The Garage 362

The 

Supporting the Independent Garage and MOT sector 

Issue 362 

May 2024 

PACKED WITH 

ALL THE LATEST 

GARAGE AND 

WORKSHOP 

NEWS, EVENTS 

& FEATURES 

5-6 June 2024, NEC 

Training | Tools | Technology 

FREE 

PARKING AND 

BREAKFAST 

for all garages 

More than 

5000 

visitors 

200 

suppliers 

FREE TICKETS 

AVAILABLE 

Scan the QR code 

NEW FEATURES: 

Workshop 

Training 

Hub 

EV Training 

Hub 

Modern 

Garage 

Student 

programme 

2024 exhibitors include 

The Motor Ombudsman 

launches fifth annual Star 

Awards competition 

HELLA Academy officially opens 

with IMI approval presentation 

The future’s electric! 

By Onkar Chahal 

Please visit our website - www.garageandmot.com 

1 Front V1.indd 1 30/04/2024 17:15

Castrol Magnatec FP .indd 1 30/04/2024 14:00



Issue 362 

May 2024 

Welcome to the latest issue of The Garage. 

This issue includes our feature on the UK 

Garage & Bodyshop Event 2024, which is 

just around the corner. 

It’s the UK’s biggest automotive show, 

featuring over 180 suppliers over two days 

at the NEC, if you’ve never visited before 

then make sure you don’t miss out this year. 

Not only will you see the latest tools and 

technology, but you have access to over 

80 training sessions, demonstrations and 

interactive features. 

We’ll be there, so please come over and say 

hello. You can find us on stand J72 along with 

Car Mechanics magazine. You can also meet 

our regular contributor Onkar Chahal, who this 

year is exhibiting his own business, Arlington 

Subscribe to 

The Garage 

Contact us 

Automotive Training, I know he’s looking forward 

to meeting his regular readers. 

You can find our regular news and features 

inside, including The Motor Ombudsman, who 

have launched their fifth Star Awards, which 

gets bigger every year. Head over to page 10 for 

more information. 

Enjoy the magazine. 

To ensure you receive a printed copy of The Garage 

every issue, visit our website and input your details. 

Don’t forget the magazine is FREE to receive. 

www.garageandmot.com 

Editor 

Paul Gregory 

paul.gregory@ppmedia.co.uk 

Design & Layout 

Mark Blacker 

mark.blacker@ppmedia.co.uk 

Advertising Manager 

Nat Excell 

Natalie@talk-media.uk 

Telephone: 01732 445674 

/ 07791 094967 

Paul Gregory Editor 

paul.gregory@ppmedia.co.uk 

The Garage is published by: 

Partnership Publishing Limited 

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Website: www.garageandmot.com 

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Every care is taken over the accuracy of material in The Garage but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Views and 

opinions of contributors, advertisers and interviewees to The Garage are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for such 

contributions. 


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3 Welcome.indd 1 30/04/2024 14:45

CONTENTS 

Inside 

News and Products 

6. Castrol launches refreshed POWER1 motorcycle lubricant - 

Castrol has refreshed its core POWER1 motorcycle and 

scooter lubricant range with a new 3-in-1 FORMULA, distinctive 

new labels, and updated packaging aimed at better suiting the 

needs of workshops and consumers. 

8. Alpine And Chicane - become latest names to partner with 

Masters Of Motoring 2024. 

9. HELLA rolls-out Tesla and BMW lights into aftermarket - 

HELLA has unveiled a new range of OE quality Tesla and BMW 

light units for the automotive aftermarket. 

10. The Motor Ombudsman launches fifth annual Star Awards 

- inviting nominations from consumers for the fifth edition of 

its Star Awards. 

12. Onkar Chahal - The future is electric. 

14. HELLA Academy officially opens with IMI approval 

presentation - HELLA’s brand new training facility HELLA 

Academy was officially opened on Wednesday 17 April 

in a ceremony that also saw the facility formally receive 

Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) approval. 

18. Motor Trades Vacancies: 3,000 automotive jobs still need to 

be filled - The latest monthly analysis of ONS data by the 

Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) shows that Motor Trades[1] 

employers continue to struggle to recruit. 

Feature 

21-31. UK GARAGE & BODYSHOP EVENT 2024 

The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event returns for its second edition at the NEC in June 2024. 

Bringing together 180+ leading suppliers with 5,000 garage, bodyshop and vehicle detailing 

professionals, the 2-day event will host an interactive exhibition, live demonstrations, workshops 

and panel discussions with leading industry experts. 

People 

34. People stories and movements from around your industry 

Your data 

The Garage is published by Partnership Publishing and is produced 12 times a year. Your data and privacy is important to us. We would never give this 

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company and address to paul.gregory@ppmedia.co.uk 

4 THE GARAGE 

4 Contents.indd 1 30/04/2024 17:13

ADVERTISEMENTFEATURE 

BILSTEIN 

extends their 

B6 Camper 

product range by 

a popular base vehicle 

Shock absorber upgrade also possible for 

motorhomes based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 

The booming camping market is opening up profitable additional business 

for workshops – especially as the OE suspension quickly reaches its 

limits with fully loaded motorhomes and camper vans. Many campers 

complain about lacking ride comfort, poor stability in bends or annoying noise 

on long holiday trips. BILSTEIN has developed the special B6 Camper shock 

absorbers that noticeably improve the ride comfort and safety of motorhomes 

and camper vans. This upgrade is also possible for motorhomes based on the 

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: the shock absorber expert BILSTEIN supplements 

their Camper product range by specially adjusted dampers for the Sprinter 

series 906, 907 and 910, covering another popular base vehicle for semiintegrated 

motorhomes and camper vans. 

More damping force for safety and comfort 

The BILSTEIN B6 Camper high-performance shock absorbers significantly 

improve handling of the van suspension, which originally had been designed 

for different loads. To this end, the damping properties were extensively 

adjusted to the parameters of motorhomes in road tests on the premises of 

ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg. These are usually packed to the payload 

limit, have a higher centre of gravity and other protrusions or wheel bases. 

When using special dampers, the optimum grip results in increased safety in 

crosswinds and bends as well as a more intense driving experience due to high 

traction and precise handling. At the same time, campers can look forward to 

a more comfortable driving experience after a shock absorber upgrade: The 

reduction of driving noise through better damping contributes to this just as 

much as the optimised rolling behaviour on cobblestones and at level crossings. 

Additional business with the BILSTEIN B6 Camper 

The new product line launched in 2022 was previously available for 

motorhomes based on the Fiat Ducato (from model year 2006) and identical 

vehicles from Citroën, Peugeot and Vaushall/Opel. BILSTEIN’s extended 

product range for more recent Sprinters from model series 906 to 910 with 

front-wheel drive offers workshops the opportunity for even more additional 

business. The BILSTEIN Camper shock absorbers can be installed easily and 

are not required to register by vehicle professionals at a reasonable price. 

The installation effort is the same as for conventional shock absorbers. 

BILSTEIN, the shock absorber expert, supports workshops that want to prepare 

themselves for Camper customers with special training sessions. 

www.bilstein.com 

www.facebook.com/bilstein.de 

www.instagram.com/bilstein 

www.youtube.com/bilsteinde 

Product benefits at a glance 

● Safety plus in crosswinds and in curves due to optimum road grip 

● More intense driving experience through high traction and precise handling 

● Individually tuned in the BILSTEIN driving test 

● No additional spring change necessary 

● Not required to register 

5, Bilstein Advertorial.indd 1 30/04/2024 10:41

NEWS 

Castrol launches 

refreshed POWER1 

motorcycle lubricant 

range with new 

3-in-1 FORMULA 

Castrol has refreshed its core POWER1 motorcycle and scooter 

lubricant range with a new 3-in-1 FORMULA, distinctive new 

labels, and updated packaging aimed at better suiting the 

needs of workshops and consumers. 

The refreshed POWER1 lubricant range supports a diverse 

array of uses for motorcycles and scooters. Castrol 

POWER1’s new 3-in-1 FORMULA is engineered to perform 

across three critical areas: excellent power and acceleration, 

excellent protection, and smooth riding. 

In benchmark acceleration tests during the product’s 

development, motorcycles using Castrol POWER1 could travel 

eight metres further than motorcycles using a generic market oil 

for bikes and scooters1. In addition, Castrol POWER1 was found to 

provide 50% better wear protection versus industry limits2, and 

it enabled smooth acceleration without any slips or judders3. 

Besides the new formulation, packaging for the Castrol 

POWER1 range now features Castrol’s refreshed brand identity 

that was launched in 2023. It also includes customer-centric 

labelling aimed at helping consumers easily locate the right 

product for their motorcycle or scooter. 

The packaging for Castrol’s small pack product range in 

Europe has been updated to use less plastic. The company’s new 

five-litre bottle uses 20% less plastic compared to the previous 

five-litre bottle4, one of the best-selling products in the Castrol 

range5. It is expected that these measures will help to save 

1,000 tonnes of plastic use in Europe on an annual basis when 

compared to previous small bottle designs and aggregated across 

the full bottle range6. These new bottles were introduced in 

several of Castrol’s key international markets, including India and 

China in 2019, which meant 4,000 tonnes of plastic were saved 

compared to the previous small bottle designs6. 

The introduction of the newly designed bottles is part of 

Castrol’s delivery of its PATH360 sustainability strategy7 that sets 

out aims to help save waste, reduce carbon and improve lives. 

Castrol is the world’s number-one selling lubricant brand for 

two-wheelers8 and is trusted by MotoGP teams Aprilia and LCR 

Honda. 

