready and willing to train and develop their business capabilities in order to embrace future opportunities in vehicle repair and maintenance, digitalisation and effective communication with motorists.”

The research aimed to look at the consequences of the MOT extension, first announced at the height of the pandemic in 2020, and the subsequent effects on business.

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Home Page Forums Garage survey reveals effects of six-month MOT exemption

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  • #214012 Reply

    A survey of independent garages has revealed the effects of last year’s six-month MOT exemption. Some seventy-four per cent of garages saw business de
    [See the full post at: Garage survey reveals effects of six-month MOT exemption]

    #214020 Reply
    Stephen Carter
    Guest

    I must admit the extension has certainly helped my December turnover with the June mot’s coming in.

    #214022 Reply
    graham cox
    Guest

    who conducts thease surveys ??????
    in our area there are no apprentices available ,zero skilled staff to employ and no interest at all in electric cars because we all know they are not the answer !!!!

    #214024 Reply
    Shashi Chandarana
    Guest

    Hi all.
    Why is that cannot find suitable technicians ?
    Diagnosis trained ?
    Having difficulty find staff.
    Any tips or ideas.

    #214025 Reply
    bill
    Guest

    i was thinking the same graham , no work no apprentice and no ev training ,mots are very rare .the surveyor must have missed our garage . no help from government ,the workshop floors are well swept though crazy world

    #214029 Reply
    Dougal
    Guest

    “Without question the automotive aftermarket supply chain has performed admirably throughout the pandemic, but the effects of the MOT extension have had widespread and far-reaching consequences.

    I can’t argue with the first part of his conclusion but I fear the second part is a pipe dream.

    #214026 Reply
    Brian Waite
    Guest

    I currently have two apprentices, one nearly qualified and the other just through his first year. Trying to employ a suitable qualified tech has been a nightmare, we have used employment agencies but the quality of candidate is woeful. I wonder if a lot of techs are on furlough but doing guvvies or other work and making more than they could in a garage.

    MOT’s May to June last year were dead then it started to pick back up again and so far this is being repeated again at my garage. I agree with most that the Government need to sort out the seasonal work that has been created due to Covid…..how they go about it seems to be the crunch though. Would the Government risk upsetting the majority for the sake of the small Indy Garage, I can’t see it.

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

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