IGA Chair demonstrates perseverance for BEN following stage 4 cancer treatment

In a remarkable display of resilience and dedication, Rob Collison, Chairman of the Independent Garage Association (IGA), has completed a gruelling Sahara Desert trek in support of the automotive industry charity, BEN. This extraordinary achievement comes in the wake of his personal battle with stage 4 cancer, a journey that has inspired many within and beyond the automotive community.

A former Royal Navy Submariner and Diver, Rob was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and has since undergone treatment. Determined to give back, he joined BEN’s “Industry Leader Challenge,” a high-endurance trek across the Sahara Desert held at the end of February, raising a staggering £34,500 for the charity.

BEN, a dedicated support charity for people who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry, runs the challenge to bring leaders together and raise vital funds to support mental health, wellbeing, and crisis support services. Rob’s participation represents not only his deep commitment to the sector but also a powerful message of perseverance.

“There is life after cancer,” said Rob. “This challenge was about proving that point to myself and to others and giving back to an industry that has given so much to me. BEN is a lifeline for many, and I’m proud to have contributed to its mission.”

Stuart James, Chief Executive of the IGA, said: “Rob’s achievement is nothing short of inspirational. His strength, determination, and passion for supporting our industry reflect the very best qualities of leadership. We are proud to have him as Chair of the IGA, and we applaud his incredible efforts to raise vital funds for BEN.”

To learn more about BEN and its services, visit https://ben.org.uk.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Amy Leddington
Head of Marketing and Communications

Independent Garage Association
Phone: 01788 538 323
Email: amy.leddington@rmif.co.uk

View Recent Press Releases from the IGA:

IGA urges Government action as financial pressures mount on Independent Garages

Despite repeated calls for targeted support, independent garages once again find themselves overlooked at a time when rising costs continue to escalate across the sector.

As of the 6^th April, employers now pay 15% rate of National Insurance contributions (NIC) for their employees, up from 13.8%. The threshold at which employers begin paying NIC has also been lowered from £9,100 per year to £5,000 per year, meaning contributions start at a much earlier point in staff salaries.

This comes in addition to increases in the National Minimum Wage and other rising operational costs.

The increase in employer contributions places an additional burden on independent garages already facing significant financial strain. It will not only exacerbate the day-to-day operational challenges they face, but also inevitably restrict opportunities for business growth, investment, and recruitment.

The IGA has consistently called for meaningful relief for the independent garage sector, urging recognition of its essential role in keeping the UK’s motorists safe and their vehicles roadworthy. The IGA has highlighted the intense pressure from surging energy bills, equipment prices, and staffing costs, all of which remain unaddressed by policymakers.

Jonathan Douglass, Director of the IGA, said: “The latest increase to National Insurance contributions is yet another blow to independent garages, which have already endured relentless cost hikes with little recognition or relief from Government. These businesses provide essential road safety services to motorists and local communities, yet they continue to be left behind.”

The added financial pressure not only affects the sustainability of these garages but also directly limits their ability to grow, invest in new talent, or modernise operations. The Government must urgently reconsider its approach to ensure that independent garages are not adversely affected by policy that undermines confidence and holds back investment, or worse still, threatens closure.

Douglass concludes: “The IGA continues to advocate for fair treatment and meaningful engagement with the independent garage sector. We urge the Government to work with the IGA to create policies that foster business resilience and growth rather than stifle it.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Amy Leddington
Marketing and Communications Manager

Independent Garage Association
Phone: 01788 538 323
Email: amy.leddington@rmif.co.uk

About the Independent Garage Association (IGA):
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is the largest and most prominent trade association representing independent garages in the UK. The IGA supports its members by providing guidance, resources, and advocacy to ensure the success and sustainability of independent garages nationwide.

IGA meets with government to discuss MOT Fee

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) holds high level meeting with policy makers from both DfT and DVSA to discuss growing financial pressure being put on garages and the stagnant MOT fee cap.