6 THE GARAGE 

6, News Castrol.indd 1 30/04/2024 10:31

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NEWS 

Alpine and Chicane 

become latest names to partner 

with Masters of Motoring 2024 

● Renault’s Sports Car brand comes on board for 

Masters Weekend 

● Automotive marketing experts, Chicane become 

name partner for VIP Area 

Masters of Motoring 2024 presented by Footman James, 

which is being staged over the weekend of the 1stand 2nd 

of June at Castle Combe Race Circuit and Bowood House 

& Gardens continues to attract leading automotive brands for the 

event. 

The latest to join the ranks is Alpine, the sports car arm of Renault. 

The brand (www.alpine-cars.co.uk), nowadays seen in the both the 

Formula One and World Endurance Championships, is expanding its 

range and reach. Visitors to Masters of Motoring will be able to get 

up close and personal with examples of the pretty Alpine A110 range. 

The French machine, which is a modern interpretation of the famous 

A110 of the 60s and 70s which gained a huge reputation in rallying 

and has been lauded as one of the best small sportscars in the world 

by media and owners alike. 

Joining Alpine at this year’s event will be award-winning 

automotive marketing company Chicane (www.chicane.marketing), 

which celebrates its 25th birthday in 2024. Chicane specialises 

in Automotive PR and Marketing, and is putting its name and 

branding to the event’s VIP hospitality area as part of its anniversary 

celebrations. The Chicane VIP Hospitality Area will be a feature, not 

only of Masters of Motoring, but also of the Great British Motor Show 

signature events at Harewood House later in June and Derbyshire’s 

famous Chatsworth House as well as Arley Hall in Cheshire, and 

Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire over the course of the Summer. 

Chicane will host a variety of media and automotive industry guests 

at each event. 

“We are delighted that Alpine has decided to be part of Masters 

of Motoring presented by Footman James. It is a truly global brand 

that really resonates with anyone with an interest in cars,” enthuses 

Masters of Motoring Event Director, Steve Bishop.” I am also looking 

forward very much to seeing the Chicane VIP Hospitality Areas at our 

top events this year. This is our second year of working with them, 

and we are delighted that they have chosen to invest in the event to 

help celebrate their 25th Birthday. We look forward, very much, to 

welcoming both companies into the Masters of Motoring fold.” 

The Masters of Motoring organisers are also pleased to announce 

that the Masters website has been further upgraded, in the runup 

to the event and for the future. The event website, in its latest 

incarnation, has a familiar feel to it, but is intended to be easier 

to use, should offer faster access and will allow greater flexibility 

to adapt to the changing and expanding needs of the event as it 

develops and moves forward. The website URL remains the same: 

www.mastersofmotoring.com 

Masters of Motoring presented by Footman James is a two-day 

lifestyle motoring event over the weekend of June 1st and 2nd2024. 

With its mix of track acton at Castle Combe, and Concours at 

Bowood House & Gardens, Masters of Motoring is rapdily evolving as 

one of the key Supercar Events of the year. 

The Saturday is a track-based action day staged at Castle Combe 

Race Circuit in Wiltshire, which is already set to feature a large 

and exciting selection of historic race and rally cars, classic and 

supercars. This will be followed by a VIP Concours-style event on 

Sunday at nearby Bowood House & Gardens. The impressive Wiltshire 

estate, with its spectacular stately home and beautiful gardens will 

form a wonderful backdrop to Masters’ classic and modern exotica, 

as well as marque and car anniversary displays. The weekend will also 

feature a selection of social events for both participants and visitors. 

The demand for both tickets and participant spaces continues 

to be strong. The “Early Bird” offers, which offer a £10 per head 

price reduction for the 1st June Track Action Day at Castle Combe 

Race Circuit and an £8 per head reduction for the Concours Day at 

Bowood House & Gardens, are proving popular, and will run until the 

end of April. 

COMPETITION TICKET OFFER 

The organisers have a number of VIP day and weekend tickets 

available to media for use in reader/listener/viewer competitions. 

Please contact Simon Maurice at our press office for more details! 

For information on any aspects of Masters of Motoring, please 

contact Steve Bishop:steve@greatbritishmotorshows.com 

For further information and for details and registering for 

Masters of Motoring: www.mastersofmotoring.com 

For media accreditation, as well as further media information 

and imagery, please contact Simon Maurice: +44 (0)7771 597961 

or email: simon@chicane.marketing 

8 THE GARAGE 

8, News Alpine and Chicane.indd 1 30/04/2024 13:43

HELLA rolls-out 

Tesla and BMW lights 

into aftermarket 

HELLA has unveiled a 

new range of OE quality 

Tesla and BMW light 

units for the automotive 

aftermarket. 

NEWS 

Fleet Assist 

launches new 

garage certification 

programme 

● New certification sets the 

benchmark for high achieving garages 

across the UK 

● Network currently services the 

needs of over 40 leasing companies 

running over 1.3m vehicles 

Inner and outer sections of Tesla’s 

Model 3 and Model Y LED rear light 

are now available. For BMW’s 3 Series, 

HELLA supplies both the standard LED 

headlight unit and the matrix headlight 

upgrade which facilitates adaptive 

functions, such as ‘cornering light’ and 

‘BMW Selective Beam’. 

“These lights are produced in series 

with their OE counterparts at the same 

factory,” said Dave Clark, Product 

Manager at HELLA. “We also apply the 

same elaborate testing procedures. In 

short, it means you’re replacing like-forlike 

without compromise on quality or 

ease of fitment.” 

It comes as part of HELLA’s continual 

development of vehicle specific lighting to 

meet market demand. HELLA’s OE quality 

Tesla rear light complete unit 

BMW 3 Series 

lights ensure that workshops have access 

to lighting units which maintain the highest 

standards of performance and fitment. 

“This latest roll-out is an excellent 

example of HELLA’s development 

programme which ensures the supply of 

OE quality lights for the most popular cars 

on our roads,” said Dave. “Take the Tesla 

Model Y, it was the fifth best-selling car in 

the UK last year.” 

Workshops can easily access HELLA’s full 

range of vehicle-specific lighting, including 

part numbers, installation instructions, 

and safety data sheets, by visiting the 

TecDoc online catalogue at: 

https://web.tecalliance.net/hella/en/ 

home?sessionArticleCountry=GB&session 

TargetCountry=GB 

Fleet Assist has launched an exciting new 

garage certification programme for its 

network which totals over 5,200 garages, 

plus 380 mobile units. 

The certification provides evidence 

that the garage is part of Fleet Assist’s 

annual audit to capture its services and 

capabilities. This includes checks such as 

facilities, technician capability, including 

EVs, and many other relevant parameters. 

The distribution of the certificates to 

garages has started in April 2024 and 

are renewed annually for as long as they 

continue to be part of the network. 

Fleet Assist is encouraging garages to 

display this with pride alongside other 

certificates of professional competency 

as it provides customers with a visible 

reference the garage is part of its 

network that is subject to ongoing 

monitoring of its capabilities and 

operational delivery. 

The Fleet Assist network is currently 

trusted by over 40 leasing companies 

to provide a range of SMR services to 

a combined fleet of over 1.3 million 

cars and vans that are on contract hire, 

rental, on salary sacrifice or subscription 

services. 

“Our new certification programme 

aims to provide the benchmark for high 

achieving garages across the UK and 

ultimately provide peace of mind for 

drivers that their vehicle is being worked 

on by one of the UK’s leading SMR 

suppliers,” explained Nikos Kotrozos, 

Fleet Assist’s supply chain director. 

“Our leasing customers and their 

customers in turn have responded very 

favourably to this certification initiative,” 

he added. 

THE GARAGE 9 

9, News Hella and Fleet Assist.indd 1 30/04/2024 14:24

NEWS 

The Motor Ombudsman launches fifth 

annual Star Awards competition to find 

the next trophy winners across the UK 

The Motor Ombudsman has launched the fifth edition of its 

annual Star Awards, which recognises Motor Ombudsmanaccredited 

businesses, and individual members of staff working 

within these organisations, who have gone above and beyond 

the call of duty in the eyes of customers. 

Consumers are invited to submit a short online account 

via The Motor Ombudsman’s dedicated Awards portal 

(TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Awards) up until mid-October to 

explain how their nominee went the extra mile to assist them. 

The Motor Ombudsman has partnered for the second 

consecutive year with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute 

(CTSI)’s prestigious annual Hero Awards to present the contest’s 

top prize, the National Garage Star Award, at the Houses of 

Parliament in Westminster. 

The Motor Ombudsman is pleased to announce that it is 

inviting nominations from consumers for the fifth edition of 

its Star Awards. The annual competition, launched in 2020, 

celebrates excellence in customer service delivered by Motor 

Ombudsman-accredited businesses across the UK, and individual 

team members working within these organisations. 

The Star Awards are made up of the Garage Star Awards – 

for independent garages, franchise dealers, and body repair 

centres, and the Customer Service Star Awards – for vehicle 

manufacturers and warranty providers. Customers are able to 

enter their submissions via The Motor Ombudsman’s dedicated 

online Awards portal (TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Awards) up 

until 18th October, 2024. These are short accounts detailing 

how an employee or a business belonging to one of The Motor 

Ombudsman’s four Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)- 

approved Motor Industry Codes of Practice, went the extra mile 

10 THE GARAGE 

B 

10, News TMO Star Awards.indd 1 30/04/2024 10:44

From the customer nominations submitted in this year’s 

contest, a shortlist of three names for each of the eight Garage 

Star Award regions, and the two Customer Service Star Awards, 

for vehicle manufacturers and warranty providers respectively, 

will be drawn up by The Motor Ombudsman, and passed to a 

judging panel made up of consumer and automotive industry 

experts. Based on a pre-defined set of criteria, they will 

then be tasked with reaching a joint consensus to crown the 

ten different winners of 2024, and agree on the two highly 

commended entries for each of the categories. 

