Garage owners left to weigh up pros and cons of staying open

Garages given green light to remain open and supply chain stocked for those wishing to do so

Garage owners left to weigh up pros and cons of staying open
Image: Bigstock.

The UK’s independent garage owners are facing tough decisions in the weeks and months ahead as the UK’s lockdown continues.

It is has now been confirmed that MOT centres and garages can remain open during the UK’s lockdown to service the needs of blue light services, key workers and for individuals who rely on their vehicle to shop for basic necessities, for any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person and to travel to and from work where it cannot be done from home.

The UK’s automotive aftermarket supply chain is also exempt from forced government closure to ensure workshops have access to the parts and services required to operate.

Related: Garages, factors and suppliers can stay open, IAAF confirms

However it remains down to individual garage owners to evaluate their own position and capabilities.

A Garage Wire reader poll suggests that 72 per cent remain open but with the coronavirus situation changing daily, many are uncertain about how long that will be the case.

Hayley Pells of Avia Autos in Bridgend, which is currently open at reduced hours, is encouraging other garages to remain open to help support those requiring essential travel.

She recently welcomed customer, Mr Doyle, who waited at a safe distance for his car to be repaired.

Getting his car back on the road was particularly important for Mr Doyle, who’s in isolation but needs to attend regular chemotherapy appointments.

“We have to consider all aspects of the business”

Tim Benson of Oldfields Garage in Leominster is one the garage owners that has taken the tough decision to temporarily close during the lockdown.

He said: “After much deliberation and consideration, we have taken the decision to temporarily shut until further notice.

“Our plan was to stay open using special measures, but with updated and ongoing guidance we feel we aren’t able to do that as we would have hoped.

“Whilst we are classed as an essential service and specifically excluded from the business told to close, we have to consider all aspects of the business along with the escalating situation.

“We don’t want to let our loyal customers down but we have to consider the severity of the situation and the impact on our staff.”

Opinion: It’s a worrying time for garage owners with difficult decisions to be made

Aaron Phillips of Jackson & Phillips Automotive Services in Leighton Buzzard has now also closed his garage.

He said: “We have now decided the most responsible course of action to keep everyone safe is to close up temporarily and wait for all this to blow over.

“It’s a very worrying time with lots of difficult decisions to be made.

“I’ve been in touch with our county council and we will be receiving some support so fingers crossed we’ll be able to make up the difference when we re-open.”

Keep your comments and experiences coming in on how you’re dealing with the current situation. Comment below or email [email protected].

Home Page Forums Garage owners left to weigh up pros and cons of staying open

Viewing 2 posts - 26 through 27 (of 27 total)
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  • #193989 Reply
    Ken Lister
    Guest

    Our Mot station closed to general business on Friday 27th March following the DVSA announcement of the six month extension which decimated our business overnight .We are still offering an emergency MOT and limited repair service for NHS and essential services staff but not much call to date . So furlough and deferment of monthly’s with cost savings are the order of the day. We are planning for the future with clear PVC shielded counter area , chairs removed from waiting area and one person in reception at a time one of the many new procedures for the foreseeable future .How to manage courtesy cars in the future could be challenging as well.
    The government help over this period for SME garages is a little flaky to say the least however. Lets see if the chancellors castigation of the Banking Industry yesterday frees up the money supposedly available.
    One area to date the government help has failed small independent garages in is Rates Holiday – Franchise garages up to a certain size ,Car sales , car wash etc all get 12 months rates holiday ! Mot stations and garages not in the SBRR scheme pay full wack and the six months MOT extension has killed us Something is very wrong and unfair ! However happy days still alive and Healthy ! Stay safe !

    #194173 Reply
    Taz
    Guest

    Hi guys we are all feeling it I have 3 sites and have decided to shut all 3 although we are allowed to stay open but in line with the government advice thought was the right move too fight this thing although a lot remain open I’ve furlough 20 staff and hope I can recover there wages eventually I understand this is not easy for everyone to do and the mot extension should have been 3 months max we are going through it and am sure it’s make or break for some but let’s face it health is wealth stay safe guys!!

Viewing 2 posts - 26 through 27 (of 27 total)

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