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Dear Member,
Following the news that Transport Minister Grant Shapps has suggested relaxing the frequency of MOT testing to every two years to help the cost of living crisis, the IGA has written to him to explain the dangers of this plan. Reducing the frequency of MOT tests has been proposed several times in recent years and after extensive lobbying, scrapped every time on road safety grounds. So, should the situation escalate, we will once again be fighting to maintain yearly MOTs. In the meantime, while inflation and business overheads are increasing and the industry is experiencing a reduction in MOT work for Q2, it is worth considering whether the time is right to increase your labour rate.
This week, I am in the US finalising plans with the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) to bring their system to the UK, which will allow verified independent garages access to security level information through GarageSafe. For members who have already signed up and been audited, the project is moving forward as planned and implementation is set to begin in Q3. If you are interested in joining GarageSafe you can find out more in the article below.
If you are a Trust My Garage member, please be prepared for a call from the IGA team who are collating information on the services your garage offers, as the IGA prepares to launch a new TMG website and booking system to bring more customers than ever to your door. Contact from the IGA on this matter will be genuine, and we will not ask you for any sensitive or security information.
Lastly, a reminder that the IGA is still offering Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3 courses at a heavily subsidised rate of £250 + VAT exclusively to members, to help your garage meet the growing demand for EV services. Please call the member helpline for more information or to book a place.
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Best regards,
Stuart James
Chief Executive
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Opinion poll
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If the IGA were to have an annual members’ conference, would you attend?
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Join the GarageSafe network, the IGA’s solution for ensuring continued access to vehicle data
Find out more about GarageSafe and register to be part of the IGA’s project to establish and maintain continued access to security level vehicle data for integrity checked independent garages.
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IGA Member Events - May 2022
Come along to your nearest member event for the latest industry news and legislative updates that will affect your garage business, directly from the IGA and DVSA. There are still 12 dates left this year, with Launceston and Pontefract next up this May.
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What’s on at the RMI Academies - May 2022
Take advantage of preferential member prices for the wide range of courses on offer at the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills, including heavily subsidised £250 Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Repair Level 3 courses. Click here to find out more.
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Book your tickets to The BIG Awards and get complimentary family entry to The British Motor Show!
Don't miss out! Join us at The BIG Awards on Friday 19th August at Farnborough International for an unforgettable night celebrating Britain's best independent garages, with British Motor Show tickets included! Book your tickets here for only £75 +VAT.
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2022/23 MOT Annual Training Update – May 2022
This year's MOT annual training focuses on brake test procedures, MOT test procedures and the whole MOT Inspection Manual, so be prepared and complete your requirements early with a training and assessment package from the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills.
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Member Service Spotlight: Technical Training
Have you taken advantage of the exclusive technical training available to IGA members? Help your technicians to improve their skills with courses on HEVs, oscilloscopes, ADAS, diagnostics, wheel alignment and more.
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Be Aware - May 2022
This month's Be Aware focuses on employing and dismissing apprentices, and what to do if a vehicle is abandoned at your premises following repairs.
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Autodata Technical Issue 51 - Clicking noise from rear suspension on 2014 MINI Clubman
In this issue of Autodata Technical, the team share how to rectify a clicking noise coming from the rear suspension on a 2014 MINI Clubman when driving over uneven surfaces.
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Understanding the risks of underinsurance
Allianz explains why business underinsurance can have severe consequences, and shares practical tips to help you calculate the right level of cover.
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Using breathing to reduce stress
Breathing deeply can reduce your stress and anxiety levels, improve your heart rate and even lower your blood pressure, yet most of us don’t breathe properly. Automotive charity Ben share their tips on how to breathe better to reduce stress.
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IGA warns Government on dangers of reducing MOT frequency to save household costs
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is warning the Government that reducing the frequency of MOT tests to cut costs for households is a dangerous plan that would increase costs for motorists long-term.
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Welcome to new members
A & A Car Service Centre
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AMS Automotive Solutions
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Ark Tech Autos
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Banbury Car Clinic Ltd
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Brands Hatch Automatic's Ltd
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Euromarque Limited
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Grand Garage Ltd
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Gremlin Automotive Ltd t/a Greensend Garage
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Harjass Motors Limited
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Holocene Motor Group
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Ireton Road Garage
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Jessels Autos
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KMAC Automotive Ltd
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Luxe Automotive Ltd
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Manston Auto Centre Ltd
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Mike Smith Cars Ltd
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MK Autostone Vehicle Repairs & Training Centre Ltd
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Riverside Garage & MOT Centre
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Robins Auto World Ltd
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Runnymede Motor Company Ltd (Datchet)
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S A V Motors Limited T/A Purser & Luxford
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Sandwell Diesels Logistics Ltd T/A Sandwell Diesel
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Stowmarket Exhaust and Tyre Centre Ltd
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The Automotive Expert LTD
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Technical Forum
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The technical forum is a platform for sharing and discussing common issues and it's free for members.
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Help & Advice
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Our team are on hand Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 to offer advice and support on any issues you may have.
Contact us on:
01788 225 908
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