From this year’s group of regional Garage Star Award winners 

– a remarkable achievement in itself, judges will then be asked 

to reconvene to select the recipient of the highest honour of 

the competition – the coveted National Garage Star Award. 

In 2023, the top prize was bestowed to an individual team 

member for the first time, after two independent garages and a 

franchise dealership previously lifted the trophy. 

Following the successful debut of the partnership between 

The Motor Ombudsman and the Chartered Trading Standards 

Institute (CTSI)’s coveted Hero Awards in 2023, the National 

Garage Star Award trophy will be presented in-person to the 

winner for the second consecutive year in the prestigious 

surroundings of the Houses of Parliament in London’s 

Westminster. The chosen business or individual team member 

will also be the recipient of £2,000 worth of shopping 

vouchers, as well as valuable marketing exposure, including a 

bespoke video filmed at the winner’s premises. 

from their perspective, and surpassed what would ordinarily be 

expected of them in their day-to-day role. 

More than 6,500 nominations illustrating examples of 

remarkable acts of kindness and generosity have been 

submitted in the contest to date, highlighting the high 

standards of service delivered by Motor Ombudsmanaccredited 

businesses and their teams across the country, 

in relation to a vehicle repair, the purchase of a car, or when 

making a claim under a warranty. 

Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of 

The Motor Ombudsman, said: “We are excited to be launching 

the fifth edition of our Star Awards, and to shine the spotlight 

once again on Motor Ombudsman-accredited businesses 

and individuals across the country, who have gone above 

and beyond the call of duty to help their customers when it 

mattered most.” 

Bill added: “During the past four years, it has been positive 

to see the competition growing in profile – accolades that 

today provide a unique platform to showcase outstanding 

achievements, and inspire others to strive for excellence in the 

work that they do. We look forward to seeing this year’s entries, 

and naming the winners for 2024 in a few months’ time.” 

For more information about The Motor Ombudsman’s Star 

Awards, visit: www.TheMotorOmbudsman.org/Awards 

Bowmonk & Tapley have for decades been the 

most recognised and trusted name in portable 

brake testers and garage equipment. 

The Bowmonk BrakeCheck is the electronic 

version that carries on from that pedigree. 

BrakeCheck is DVSA approved for all classes of 

vehicle and it records braking efficiency and 

percentage of braking imbalance. 

• Portable & easy to use 

• No connections to vehicle required 

• GEA MTS Connected Approved (Upgrade Available) 

• DVSA approved for all classes of vehicle 

• Print results to optional portable wireless printer 

• Approved for 6-weekly checks 

• Download results to PC (optional software required) 

• Approved for quarterly brake test requirements 

• Records braking efficiency and percentage of braking imbalance 

Bowmonk Ltd, Diamond Road, Norwich, NR6 6AW T: +44 (0)1603 485 153 E: info@bowmonk.com www.bowmonk.com 

10, News TMO Star Awards.indd 2 30/04/2024 10:44

ONKAR CHAHAL 

The future’s 

electric! 

As a very young and impressionable schoolboy 

I bought my first car magazine at the age of 

about 10/11. It was called Fast Lane and had 

an Aston Martin Vantage on the cover which 

looked absolutely amazing to me, so I bought 

it. A few years later I bought another magazine 

due to the cover picture, this time it was for a 

road test of the new BMW E28 M5. 

I’ve been buying car magazines ever since and there are four 

manufacturers which have helped shape my journey more than 

any other. 

Aston Martin. Maserati. Jaguar. BMW. I am a huge Aston Martin 

fan, they can’t do much wrong in my opinion (although the 80’s 

Zagato came close!) 

Maserati Quattroporte anyone? 

Does anything ride as well as a Jaguar? 

That M5 just made me respect the brand so much that I’ve been 

working/involved with them for nearly thirty years now. I have 

been extremely lucky enough to have owned all the M5’s from 

the original E28 right up to the present F90. Same with the M3’s, 

all of them from the E30, every version of the E36 right up to the 

present G80. I even built the world’s first E46 M3 SMG touring, way 

back in the day. 

The reason I’m sharing this with you? 

As I have stated many times, I am a true petrol head who loves 

everything about the car. I became a mechanic in the first place 

because of my fascination with the engine, how it works and how 

it sounds. I especially love how the engine is the heart of any car, 

being able to change the character of any model by changing the 

engine. 

Don’t believe me? Have you driven an X5 with a diesel engine? 

Sounds okay and goes well, exactly like it should. But you need 

to drive the V8 petrol version, that’s when it really makes sense. 

That’s the engine it was developed with/for. That’s when they 

sound and go how a BMW should. 

I ran an E53 4.8iS back in the day as my daily, affectionately 

known as the Thunder Bus. It couldn’t have been further from the 

diesel versions you would see everywhere. Its performance was 

as epic as the soundtrack that would accompany me wherever 

we drove(stormed?) to. It was truly effortless in its ability to cover 

ground at an indecent pace, with such little effort. The same 

basic body, chassis, seats, interior etc yet it was a totally different 

experience. 

Why was that? The engine. 

By Onkar Chahal 

And now we have the Electric Vehicle. 

It’s boring. It’s quiet. It’s very efficient, but it isn’t right. I describe 

electric cars like having sex with a blow up doll. The end result is 

achieved, you get where you need to be, but you just can’t help 

but feel something is missing, that something isn’t quite right. 

It’s efficient, but wrong. You miss the sounds, the smells, the 

vibrations and interactions. 

However, last year I spent about 6 weeks in the new BMW iX, in 

different versions, driving around the country. 

How bad was the experience? Good enough to make me see 

the error of my ways, to change my opinion, to embrace them and 

appreciate what they are and what they offer. It took the brand 

that got me into cars in the first place, all those years ago, to make 

me see the future. 

Ah, but I love my Maserati, I hear you say. Yes, I do. But I sold 

it just before Christmas to a man you can see on TV. What have I 

replaced it with? 

BMW i3. 

If the electric car is good enough 

for me, it’s good enough for you. 

Trust me. I’m a mechanic. And a 

petrolhead. 

12 THE GARAGE 

12 Opinion Onkar.indd 1 30/04/2024 13:37

NEWS 

Are you safe around your 

vehicle inspection pit? 

Inspection pits are a common sight in UK 

Workshops, but did you know that although 

they are below ground level, falls into one are 

referred to as “fall from height”? 

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply 

to all work at heights involving a risk of a fall 

liable to cause personal injury. 

If a pit is left open and uncovered, the 

injuries can lead to broken bones, like wrist, 

arm, ankle, shoulder, and hip fractures. Falls 

can cause head injuries; these can be very 

serious, especially if the person is taking 

medicine ( like blood thinners); a fall from a 

height injury may result in severe head and 

brain injuries, including brain haemorrhage 

and skull fractures. A fall from a height may 

also result in a severe spinal or spinal cord 

injury, in some cases resulting in paralysis. 

If they are not able to brace for a forward 

fall, they may strike their face or head, 

which can result in severe injury. 

Can you put a price on safety? 

GRIPCLAD® offers a straightforward and 

effective solution with its cut-to-size. 

Remember, a potentially hazardous hole 

in the ground can be easily and effectively 

covered with our lightweight, strong 

covers. By taking this simple step, you can 

immediately enhance the safety of your 

workshop, making it a more secure and 

productive environment. 

Check out our advert below and get in 

touch call 023 8040 6796 or 

enquiries@gripclad.co.uk 

https://gripclad.co.uk/applications/ 

garage-inspection-pit/ 

IF YOU THINK SAFETY IS EXPENSIVE, 

TRY AN ACCIDENT! 

An Anti-Slip GRP Solution 

for Garage Inspection Pits 

To achieve total safety around vehicle inspection pits, 

anti-slip GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) grating can be 

installed with side ramps or in the majority of cases the 

grating covers simply slot into a rebated ledge/bearer. 

GRP garage covers are lightweight to lift out and 

strong enough to take heavy weight. We recommend 

our Open Mesh GRP Grating thickness at 38mm or 

50mm. 

We can cover Bus & Coach Pits, Truck, Trailer & HGV Pits, 

Wide Bodied Vehicle Pits, Railway & Locomotive Pits, 

DVSA ATF Testing Pits. 

BENEFITS OF GRIPCLAD’S 

GRP FLOOR GRATING 

● Lightweight and easy to lift 

and shift 

● Safe anti-slip walking surface 

● Cut to manageable size and 

easily slotted and laid 

● If no angle, use our ramp 

edging 

● Anti-slip surface 

● Virtually zero maintenance 

● Neat and tidy look 

For further details on all our products contact: 023 8040 6796 

Email: enquiries@gripclad.co.uk Web: www.gripclad.co.uk/applications/garage-inspection-pit/ 

THE GARAGE 13 

xx, News Gripclad.indd 1 30/04/2024 13:39

NEWS 

HELLA Academy officially opens 

with IMI approval presentation 

HELLA’s brand new training facility HELLA Academy was 

officially opened yesterday (Wednesday 17 April) in a ceremony 

that also saw the facility formally receive Institute of the Motor 

Industry (IMI) approval. 

