On reflection, 2018 has been a turbulent year. The uncertainty surrounding Brexit has left the country in a state of limbo and I, like many of you, would just like the government to get on with it and find a solution that works for the UK.

We as your trade body have had a positive year overall with a particular high on the outcome of the MOT 4-1-1 consultation…. until the next time! We also released the first Garage Work Provider report which many members found beneficial. 2019 will see a more detailed follow up report. Please let us know your experiences, good or bad with any of these types of organisations.

Help us to help you. We would like to know about any concrete situation where you have been unable to programme a component you have fitted to a vehicle. We are particularly interested in instances where independent garages are definitively blocked by the vehicle manufacturers from accessing or downloading the software. If we can prove there is a restriction of access, we will pursue the case further.

A new method of calculating MOT risk was introduced on 12th November which now takes into account the performance of your testers as well as the MOT station as a whole. As a result, it is now likely that the “red/amber/green” status of a test station will change far more easily than it has in the past. We are in constant discussion with the DVSA about the changes and the support and guidance we offer will identify the “best practice” solutions to demonstrate that you are managing and minimising risk in your MOT station.

Looking ahead into next year, the next big challenge will be ‘Making Tax Digital for VAT’ (MTD), which comes into force on 1st April 2019. You will need to store your business records digitally by using HMRC compatible software. We are looking at what garages need to consider from a practical viewpoint and we will keep a particular eye on the House of Lords proposal for a “free to use” package. As always we will provide you with the advice and guidance you need to make the best decision for your business. You can find out more information about the changes in the article below.

As we have reached the last bulletin of 2018, myself and the IGA team wish you a Merry Christmas and a successful and prosperous New Year.

The support team will be available on the member helpline over the Christmas period if you need us.