During the meeting, the IGA presented compelling evidence that the fee cap, unchanged since 2010, along with increasing operational costs is putting independent garages under unsustainable financial pressure. Without government intervention, garages are likely to re-assess which services return the greatest yield, ensuring they are generating enough revenue to cover business costs. This could lead to obstacles in maintaining MOT services as a priority, contributing to longer wait times, higher costs for motorists, and potential risks to road safety.

Stuart James, CEO said: “The independent garage sector plays a crucial role in ensuring the UK maintains its position as a world leader in road safety and providing affordable, accessible MOT services to millions of motorists. However, the outdated MOT fee cap is placing financial strain on garages. If the Government does not act swiftly, providing a solution that protects the MOT credibility while still keeping MOT tests a viable service for garages, we risk a decline in MOT service availability, which could lead to more unroadworthy vehicles on UK roads. The IGA is calling for urgent policy intervention to secure the future of independent garages and protect motorists.”

The IGA has outlined several key recommendations, including:

A formal review of the MOT fee cap to ensure sustainability for independent garages.
Increased funding for training and upskilling to address the shortage of technicians and MOT testers and support the transition to servicing electric vehicles.

With the Autumn Budget 2024 expected to introduce further financial pressures, through potential tax changes and potential business rate increases, the IGA is reinforcing its call for urgent government action to prevent further damage to the industry and ensure the continued availability of high-quality, affordable MOT services.

James concludes: “The IGA remains committed to advocating for independent garages, ensuring they receive the support they need to operate sustainably. We will continue to engage with policymakers to push for meaningful change, safeguarding the future of the sector and protecting the UK’s world leading road safety standards.”

MOT Testers must complete Annual Assessment ahead of 31st March Deadline

With the 31st of March deadline fast approaching, we are reminding all MOT testers of the urgent need to complete their mandatory annual training and assessment to avoid suspension from testing duties.

Recent figures show that over 20,000 testers are still outstanding, meaning a significant number risk being unable to carry out MOT tests if they do not act now.

Failing to complete the annual assessment before the deadline will result in immediate suspension from testing. To regain testing status, suspended testers must complete the current year’s training and assessment and then pass a demonstration test with a DVSA representative. Additionally, any testers returning after a lapse or suspension are required to submit a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, adding further delays to the reinstatement process.

Why this matters to your Garage

If a tester is suspended, it can have a serious impact on your garage’s operations, leading to reduced MOT capacity, financial losses, and inconvenience for your customers. Keeping on top of training ensures that vehicles remain roadworthy and compliant with safety standards, helping to protect both your business and the wider public.

What Testers need to do now

To avoid last-minute issues or disruptions, we strongly advise testers to:

Complete Training Early – Don’t leave it until the last minute, ensure you finish your assessment well before 31st March.
Be Fully Prepared – Use the available training resources to make sure you understand the assessment content.
Stay Up to Date – Regularly check DVSA communications for any changes to requirements.

The RMI Academy provides a range of annual training options to ensure your testers can meet their requirements in a way that suits your business.

To book an Annual Training package or discuss your options, contact the RMI Helpline on 01788 538 399.

The IGA seeks industry input ahead of crucial meeting

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is calling on independent garage owners and operators to provide critical input ahead of a key meeting regarding the long-standing MOT fee freeze and the financial impact of the recent Autumn Budget.

The IGA has been invited to discuss these pressing issues at a meeting on the 11^thMarch, with the office of Lilian Greenwood MP. The association is keen to present concrete evidence on how these financial constraints are affecting businesses across the sector.

The government’s MOT fee freeze has placed mounting financial pressure on independent garages, exacerbated by increasing operational costs. Additionally, new financial measures introduced in the Autumn Budget pose further challenges to the sector. This meeting represents a crucial opportunity to ensure policymakers fully understand the impact these factors have on independent garages nationwide.