Representatives from the IMI were 

at the event, where the certificate 

and plaque confirming IMI centre 

status was presented to Steve Fox, Training 

Manager at HELLA Academy: “This is a 

momentous day for all of us at HELLA 

Academy, “said Steve. “Much work has 

gone into putting together this brandnew 

training centre. We can now work 

to support the sector up-skill, with the 

initial focus on Advanced Driver Assistance 

Systems (ADAS).” 

HELLA Academy is based at HELLA’s UK 

office in Chipping Warden, near Banbury. 

The all-new academy is based around 

a modern classroom and state-of-theart 

workshop that enables attendees to 

experience both desk learning with handson 

training. 

The day started with an address from 

HELLA Managing Director Neil Grant. “The 

opening of HELLA Academy is the beginning 

of an exciting new chapter for HELLA. 

While bodyshops in the crash repair sector 

already understand being ADAS-capable 

is a must, many garages are still catching 

up. Through the training we will deliver via 

HELLA Academy, they will be able to seize 

the ADAS opportunity.” 

In a presentation from Steve Fox, 

the significance of the ADAS focus was 

addressed in the context of the continuing 

sector skills gap. He went on to show 

how Hella Gutmann’s latest CSC-Tool 

Digital provides a flexible solution for 

front camera and sensor calibration, with 

targets downloaded from the CSC-Tool 

Digital App and displayed on an integrated 

200cm screen. 

ADAS TRAINING 

LtR_ Neil Grant, Managing Director at Hella ; Stephen Fox, UK Technical & Training manager at Hella Academy; Michelle Barrett, Business Development 

Manager at the IMI; Julian Goulding, Head of Sales at Hella Gutmann 

14 THE GARAGE 

14,15, News Hella Academy.indd 1 30/04/2024 13:34

NEWS 

Stephen Fox, UK Technical & Training manager at Hella Academy and 

Michelle Barrett, Business Development Manager at the IMI 

Following the IMI presentation 

ceremony, visitors were able to 

experience ADAS calibration in the 

workshop using mega macs X and the 

CSC-Tool via a live demonstration. Further 

presentations looked at cyber security 

and the challenges for the independent 

workshop, and the advantages offered by 

macsRemote for garages looking to take 

on franchised dealers. 

“We already provide the tools,” said 

Julian Goulding, Head of Sales at Hella 

Gutmann, “but with the opening of 

Riccardo Sorano, National Key Account Manager at Hella Gutmann 

our new HELLA Academy, we are able 

to provide even wider backing for the 

garage sector in terms of training and 

development. As a result, independent 

garages will truly be able to make the most 

of ADAS.” 

HELLA Academy’s ADAS IMI AOM 230 

course grants technicians the required 

insurance approval to work on ADASequipped 

vehicles, while its ADAS 

L2Award encompasses calibration, vehicle 

alignment, workshop requirements and 

more. Both two-day courses are available 

to book now for just £500 + VAT. 

To request more information or book 

training, email hlgb.academy.hella@forvia. 

com. 

Garages can stay updated with training 

announcements, along with workshop 

tips and advice, by signing up to the 

HELLA TECH WORLD newsletter here: 

https://www.hella.com/techworld/uk/ 

Newsletter-44320/ 

Road Runner is a trading name of Howden UK Brokers Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct 

Authority No. 307663. Registered in England and Wales under company registration number 02831010. Registered office: One 

Creechurch Place, London, EC3A 5AF. Calls may be monitored and recorded for quality assurance purposes. 

THE GARAGE 15 

14,15, News Hella Academy.indd 2 30/04/2024 13:34

NEWS 

ALLDATA 

Repair: 

Inside 

Intelligence 

Thanks to the ALLDATA Europe Info Centre Service, 

an invaluable, additional support resource for 

ALLDATA Repair subscribers, a confused customer 

has become a happy customer after the mystery 

surrounding a brake light problem on a 2015 SEAT 

León 1.4 TGi was solved. 

A 

vital part of any repair job is having the right tools – and 

that doesn’t always mean physical either! ALLDATA Europe, 

a provider of original vehicle manufacturer (VM) repair, 

maintenance and diagnostic data, supplies genuine procedures 

for more than 133,000 vehicle combinations and has an archive of 

eight million technical repair methods. 

However, when further assistance is required, ALLDATA Europe’s 

technical support specialists can come to subscribers’ aid. With 

a targeted response time of just four hours that is regularly 

fulfilled a lot faster, subscribers can rely on the team to minimise 

downtime and provide a solution. 

Query 

This was one on those occasions when ALLDATA Europe’s 

technical support team were required. A 2015 SEAT León 1.4 TGi 

had recently failed its MOT due to its brake lights not working. The 

technician attending the job began by verifying the condition of 

the brake light bulbs, ensuring they were in good working order. 

Upon inspection, it was determined that there was no power 

supply reaching the bulbs. Despite efforts to locate a specific 

fuse, none could be found in the vehicle. Consequently, the 

decision was made to investigate the brake light switch; however, 

upon removing the lower half of the dash to access the brake 

pedal, it became apparent that there was no brake light switch 

attached to it. 

This discovery left the technician uncertain about the location 

and operation of the brake lights. This prompted the need for 

assistance from ALLDATA Europe’s technical support team. 

Solution 

Thankfully, this was a request that had been received and 

resolved by the group of specialists before. From the outset, it’s 

important to state that had the technician in question had access 

to quality repair information from the start, it would’ve been a 

straightforward repair. 

With quality repair information readily available, they could have 

referred to the wiring diagram for the brake lights. This would have 

highlighted the fact that the brake light bulbs are module-run and 

do not rely on a specific fuse, thus saving valuable time. 

Furthermore, they would have been able to access the 

replacement instructions for the brake light switch, which would 

have revealed that the switch is not located on the brake pedal as 

initially assumed. Instead, it is situated under the bonnet, within 

the brake master cylinder. 

For more information about ALLDATA Repair or sign-up to a trial, 

visit https://www.alldata.com/eu/en/repair-europe 

16 THE GARAGE 

16, News AllData.indd 1 30/04/2024 13:50

NEWS 

MAHA UK to 

launch new 

mobile column 

lifts at Road 

Transport Expo 

MAHA UK, the premium workshop equipment 

provider, will officially unveil the C_RGA 

mobile column lift at Road Transport Expo, 

taking place between the 4th and 6th June at 

Stoneleigh (stand G45). Billed the “one stop 

industry event” for truck professionals and 

enthusiasts, the workshop equipment provider 

is confident the show will be the perfect 

launchpad for a lift that includes a lithium-ion 

battery as standard for the first time. 

Afour-person strong team – Neil Ebbs, MAHA UK’s managing 

director, and sales team of Louis Tunmore, Luke Fuller and 

new recruit, James Thompson – will highlight the bespoke 

features and credentials of the C_RGA mobile column lifts, available 

in both 7.5t and 8.5t formats, during the three days. 

Additionally, a vast array of DVSA-approved equipment – LMS axle 

play detectors, MLT 1000 and 3000 headlight alignment testers, 

MBT 4250 and 7250 brake testers – and MCD 2000 communication 

cabinet, all connected with MAHA UK’s newly compliant 

EUROSYSTEM V8 software, will be available for visitors to delve into 

and try first-hand. 

Discover the new C_RGA mobile column lift 

With the combination of existing and established technology with 

new and innovative features, MAHA UK’s new C_RGA mobile column 

lifts increase safety, offer smart connectivity and relia-bility in 

abundance, not to mention more lifts and less recharging thanks 

to the lithium-ion bat-tery. The C_RGA is a genuine all-rounder for 

vehicle maintenance work: 

Smart connectivity: Equipped with wireless data communication 

and a lithium-ion battery, the C_RGA guarantees quick charging and 

longer-lasting power. This improves workshop effi-ciency. 

New communications protocol: A double antenna (LoRa radio 

modulation) guarantees an interference-free operation, even in 

busy workshop environments. NFC tag pairing also simplifies and 

secures the connection process. This offers convenience and 

peace of mind to users. 

Oil-free operation: The proven electromechanical drive means 

oil isn’t required. This results in little maintenance and a cleaner 

working environment. 

Precision positioning: The high-quality worm gear motor ensures 

correct vertical positioning; therefore, users can be sure of an 

accurate and safe lift. 

Optimised design: The slim column design offers an excellent 

overall view during manoeu-vres, while the improved chassis allows 

for easy movement with the smallest turning radius. 

Reliable back-up: ‘Daisy-chained’ charging cables guarantee 

uninterrupted use. This provides a reliable backup solution to 

ensure no downtime! 

Neil is confident the new lifts, as well as the various pieces of 

workshop equipment on display will be a “hit” with Road Transport 

Expo visitors – he said: “Our customers have known about the 

development and progress of these lifts for some time, so to 

officially break cover at Road Transport Expo and spread the 

word on a large scale is exciting. We are confident the new, smart 

features will appeal to the majority of workshops out in the market, 

many of which, we hope, will pay us a visit over the three days at 

the show.” 

On the upgrades, Neil added: “We wanted to ensure any changes 

would make a positive differ-ence to customers, make their 

lives easier. The lithium-ion battery, for example, will mean less 

downtime and more lifts! Also, the new battery design reduces the 

overall weight of the column, which, in turn, leads to enhanced 

movability around the workshop.” 

The C_RGA’s predecessor, the RGA, remains available while stock 

lasts. 

To learn more about the C_RGA mobile column lift, go to https:// 

www.maha.co.uk/en/products/lifting-technology/mobile-columnlift/c-rga-85-uc~p26649 

THE GARAGE 17 

17, News MAHA Lifts.indd 1 30/04/2024 13:51

NEWS 

Motor Trades Vacancies: March 2024 

23,000 automotive jobs still need to be filled 

Having reached the unenviable top spot in the 

job vacancies chart in February 2024, the latest 

monthly analysis of ONS data by the Institute 

of the Motor Industry (IMI) shows that Motor 

Trades[1] employers continue to struggle to 

recruit. According to the latest figures there are 

around 23,000 job vacancies across the Motor 

Trades industry, representing businesses in the 

automotive aftermarket. 

