Now that the UK and devolved governments are setting roadmaps out of lockdown, the easing of restrictions will likely mean frequent changes to government guidance in the coming months. Please remember, the IGA website is regularly updated with the latest information for businesses.

We will be writing to members soon to determine interest levels for two exciting projects that we hope to roll out later this year; one will help with work provision in future months when work levels are anticipated to be lower than usual, and the other will help with access to security level technical information in modern vehicles. Details on both projects will be announced in the coming weeks.

We are delighted that an extension to the Retail Business Rates Relief Scheme is expected to be announced at the Budget on 3rd March, following our letters to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Housing Minister Robert Jenrick. It is also looking likely that the furlough scheme will be extended, and another grant will be made available for the self-employed. We will keep you updated on any announcements as they come.

The IGA has recently been involved in a government round table to address the issue of Cyber Security for businesses. As more of our general business activities go online due to the pandemic, it is vital that protection is in place to safeguard your business from potential cyber-attacks. Around 46% of small businesses have suffered some sort of attack and that is why we are supporting the Government’s new Cyber Security initiative that was launched on Friday 26th February - Resources and guidance will be available on the IGA website to help members review their own specific vulnerabilities and protect businesses from cyber-attacks.

Looking ahead to a longer-term issue facing our industry, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned from 2030. Currently only around 5% of technicians are trained to work on EVs, so we will be pushing the government to provide support and funding to ensure that all independent garages are able to work on these vehicles and meet demand nationwide. The RMI Academy of Automotive Skills already offers a suite of HEV training, and more information on these courses can be found in the Member Service Spotlight article below.

As always, if you need any help or advice in these uncertain times, please don’t hesitate to call us on the Direct Member Helpline.