Jonathan Douglass, Director of the IGA, said: “This is an important opportunity to make our collective voice heard at the highest levels. The MOT fee freeze and increasing financial pressures are unsustainable for independent garages, and we need real-world data to support our case. Your input will help us advocate for meaningful change.”

To build a strong, evidence-based case, the IGA is seeking data and insights from businesses on the following topics:

The rising costs of operating an MOT station since 2010, including equipment, training, and maintenance expenses.
Increases in overhead costs, utilities, and insurance.
Salary increases for MOT testers and staff since 2010.
The financial impact of the National Insurance increase in April.
The effect of minimum wage increases from April.
Any other relevant financial or operational challenges impacting independent garages.

All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence and anonymised where necessary.

Douglass concludes, “We have reached out to our members and the response so far has been overwhelming. The challenges faced by independent garages are significant, and this meeting is a critical step toward addressing these issues. We appreciate the support and urge everyone to contribute their insights to strengthen our case.”

The IGA is compiling this crucial information ahead of the scheduled meeting on 11th March. Businesses are encouraged to submit their data and insights by Wednesday, 5th March, to IGAcomms@rmif.co.uk.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Amy Leddington
Marketing and Communications Manager

Independent Garage Association
Phone: 01788 538 323
Email: amy.leddington@rmif.co.uk

About the Independent Garage Association (IGA):
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is the largest and most prominent trade association representing independent garages in the UK. The IGA supports its members by providing guidance, resources, and advocacy to ensure the success and sustainability of independent garages nationwide.

The IGA is stepping up to advocate for independent garage owners amid rising costs

In a world where independent garages are feeling the pinch from a new round of costs, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) is stepping up to advocate for these dedicated business owners.

With mounting pressures from operational expenses and ongoing uncertainty over new layers of cost being imposed on garage businesses over many years, especially following the Autumn Budget of 2024, many garages are being forced to assess all areas of their business. Careful consideration of return on investment is now essential to ensure sustainability and profitability.

Jonathan Douglass, Director of the IGA, said “We understand the challenges our independent garages are facing. It’s important for them to know they have the option and the means to review and, where possible, realign their prices to reflect the value of their services. At a time where increasing income is becoming more of a necessity, we’re here to help independent garages assess their strategies while speaking up on their behalf about cost burdens outside of their control.”

For many independent garage owners, the situation is becoming increasingly difficult. Escalating wage costs, increasing overheads, such as property rent and utilities, and, since the last budget, the looming prospect of even higher payroll costs, are all significantly impacting margins, making it tough to maintain a sustainable operation.

Having recently been invited to a meeting to discuss the implications and find a practical solution to the unchanged MOT Fee Cap, the IGA is committed to collaborating with the government to ensure independent garages are not only supported but able to sustain their services.

Douglass continues, “We are here to help independent garages find a solution to these burdens. We believe in the strength of our community and want to empower them to take control of their pricing. We set out to help garage owners enhance their livelihood while continuing to provide first-class service to their customers.”

The IGA is encouraging owners to assess their costs and feel confident in adjusting their prices as necessary where they can.

Douglass concludes “It’s vital to set rates that are fair to their garage as well as their customers. To support members with these challenging decisions, the IGA provides access to a custom Labour Rate Calculator to help them get the full picture of their business costs and potential charge-out rates. The intention is that garages can base their labour charges on a percentage rate of their costs in an easy-to-use visual way, rather than basing their labour rate on what others may or may not be charging. This isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving in an ever-changing, increasingly complex business landscape.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

Amy Leddington
Marketing and Communications Manager

Independent Garage Association
Phone: 01788 538 323
Email: amy.leddington@rmif.co.uk

About the Independent Garage Association (IGA):
The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is the largest and most prominent trade association representing independent garages in the UK. The IGA supports its members by providing guidance, resources, and advocacy to ensure the success and sustainability of independent garages nationwide.