The number of vacancies per 100 employees fell from 4.5 to 

4.1, from February to March. However, as this mirrored the 

decline seen in Accommodation & Food Service activities 

(Hospitality), the two sectors remain tied at the top. 

“We wouldn’t expect there to be a significant difference in the 

space of one month”, explained Emma Carrigy, Research Manager 

at the IMI. “But the fact that our sector remains joint number one 

with hospitality for vacancies underlines just how challenging it is 

for employers to recruit. 

“The sector has faced a rising vacancy rate since 2021, but what 

is making the environment even more challenging for employers 

is the need for more advanced technological skills. The result is 

automotive is going head to head with other tech-led sectors, 

yet there are still deep-seated misperceptions about the career 

opportunities on offer. 

“The IMI’s ‘There’s More to Motor’ campaign is working hard to 

change perceptions and encourage a broader range of jobseekers 

to consider a career in automotive. With support from employers, 

this campaign is critical as the mix of automotive technologies 

on UK roads – from petrol and diesel, manual and automatic, to 

electric and hydrogen and the latest Advanced Driver Assistance 

Systems – demands a more diverse skillset than ever before.” 

The report can be downloaded here https://tide.theimi.org.uk/ 

industry-latest/research/vacancy-rate-tracker-march-2024. 

The IMI Automotive Vacancies report is released monthly. 

To be added to the database to receive the reports please email 

imiteam@harrisonsadler.com 

Data Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS) Dataset VACS02 ‘Vacancies by industry’ | Released 16 April 2024 

18 THE GARAGE 

xx, News IMI.indd 1 30/04/2024 13:46

DENSO adds to its air 

conditioning and engine 

cooling parts range 

NEWS 

As we begin the second quarter of 2024, DENSO 

has once again expanded its aftermarket range 

of air conditioning (AC) and engine cooling (EC) 

products, with the introduction of 63 original 

equipment (OE) quality components. 

With the exception of an evaporator for the Iveco 

EuroCargo, the additions cover passenger car and 

light commercial vehicle applications throughout 

Europe and include AC actuators, compressors, evaporators, 

radiator cooling fans, resistors, a cabin blower and a 

condenser, as well as 34 thermostats – a product range only 

introduced into DENSO’s aftermarket offering in February. 

Reflecting its position as Europe’s largest vehicle 

manufacturer, VAG brands are prominent within these new 

to range parts with the condenser for the Audi Q5 and 

compressors for the A6, Q7 and Q8, a cooling fan for the Mii, 

CitiGo and Up! and thermostats for a large assortment of 

models from the Seat Ateca to the VW Caddy. 

However, many other brands are represented including 

Dacia, Nissan and Renault, Peugeot and Citroën, BMW and 

Mini, Mercedes, Ford, Fiat, Land Rover and Toyota, as well 

as for the growing number of Hyundai and Kia models within 

the European car parc. In total therefore, these 63 additions 

are linked to 162 OE part numbers and 2,655 individual 

applications. 

All these new additions are now available from DENSO 

distributors and can be found, along with the thousands 

of other OE quality components in the DENSO aftermarket 

range, in the company’s E-catalogue https://www.denso-am. 

eu/catalog or via TecDoc. 

Further details of the DENSO Aftermarket programme are 

available online at: www.denso-am.eu 

TO RECEIVE 

YOUR WEEKLY 

COPY OF 

GARAGE PULSE, 

MAKE SURE YOU 

SUBSCRIBE 

TODAY! 

We have a range of online advertising packages available. 

For more details please contact Nat Excell. 

Natalie@talk-media.uk 

01732 445674 | 07791 094967 


THE GARAGE 19 

19, News Denso.indd 1 30/04/2024 15:02

NEWS 

Technicians – the evolution 

to up-skilling diagnosis 

knowledge naturally 

In the fast-evolving world of automotive technology, staying ahead of the curve is 

imperative for businesses and individuals alike. One company that has been leading the 

charge in this aspect is Opus IVS, with its ground breaking IVS 360 TM service system. 

Opus IVS not only offers elite level 

diagnostic solutions, but also 

provides remote live support, 

mimicking an in-person experience for 

customers. This innovative approach 

ensures that automotive servicing and 

repair needs are addressed promptly, no 

matter the location. 

At the heart of IVS 360 TM are the 

highly skilled experts dedicated to specific 

automotive brands. These professionals 

bring a wealth of experience and expertise, 

ensuring that any diagnostic, programming, 

or repair needs are met with precision and 

efficiency. With years of service under their 

belts, these brand-specific technicians are 

equipped to tackle even the most complex 

automotive issues. 

The success of IVS 360 TM speaks 

volumes, with an impressive 163,928 

customer requests created and resolved in 

2023. This high success rate is a testament 

to the expertise and commitment of the 

IVS 360 TM team, especially the dedicated 

Master Technicians who handle brandspecific 

queries day in and day out. 

Moreover, IVS 360 TM doesn’t 

discriminate when it comes to the brands 

it caters to. With OE-specific Master 

Technicians available for a wide range of 

major vehicle brands, customers can rest 

assured that their automotive needs will be 

met comprehensively. 

The positive feedback from customers 

further underscores the effectiveness of IVS 

360 TM. Jack Richards from Millers Garage 

praised the service for not only fixing faults 

but also enhancing product knowledge 

and understanding, highlighting the holistic 

support provided by IVS 360 TM .“This is 

truly a great service delivered by some of 

the most passionate master technicians that 

not only help you to fix a stubborn faults, 

but in fact massively improve your product 

knowledge and general understanding at the 

same time.” Jack Richards, Millers Garage 

Tony Gill, Opus IVS Customer Support 

Manager UK/RoW believes that customers 

using IVS 360 TM are learning and upskilling 

their knowledge when using the 

service. “Customers often call for support 

on complex cases and our technicians 

support them. Feedback later on down the 

line indicates that these customers have 

used that knowledge again on reoccurring 

cases, showing us that technicians are upskilling 

naturally with the use of IVS 360 TM 

.” Says Tony. 

As automotive technology continues to 

advance at a rapid pace, having reliable 

diagnostic support is crucial. IVS 360 TM 

from Opus IVS sets a new standard in the 

industry, seamlessly blending expertise, 

innovation, and customer satisfaction. 

For all your automotive diagnostic 

needs, IVS 360TM stands as a beacon of 

excellence in the ever-evolving automotive 

landscape. 

Workshop owners can discover more 

about IVS 360 TM and Opus’ leading 

diagnostic platforms at MECHANEX 

Harrogate stand EE50. Event info: https:// 

mechanex.info/harrogate/ 

Opus IVS supports thousands of 

technicians and workshop owners with 

OEM brand-specific diagnostic support. 

From symptom driven advice through 

to complex repair guidance, Opus IVS 

provides the knowledge and expertise 

to get from fault diagnosis to successful 

repair in minimal time, reducing costs and 

downtime for today’s modern workshop. 

For more information about IVS 360TM 

and Opus IVS diagnostic solutions and 

how it can support your workshop visit: 

www.opusivs-uk.com 

20 THE GARAGE 

19, News Opus IV.indd 1 30/04/2024 13:56

5-6 June 2024, NEC 


The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event returns for its second 

edition at the NEC in June 2024. 

Bringing together 180 leading suppliers with 5,000 garage, 

bodyshop and vehicle detailing professionals, the 2-day event 

will host an interactive exhibition, live demonstrations, 

workshops and panel discussions with leading 

industry experts. 

FREE 

PARKING AND 

BREAKFAST 


More than 

5000 

visitors 

GARAGE PREVIEW 

200 

suppliers 

NEW FEATURES: 

Workshop 

Training 

Hub 

FREE TICKETS 

AVAILABLE 


EV Training 

Hub 

Modern 


Student 

programme 


UKGBE Front Feature Page.indd 1 30/04/2024 12:52

UK Garage and Bodyshop Event 

highlights show features and 

new training hubs for 2024 

As anticipation builds for the second edition of the UK Garage and Bodyshop 

Event at the NEC in Birmingham on June 5 and 6 2024, the trade exhibition has 

unveiled details of this year’s 14 show features and new training hubs designed 

exclusively for garages and technicians. 

This unique trade event offers a 

prime opportunity for garages and 

workshops to access dynamic training, 

cutting-edge technologies, and essential 

tools for their trade - plus free parking and 

breakfast is provided for garages. 

Attendees can engage in practical skills 

training led by over 80 renowned industry 

experts across four dedicated training 

hubs, covering topics such diagnostics, 

digitalisation, EV service and repair, 

DPF, ADAS, oils and lubricants, battery 

technology and technical data. 

First up, UK Garage and Bodyshop 

Event is highlighting the new Workshop 

Management Hub, an essential feature for 

garage owners and managers looking to 

improve business operations, profitability, 

and plan for the future. Topics covered 

include the impact of electric vehicles (EV) 

and hybrid on the market and adapting 

operations for the digital world. 

Additionally, the Workshop Technical 

Hub, in association with Autotechnician 

magazine, offers a jam-packed programme 

for the service, repair, and maintenance 

sector, to address challenges and 

advancements in the sector. 

