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Dear Member,

Welcome to 2019, I’m sure the year ahead is going to be as interesting as it will be challenging. Please ensure that you are aware of HMRC’s “Making Tax Digital for VAT” initiative which comes in to force at the start of the new tax year. The IGA has prepared another in the series of “Garage Guides” for your information which will be posted to you shortly.

On the lobbying front, the IGA is positioning itself to respond to the inevitable end of the Block Exemption Regulation in 2023. In many ways block exemption has been good for the independent sector. However, when this ends there could be new players in the car sales arena and access to information could be limited. This is a huge change for the entire UK motor industry and positioning the independent sector in the right way today will pay dividends in the next 4 to 5 years. This is entirely separate from anything that happens following Brexit.

We need to consider the future of our industry and address the current shortage of skilled technicians. With the new apprentice standard fully established, perhaps now is the time to consider taking on an apprentice, especially as funding is available for older students.

On a similar note, the IGA has launched an initiative working with the armed forces to train ex-service personnel to become MOT Testers. This will provide an opportunity for IGA members to recruit fully qualified MOT Testers through this route.

As always, please keep in touch through the direct member helpline or 0845 305 4230.

Best regards,

Stuart James
Director

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Member Events - February 2019

Our Member Events are back for 2019! Join the IGA and DVSA at your nearest venue to receive all the latest news affecting the sector face-to-face. Secure your place today.

Only 2 months left to complete your 2018/19 MOT Annual Training

The annual training deadline is fast approaching, but there's still time to book a training package today to avoid disciplinary consequences and losing your tester status.

Don’t Forget: Making Tax Digital is coming! But have no fear, so is our handy Garage Guide

Are you ready to keep your tax records digitally from April 1st? If not, help is on the way with our Garage Guide to Making Tax Digital for VAT.

Be Aware - February 2019

The RMI Legal team explain your options if you find an abandoned vehicle on your premises, share a refresher on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and provide an update on the Uber's legal case surrounding employment status.

What’s on at the RMI Academies - February 2019

We are looking for feedback on the new RMI Academy at Winchester. Send us your views and see which MOT, technical and annual training courses are on offer at our sites across the country.

Card Acceptance Concerns

Ensure that your business’ card terminals and equipment are fully up to date, as some cardholders are being rejected or not correctly recognised due to inaccurate Bank Identification Number (BIN) tables.

MOT Update - February 2019

The DVSA is listening to your feedback and have published a new article sharing how the new risk rating system is developing, discussing several areas of concern within the new MOT test, and reminding testers about the upcoming annual training deadline.

Recognising when ‘banter’ becomes bullying in the workplace

Automotive charity Ben discuss the current workplace harassment epidemic and give advice on how to professionally handle bullying within your own workforce.

Human Resources Q&A - February 2019

RMI HR answers your employment and management questions. This month find out if you need to pay for lunch breaks, provide references from ex employees, or ask employees to work more than 48h a week.

Autodata Technical Issue 22 – No response to pressing accelerator pedal on VW Golf Mark VI

In this month’s Autodata Technical, a VW Golf isn’t responding to the accelerator pedal and its engine warning lamp is lit intermittently. Click here to learn how to fix this fault.

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Help & Advice

Our team are on hand Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 to offer advice and support on any issues you may have.

0845 305 4230 enquiries@rmif.co.uk

The information contained within this publication is correct at the time of going to press.The RMI reserve the right to make changes to the services offered without prior notification