The Modern Garage returns this 

year, in partnership with LKQ Euro Car 

Parts, offering a glimpse into the future 

of service and repair. This feature will 

showcase the latest tools, technology, and 

solutions tailored for modern vehicles and 

demonstrate how garages and workshops 

can optimise their operations and maximise 

profitability. 

Hosted by technical experts, Modern 

Garage provides practical insights and 

solutions on a range of key topics essential 

for servicing and repairing modern vehicles 

effectively. Visitors can also put their 

knowledge to the test and participate in 

interactive demonstrations and challenges 

on the stand for a chance to win exciting 

prizes. 

New for 2024, the trade event will 

launch its official student programme in 

partnership with Autotech Group, aiming to 

engage fresh talent and showcase real-life 

opportunities within the sector. 

UK Garage and Bodyshop Event will also 

host its popular lounges again this year 

including Refuel & Recharge, plus the 

Bodyshop Lounge, hosted by Bodyshop 

magazine, offering a networking hub 

for the collision repair sector, and the 

Meet the Experts lounge, presented by 

Autotechnician magazine, providing visitors 

the chance to engage with guest speakers 

when they are not presenting. 

Finally, the Automechanika Birmingham 

Garage Awards return for 2024, hosted by 

IAAF and headline sponsored by LKQ Euro 

Car Parts. This glittering event ceremony 

will take place on 5 June and will celebrate 

the very best independent garages and 

technicians across the UK. Nominations for 

the Garage Awards are now open and can 

be made here. 

Alex Jones, marketing director for the 

UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, said: 

“ After a hugely successful debut show 

in 2022, we’re really looking forward to 

the second instalment of UK Garage and 

Bodyshop Event. 

“As the industry is seeing profound 

changes, particularly with the adoption 

of EV and ADAS-enabled technologies, 

along with rapid advancements in service 

and repair techniques, attending this 

event is essential for garage owners, 

technicians, and bodyshop professionals. 

Our carefully curated programme of 

features and training hubs offer an 

unparalleled opportunity to stay ahead 

of developments and innovations in the 

sector, learn new skills and help businesses 

remain competitive and profitable.” 

For more information and to register 

for free tickets, visit: https://uk-garagebodyshop-2024.reg.buzz 

22 THE GARAGE 

xx, UKGBE Training Hub and Event info.indd 1 30/04/2024 12:11

UK Garage and Bodyshop Event 

reveals showstopping exhibitor 

product launches and highlights 

More than 15 new product 

unveilings from exhibitors have 

been preannounced, with many 

more launches to come at the show. 

Standout features include BM Catalysts’ 

introduction of a dedicated garage 

campaign featuring two innovative 

online platforms designed to empower 

technicians to learn and earn. 

Additionally, garage management 

system provider TechMan will mark its 

tenth anniversary by revealing the latest 

integrations in its system, designed 

to revolutionise and modernise daily 

operations for garages and workshops. 

Other highlights include, Niterra, who 

will debut its newly launched exhaust 

pressure sensor family of products 

from the NTK portfolio, offering three 

distinct sensor measurements crucial for 

gathering emissions data for the ECU. Plus, 

TUNAP will unveil the 998 Pollen Filter Box 

Cleaner and Specialist tool, enhancing its 

airco well cleaning system range. 

Garage Hive will be demonstrating its 

brand-new Garage Hive Copilot feature, 

built around AI (artificial intelligence), as 

the garage management system company 

looks to embrace future technologies. 

AP Auto, newly appointed as the UK 

and Ireland distributor for Denso’s CTR 

air-conditioning service machines, will 

showcase the Kristal Base and Kheos 

Plus models, providing attendees with 

a firsthand look at these innovative 

offerings. Furthermore, On Board 

Defence Ltd. will introduce WheelArm, 

a revolutionary wheel stowing system 

designed to enhance safety and efficiency 

in garage, workshop, or bodyshop 

environments. 

Castrol will launch three exciting 

products at the event, including FoxRadar 

for remote oil level monitoring, the Castrol 

Workshop Hub for streamlined workwear 

ordering, and Aprimo, a comprehensive 

platform for accessing Castrol’s digital 

marketing materials. 

Sykes-Pickavant will display four new 

products at the show including its new 

Gen 4 ATF Machine, new coolant exchange 

machine, latest range of ‘Pro Brake 

Bleeders’ and new heavy duty induction 

heaters. Plus, the Bilstein Group will 

highlight its latest range expansion across 

With just over a month to go until the highly anticipated UK Garage and 

Bodyshop Event 2024 returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 5 and 6 June, 

organisers have revealed a whole host of exciting product launches and 

updates from exhibitors. 

drive shafts, starters and alternators, and 

brake calipers. 

Moreover, Oetiker’s new range of 

Hose Clamp Assortment kits, known as 

the Expertainer kits, will be on display, 

alongside Launch Tech UK’s latest EV 

diagnostic devices developed to meet the 

future needs of the industry. 

The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event 

offers a one-of-a-kind national event – 

with free parking and breakfast provided 

for garage and workshop professionals 

to access dynamic training, cutting-edge 

technologies and essential tools for their 

trade. 

Alex Jones, marketing director at Messe 

Frankfurt, organisers of UK Garage and 

Bodyshop Event comments: “We’ve got 

lots of product launches already revealed 

from exhibitors but are expecting plenty 

more at the show. 

“With so many challenges and changes 

happing in the industry, our event offers 

visitors a condensed yet comprehensive 

learning experience. In just a few days, 

attendees can gain more insights and 

exposure to the latest news, products, 

technology and training that would 

typically take months to acquire in the 

workplace. They’ll also be able to benefit 

from significant savings and access to 

over 180 key industry suppliers.” 

Visitors can register for a free ticket at: 

https://uk-garage-bodyshop-2024.reg. 

buzz. 

There are limited complimentary tickets 

remaining for the event, which is set to 

return for its second edition at the NEC in 

Birmingham on 5 and 6 June 2024. 

THE GARAGE 23 

xx, UKGBE Training Hub and Event info.indd 2 30/04/2024 12:11

COMMA 

wants to put 

mechanics 

in the driving 

seat at the 

UK Garage 

& Bodyshop 

Event 

Comma, the world-class brand of automotive oils and lubricants, will be 

at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event (Stand F50), at NEC Birmingham on 

5-6 June, to demonstrate how everything it does is ‘made for mechanics’ 

and why its combined approach is a win for independent garages. 

Comma not only provides OEMapproved 

products to give 

mechanics peace of mind, but 

also the training and tools to help them 

navigate the complexities of the modern 

independent workshop by focusing on 

straightforward oil selection. 

Comma’s easy-to-use VRN tool, available 

at commaoil.com assists workshops 

in selecting the correct oil grade and 

products for most European vehicles. This 

is complemented by a 100% Compatibility 

Guarantee for products used as 

recommended. 

Workshops can also benefit from using 

Comma’s Stock Profiling tool, which 

allows them to discover the optimum 

range of products and pack sizes for their 

workshops based on vehicle service data 

specific to their location. 

At the show, Comma will be unveiling its 

new website, which has undergone a major 

redesign to provide mechanics with easy 

access to all the product information, tools 

and support it provides. 

It will also be inviting garages to learn 

more about Comma Workshop Stars – a 

programme launched by Comma to share 

and spotlight the stories behind some of 

the best independent garages in the UK. 

Serious about putting mechanics in 

the driving seat, Comma is also offering a 

prize draw for a team of up to twelve lucky 

people to win a PalmerSport day at the 

exhilarating Bedford Autodrome circuit. 

A spokesperson from Comma’s marketing 

team, said: “Comma’s focus is to make 

engine maintenance easier by providing 

quality products and straightforward oil 

selection and support for mechanics. 

“For us, it’s not about an individual 

product, tool or piece of training, it’s about 

combining all these elements together to 

create the tools that mechanics need and 

value. 

“We’re excited to be exhibiting at the 

UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, unveiling 

our new website and showing how our 

approach to oils and lubricants brings 

benefits to independent workshops.” 

For more information on Comma, please 

visit: www.commaoil.com or visit them on 

stand F50 at the show. 

How Comma’s 

‘combined’ approach is 

a win for mechanics 

Overview: 

For Comma, it’s not about an individual 

product, tool or piece of training, 

it’s about combining all these elements 

together to create the tools mechanics 

need and value. We will be hosting 

a talk and demonstrating the ways 

that Comma supports independent 

workshops. 

From its OEM-approved engine oils 

and unique 100% Compatibility Guarantee 

promise, which gives workshop 

owners confidence, to its free tools 

and training that help mechanics to 

stay on top of changing regulations 

and fit the right oils and lubricants to 

the right vehicles. 

Key takeaways: 

● The benefits Comma’s combined 

approach can bring to independent 

workshops 

● The ways Comma creates tools that 

mechanics need and value 

● The importance of using 

OEM-approved products in 

modern engines 

When will the demonstrations 

be taking place? 

At the Workshop Hub, which Comma 

is sponsoring. Wed June 5th, 

10:30 – 10:55 

Thurs June 6th, 13:30 – 13:55 

24 THE GARAGE 

24,25, UKGBE Comma.indd 1 30/04/2024 12:15

commaoil.com 

OEM approved, 

100% guaranteed 

engine oils 

When it comes to servicing 

your customers, we’ve got 

your back with our OEM 

approved engine oils and 

100% compatibility guarantee. 

Visit commaoil.com or scan 

the QR code to learn more. 

See us at the 

UK Garage & 

Bodyshop Event 

June 5-6 Stand F50 

Comma FP.indd 1 30/04/2024 12:15

Garage Hive to exhibit 

at UK Garage & Bodyshop 

Award-winning garage management software 

(GMS), Garage Hive is exhibiting at the UK Garage 

& Bodyshop Event at Birmingham’s NEC on June 

5th and 6th. Garage Hive will be showcasing 

its community-driven, all-in-one solution for 

garages on stand AA28. 

Members of the Garage Hive team – including Garage Hive 

director Alex Lindley – will be on-hand to provide expert 

guidance to independent garage owners looking to boost 

business performance. Additionally, Alex is scheduled to deliver a 

compelling presentation titled ‘Leveraging Data from your Garage 

Management System to Improve Decision Making’ at the event. 

“It will be an insightful talk for garage owners wanting to learn 

how they can optimise business operations using data,” said Alex. 

“We’ll discuss data collection priorities, consider which data 

points are paramount and how they can directly influence business 

outcomes. We’ll also look at methods for effectively analysing data 

to extract meaningful insights. 

“And it’s not just theory either. We’ll showcase real-world 

examples to illustrate how data-driven decisions have directly 

impacted business outcomes.” 

Meanwhile, over on the Garage Hive stand, visitors will be 

given the chance to interact with the software during live 

demonstrations. There will also be plenty of freebies up for grabs 

including a chance to win a free pair of tickets worth £300 for The 

Blend 2024, the annual independent garage conference taking 

place on Saturday 28th September in Birmingham. 

Garage Hive is among 180 top-tier suppliers set to exhibit at UK 

Garage & Bodyshop Event. More than 5,000 garage and bodyshop 

professionals are expected to attend. 

Visit Garage Hive on stand AA28 to learn more about how 

Garage Hive can streamline your garage operations and maximise 

efficiency. Garages can claim their free ticket online at: 

https://garage-and-bodyshop-event.uk.messefrankfurt.com/ 

birmingham/en.html. 

For further information on how Garage Hive helps independent 

garages operate more profitably, visit: www.garagehive.co.uk 

26 THE GARAGE 

xx, UKGBE Garage Hive.indd 1 30/04/2024 12:27

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Bluecare.indd xx, UKGBE Garage 1 Hive.indd 2 25/04/2024 30/04/2024 14:16 

12:27

ENGAGE, LEARN, AND WIN 

Maverick Diagnostics unveils prizes for 

UK Garage & Bodyshop Event visitors 

Maverick Diagnostics is prioritising 

visitor engagement ahead of its 

participation at the forthcoming UK 

Garage & Bodyshop Event with prizes 

set to be on offer during the exhibition 

taking place at Birmingham’s NEC on 

the 5th and 6th June. 

After being recognised for its 

customer engagement during 

last year’s Automechanika UK, 

expectations are high to repeat and even 

exceed the previous number of preregistrations 

on the company’s exhibitor 

landing page. 

A leading provider in the diagnostics 

arena by supplying genuine OEM-approved 

dealer tools and essential technical support 

to independent workshop professionals, 

Maverick Diagnostics is confident these 

credentials will inspire professionals. 

Another way it is hoping to attract visitors 

and achieve its target is by presenting 

UK Garage & Bodyshop Event visitors an 

opportunity to earn a prize by entering its 

social media competition. 

The renowned Automotive Training 

Academy, which partners with Maverick 

Diagnostics and the Institute of the Motor 

Industry, is growing in both stature and 

demand. It offers an array of courses, 

delivered by experts in their respective 

field, to help professionals improve their 

skills and ensure they are prepared to face 

evolving vehicle technology and complex 

vehicle repairs. 

Given the necessity of training and 

quality of its courses, Maverick Diagnostics 

is offering a visitor an opportunity to win 

a course for themselves and a colleague. 

To enter a random draw, delegates simply 

need to take a selfie of themselves on the 

Maverick Diagnostics stand, tag and follow 

the company on one of its social media 

channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn 

or X). 

Furthermore, Maverick Diagnostics will be 

giving away an Opus Mongoose Plus – Pass- 

Thru dongle. This is a diagnostic device that 

enables users to repair complex vehicles 

with OEMs’ J2534 applications – including 

VAG, Nissan, Honda, Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, 

GM/Vauxhall and Toyota. Economical and 

compact, the popular Opus Mongoose-Plus 

is a cost-effective alternative to buying full 

dealer tool packages. 

To be in with a chance of snapping 

up this sought-after tool, visitors will 

enter a random draw if they pre-register 

via Maverick Diagnostics’ UK Garage & 

Bodyshop Event page. This can be found 

at https://uk-garage-bodyshop-2024. 

reg.buzz/?exhibitor-inviter=maverickdiagnostics. 

Maverick Diagnostics Managing Director, 

Laura Hall, said excitement and anticipation 

was already building: “We’ve enjoyed 

tremendous success at exhibitions over 

recent years, and, from communicating our 

presence to customers, we are confident of 

another successful year. 

“We are also confident that our offering, 

as well as the competitions on offer, will 

entice new prospects too. Whether new 

to the company or seasoned Maverick 

Diagnostics veterans, our friendly staff will 

be ready to offer a warm and professional 

welcome.” 

UK Garage & Bodyshop Event visitors can 

visit Maverick Diagnostics in Hall 6 Stand 

B28 and experience its OEM dealer tools 

first-hand. 

Learn more about Maverick Diagnostics at 

www.maverickdiagnostics.com. 

28 THE GARAGE 

28, UKGBE Straightset And Maverick.indd 1 30/04/2024 12:48

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THE GARAGE 29 

28, UKGBE Straightset And Maverick.indd 2 30/04/2024 12:47

Ben launches new health checks for automotive industry people 

Automotive industry charity, Ben, is 

launching new health checks for 

automotive people, offering the 

chance for those who work in the industry 

to have a personal MOT for their physical 

and mental health. 

Ben Health Checks can be booked 

by any automotive employer wanting 

to invest in the health and wellbeing of 

their employees. In today’s fast-paced 

world and work environment, with 

multiple additional challenges, prioritising 

employee health and wellbeing has never 

been more important for any business. 

This is further supported by results from 

Ben’s Health & Wellbeing survey which 

indicate that 99% of respondents said they 

had experienced an issue with their health 

or wellbeing over the past 12 months. 

The health checks offer the opportunity 

for automotive employees to have oneon-one 

conversations about their physical 

and mental health with a qualified health 

professional. The health checks also 

identify potential issues and also suggest 

making positive changes so people can live 

and work well. 

Ben is offering two types of health 

checks; one focusing solely on physical 

health (20 minutes) and another that is 

a full MOT, checking both physical and 

mental health (30 minutes). In the physical 

health check, four tests are carried 

out including resting heart rate, blood 

pressure, body mass index (BMI) and body 

fat percentage. The health professional 

will then discuss results with each 

employee and compare them with national 

health guidelines to provide a clear 

understanding of their current physical 

health. In the physical and mental health 

check, employees will undertake the same 

physical health tests as well as a mental 

health check-in to see how they are 

feeling in terms of levels of stress, mood 

and worry and coping day-to-day. 

To start the roll out of Ben’s Health 

Checks, the team will be attending the 

upcoming UK Garage & Bodyshop Event 

from 5-6th June at the NEC, offering 

attendees the opportunity to learn more 

and have their very own health check. 

Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director 

at Ben, said: “It’s never been more 

important for employers to prioritise 

employee health and wellbeing, especially 

at the moment when there are multiple 

work and life pressures on our automotive 

family. Employee absences can be linked 

to lifestyle-related illnesses, with factors 

such as alcohol, obesity and smoking 

known to be at the root of many health 

conditions. 

“With 1 in 3 automotive people 

reporting to be struggling with their 

mental health or wellbeing, providing 

a health check is a proactive step, 

empowering people to take control of 

their health and wellbeing so they can 

lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. By 

booking Ben Health Checks for your 

employees, you’re not only investing in 

your people and your business, you’ll also 

be supporting your industry charity.” 

To learn more about Ben Health 

Checks and schedule a session for 

your employees, visit www.ben.org. 

uk/healthchecks. All health checks are 

delivered on site to allow for minimal 

disruption to the working day and they are 

private, confidential, and carried out on a 

one-to-one basis with a qualified health 

professional. 

It’s free to attend the upcoming UK 

Garage & Bodyshop Event from 5-6th 

June – so sign up by visiting: 

https://uk-garage-bodyshop-2024.reg. 

buzz/ben and receive your free Ben 

Health Check! 

30 THE GARAGE 

xx, UKGBE BEN.indd 1 30/04/2024 13:26

Thinkcar UK 

welcomes 

YouTube star at 

UK Garage and 

Bodyshop Event 

The star of YouTube channel Mechanic Mindset will be appearing with Thinkcar UK at 

the UK Garage and Bodyshop Event (UKGBE) taking place from 5-6 June at the NEC 

Birmingham, where the company is also set to enable visitors to take up a showexclusive 

offer on one of their tools. 

For the last five years, Mechanic 

Mindset’s founder Darren Quinn has 

been offering techs insight on tools, 

methods and training, and in 2024 he is 

teaming up with Thinkcar UK at the UKGBE 

to demonstrate how mechanics can 

benefit from using their equipment. “We 

are really looking forward to welcoming 

Darren to our stand,” said Alex Gillbanks, 

Managing Director of Impact Diagnostics, 

the specialist supplier behind Thinkcar 

UK.” Darren will also be explaining the 

benefits of the Mechanic Mindset training 

platform and mobile phone app. “This 

is a great tool for techs” said Alex,” and 

we are delighted to be helping Darren 

promote this on the stand.” 

Thinkcar UK is on a roll in 2024, and 

keen to get its kit into the hands of techs. 

“Visitors to the stand will be able to 

access a special offer price for one of our 

fantastic tools,” said Alex. Highlights from 

the range on the will stand include the 

Thinktool Euro Master Lite 8 inch scantool, 

a compact pro-level scan tool, along with 

the Thinkcar Max, Thinkcar X10S, Thinkcar 

X5, and newly released Euro Master X and 

many more. 

The company also offers a unique 

remote diagnostics solution, as well as 

a wide array of EV tools, including the 

Master CE EVD a dedicated EV diagnostic 

tool. This is complemented by the Bolt-On 

EV Kit, which greatly expands the ability to 

diagnose batteries and components whilst 

they are off the car. Then there is the EVC 

201, an EV high-voltage insulation tester 

and the Thinkcar EVP 802 Battery Pack 

Equaliser Balancer. For charging, there is 

the Thinkcar EVP 902 Battery Charger, 

and for lifting batteries the Thinkcar 

EVP501. 

On the ADAS front, the company 

offers the foldable Thinkcar UK ADAS 

Mobile, which comes with all the relevant 

accessories, and includes targets for a 

wide range of manufacturers. 

“Nothing beats a live demonstration,” 

said Alex. “When technicians and garage 

owners see what our equipment can do 

when they visit our stand, they will be won 

over.” 

Thinkcar UK will be on Stand K30 at the 

UKGBE. 

Watch Mechanic Mindset on 

YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@ 

MechanicMindset) and follow on 

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ 

mechanicmindset) to stay updated with 

technician insight. 

For more information about Thinkcar UK 

visit: https://www.thinkcar.uk/ 


Supporting the Independent Garage sector 

VISIT US IN 

HALL 6 STAND J72 

TO SEE HOW WE 

CAN HELP PROMOTE 

YOUR PRODUCT AND 

BUSINESS IN THE 

NEXT GARAGE 

Natalie@talk-media.uk | 01732 445674 | 07791 094967 


THE GARAGE 31 

xx, UKGBE BEN.indd 2 30/04/2024 13:26

NEWS 

How to replace a brake 

tester reducing the business 

inconvenience and cost 

While standalone garage equipment is simple to replace, some heavier, fixed position items, may 

prove more problematic. In the case of brake testers, which are often installed in bespoke floor 

recesses in front of workshop doors, the potential for business disruption is larger. 

So, what can garages do to reduce both inconvenience and cost impacts? 

Plan for brake tester replacement 

Leaving a brake tester to fail at the end of its life creates an 

impossible situation where disruption is inevitable. Therefore, 

being proactive is the best approach to reduce the impact of 

replacement, by taking control of the situation. 

Talk to a few garage equipment suppliers like Straightset, and 

work out what will fit into the old unit’s place. Understanding what 

is involved is also crucial. Very often, brake testers can be replaced 

using the existing floor recesses. This saves both the cost and time 

required to dig out the existing recess to modify it to a new unit. It 

can also save you days in lost productivity waiting for concrete to 

dry. 

Know the options available 

Just replacing one brake tester with one the same is not always 

giving you the best bangs-per-buck. Therefore, it is always best to 

know the available options before deciding on the product, and 

action, to take. 

Rollers that were originally only 600mm wide are often too small 

for the largest class IV vehicles. Increasing the size of the roller 

bed can enable you to test a wider range of vehicles, increasing 

potential profitability. Uprating the roller bed to a heavier capacity 

would be a wise investment, and one that cannot be done 

retrospectively after your new unit has been installed. Brake testers 

can also have Class I and Class II adaptors for motorcycle testing. 

Features such as tablet control, repeat monitors, weighbridges 

and many other features that could be useful to your operation 

are available, but not always off the shelf. Research is key, to 

understand what your business needs, what it can work with, and 

how this may impact installation time. 

No need to panic buy 

Planning for a brake tester replacement ahead of time gives the 

opportunity to consider the options available. 

A panic buy can severely limit these options as you try to get your 

MOT bay operational again as quickly as possible. The list of DVSA 

accepted equipment comes with all the information you need to 

ensure it is suitable for the types of vehicles you are testing. 

It is also worth remembering that just because a brake tester 

appears on the accepted list, it does not mean they are all equal. 

Research is essential. 

If you buy an existing business with equipment already installed, 

and the equipment is not already MTS DVSA connectable, you will 

need to either upgrade (if available from the manufacturer) or 

replace. 

Key points to remember 

● Be aware of the condition of your existing brake tester and 

its service bills. 

● Do not leave brake tester replacement until it becomes a 

panic buy. 

● Think about the shortcomings in your existing equipment 

and what features you would like in the replacement unit. 

● Talk to equipment suppliers. 

● Avoid companies that code-lock your equipment, thereby 

restricting who can service and calibrate. Otherwise, you 

risk becoming captive to their services only. 

To find out more about Straightset’s range of MOT and ATL brake 

testers, please call on 01909 480055, email info@straightset.co.uk 

or visit www.straightset.co.uk. 

32 THE GARAGE 

32, News Straightset.indd 1 30/04/2024 13:40

Products and Services 

Contact Nat Excell on 01732 445674 / 07791 094967 

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Cla sified Example.indd 1 27/01/2021 13:53:17 

A NEW YEAR, SO MAKE IT 

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1 Front.indd 1 21/12/2023 13:11 

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01732 445674 / 07791 094967 

Issue 358 

January 2024 

THE GARAGE 33 

33 Product and Services.indd 1 30/04/2024 10:26

PEOPLE 

People stories and movements from around your industry 

WhoCanFixMyCar adds 

two new hires to its C-Suite 

WhoCanFixMyCar today announces the appointment of two new hires to its 

Senior Leadership team in the roles of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and 

Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 

Amanda Webb, assuming the role of CFO, 

joins the company as a CIMA Qualified 

Finance Director with over 20 years’ 

experience across a diverse range of sectors 

including Renewable Energy Services, Telco, 

Professional Services, Software and Financial 

Services. 

Her background covers PE, VC, JV, Owner 

Managed and Plc Businesses. Having held 

management positions in EMEA and UK 

focused roles, Webb’s success record in 

financial leadership and managing full lifecycle 

projects from design to completion 

will be leveraged to support the business’s 

plans for further growth. 

In addition, Craig Livings joins the car 

maintenance marketplace as CTO and brings 

a wealth of experience in IT and Software 

Engineering, spanning almost 20 years. His 

recent career has seen him leading a team 

of over 120 people and being responsible for 

technology strategy, technical coaching and 

transformation. 

Livings’ experience in managing 

large projects and supporting business 

transformations, as well as his skill in 

innovative problem solving, will be an asset 

to the company in ensuring its platform 

meets the needs of its customers, both 

drivers and garages, now and in the future. 

As WhoCanFixMyCar looks to the future, 

the appointments of Webb and Livings 

come as the company aims to cement its 

foothold at the centre of the automotive 

repair ecosystem while remaining agile to the 

evolution of the wider automotive industry. 

Kevern Thompson, CEO at 

WhoCanFixMyCar says, “We’re very pleased 

to have Amanda and Craig onboard at such 

an exciting time for the business. They are 

fantastic additions to our growing team, 

and I look forward to the new energy and 

expertise they will bring to WhoCanFixMyCar. 

“With our planned projections for growth, 

and the innovative way in which we are going 

to challenge how software development has 

historically been launched as a Go-to-Market 

concept, it is essential that we embrace 

a solid and reliable leadership team and is 

an absolute necessity for our success. The 

additions to our team will be huge assets in 

our strategy for the short- and long- term 

future of WhoCanFixMyCar.” 

The new appointments are yet more 

positive markers for growth and change at 

WhoCanFixMyCar, following last month’s 

announcement of Kevern Thompson’s 

appointment as CEO. The automotive 

Shaftec Automotive Components 

announces Sales Management update 

Birmingham-based remanufacturer 

Shaftec Automotive has announced 

that Sales Director Tom Curtis will be 

leaving the company at the end of April 

Tom joined Shaftec in July 2010 and has 

spent a great deal of time developing 

strong relationships with customers across 

the Automotive Aftermarket. As a result, 

the Shaftec brand is now well established 

across the UK and Ireland. Additionally, key 

distribution agreements across Europe 

have also been put in place, helping to grow 

Shaftec’s export business. 

Shaftec would like to thank Tom for his 

dedication to growing the company into the 

well-respected and trusted brand it is today, 

and extends their best wishes in all future 

endeavors. 

Tom was instrumental in securing Shaftec’s 

future in 2018, and over the last few years 

he has been working closely with Marc 

Wise to grow the brand and increase the 

Shaftec business across the UK & Ireland and 

ecommerce business looks to not only 

leverage its new leadership energy to drive 

the business forward and achieve new 

heights over the next 12 months. 

European Automotive Aftermarket. 

Therefore, the company is also delighted 

to announce Marc Wise has been appointed 

as Sales Director, covering both UK and 

export customers. Marc joined Shaftec 

nine years ago and became Sales Manager 

in 2021, with this appointment ensuring 

continued development and company 

progression following Tom’s departure. 

Marc has strong relationships with 

customers and buying groups across the 

UK & Ireland and European Automotive 

Aftermarket, while he also continues to grow 

the brand’s reach across Europe. 

Marc commented after his appointment: 

“I’m really happy to have the opportunity 

to continue the journey I have been on for 

the last nine years. A lot of this time has 

been spent working closely with Tom, and I 

personally thank him for being such a good 

mentor and friend. We have some great 

opportunities both in the UK and Ireland, 

and across the water in Europe, and I’m 

proud and excited to be leading such a great 

team we have at Shaftec.” 

34 THE GARAGE 

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