News
HMRC COVID-19 Support: CJRS extension
Date: Thursday 12 November 2020
HMRC has now made the new Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) guidance available on GOV.UK. To check if you’re eligible and to get ready to claim from this week, go to GOV.UK and search 'Coronavir…
Furlough updates from Lawgistics
Date: Thursday 12 November 2020
Following the recent announcement regarding the extension of the Coronavirus furlough scheme, Lawgistics have received confirmation that neither the employer nor the employee had to have claimed under…
DVSA releases update for MOT testing forecasts
Date: Thursday 12 November 2020
Following on from previous forecasts, the DVSA has now produced the figures for November and a forecast for December, broken down by postcode, to help understand how demand will vary by area. Good p…
Motor insurance during lockdown
Date: Thursday 12 November 2020
Reports have recently been circulating in the media regarding the validity of vehicle insurance during lockdown if the driver is deemed not to be travelling for "essential" reasons such as going to wo…
Are you ready to trade in goods with the EU after 31 December 2020? - a message from The Secretary of State for Business
Date: Thursday 12 November 2020
Alok Sharma has written again to British businesses on the subject of Britain's future trading relationships from 1 January 2021. I know just how difficult the national restrictions announced over t…
Health and safety COVID-secure spot inspections ongoing
Date: Thursday 12 November 2020
HSE is carrying out spot checks and inspections on all types of businesses in all areas to ensure they are COVID-secure.By calling and visiting premises and speaking directly to employers, we can chec…
Voting now open for IAAF 'Pride of the Aftermarket' awards
Date: Tuesday 10 November 2020
Voting is now open for the IAAF 'Pride of the Aftermarket' awards. These awards have been introduced in order to reflect the impact that the pandemic has had on the people and the employment sector du…
IAAF Letter regarding Van Drivers
Date: Friday 06 November 2020
During the first lockdown in the Spring, the IAAF received reports that motor factor van drivers had been stopped and asked to supply an authorisation letter to justify their journey. In response, the…
UK car production falls -5.0% in worst September since 1995 as industry issues plea for vital Brexit deal
Date: Thursday 05 November 2020
UK car production fell in September, with output down -5.0%, to register the worst performance for the month in 25 years, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufa…
Extended Furlough - Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Date: Thursday 05 November 2020
With the country going into the second lockdown on 5 November 2020, and with the suspension of non-essential retail including vehicle showrooms, the government has pushed back the Job Support Scheme a…
Covid-impact on Workshops - Outlook
Date: Thursday 05 November 2020
A recent study of UK workshops by Moove Pro-Brands, manufacturers of Comma oil, has found a largely positive outlook amongst the UK’s workshop technicians, as the industry begins its Covid-lockdown re…
Tips from Ben on how to deal with stress
Date: Thursday 05 November 2020
With the new lockdown having just started, it’s not surprising that many of us are feeling unsettled and worried about the future. We’ve all been experiencing lots of continual change in our daily liv…
Kerridge Commercial Systems and Phocas Software join forces to enable distributive trades to feel good about data
Date: Thursday 05 November 2020
Industry leading ERP, Retail and Business Management software provider, Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS), and leading analytics software provider, Phocas Software, today signed a global partnership a…
The second lockdown and accrual of leave
Date: Thursday 05 November 2020
Under the previous furlough rules, annual leave was accruing throughout the furlough duration and could be taken during the furlough. It is extremely unlikely that the detailed guidance and regulation…
Urgent message from the Business Secretary: The way you hire from the EU is changing
Date: Friday 30 October 2020
The transition period is ending on 31 December and there will be no extension. The current rules for hiring workers from the EU will change. Time is running out and I urge you to act now to prepare fo…
Industry Briefing Bitesize session outlines growth opportunities
Date: Friday 30 October 2020
IAAF has carried out its final Bitesize Briefing before its 2020 Virtual Conference with an eye-catching presentation from Adrian Botham, founder and managing director of Servispart Consulting on “How…
Professor Jim Saker appointed as new President of IMI
Date: Thursday 29 October 2020
The Institute of the Motor Industry’s Annual General Meeting on 27th October 2020 saw the announcement of its new President, Professor Jim Saker, as well as the appointment of two new Vice Presidents…
Intellectual property after 1 January 2021: Update from the IPO
Date: Thursday 29 October 2020
Key information for customers and users of IP about how the IP system and the Intellectual Property Office will operate after the end of the transition period. The transition period ends on 31 Decembe…
Driving forward into 2021 – welcoming back the Commercial Vehicle Show
Date: Thursday 29 October 2020
The Commercial Vehicle Show has always been the leading event on the road transport calendar each year and the 2021 event is set to be no different. Set to take place from 13-15 April at the NEC in Bi…
Is my business insured for the financial impacts of COVID-19?
Date: Thursday 29 October 2020
You may have seen details of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) test case in the media recently and wondered how it may affect you and your business. The FCA has been instrumental in acting for pol…
Advice from Lawgistics: Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for employees who are self-isolating
Date: Thursday 29 October 2020
Lawgistics have recently had enquiries regarding Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) with particular interest relating to employees who are self-isolating. To qualify for SSP an employee must: Earn an average o…
HMRC COVID-19 Support: JRS closes and Job Support Scheme opens
Date: Thursday 29 October 2020
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme closes on 31 October and businesses will need to make any final claims on or before 30 November. The Job Support Scheme will open on 1 November, with claims openin…
Advice from Lawgistics: making redundancies during the pandemic
Date: Thursday 29 October 2020
A recent ACAS survey commissioned by YouGov has reported that 1 in 3 employers are likely to make redundancies over the next 3 months. Of the key points: 6 out of 10 large businesses said they were l…
Advice from Lawgistics: Job Support Scheme changes and template agreement
Date: Thursday 29 October 2020
On Thursday 22nd October the Chancellor made two important announcements in respect of the furlough successor, the Job Support Scheme. To qualify for a grant under this scheme, an eligible employee is…
When is a van a car?
Date: Thursday 29 October 2020
Our colleagues at Xecutive Search have forwarded details of a ruling issued by the Court of Appeal which means that some crewcab vans are to be treated as cars for benefit-in-kind purposes. Court. In …
MOT testing in Wales: a statement from the DVSA
Date: Friday 23 October 2020
Further to the announcement from the Welsh Government about the firebreak, a series of restrictive measures will be in place from 6pm Friday 23 October until the start of Monday 9 November 2020. What …
Underestimate Block Exemption at your peril, warns IAAF’s Bleasdale
Date: Friday 23 October 2020
Lawrence Bleasdale, IAAF board and council member, has warned the industry not to underestimate the importance of the Block Exemption Regulations, due to expire in May 2023, calling it “central to ens…
IAAF welcomes another CV factor to its membership
Date: Thursday 22 October 2020
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has welcomed Wessex Truck & Trailer Supplies Limited to its growing membership. The independent commercial vehicle specialist parts supplie…
Last call for IAAF Industry Briefing Bitesize session
Date: Thursday 22 October 2020
The next IAAF Industry Briefing Bitesize session is taking place virtually on Thursday 29th October, starting at 10.00am. This final instalment of the year will welcome Adrian Botham, founder and mana…
Nominations still open for 'Pride of the Aftermarket' awards
Date: Thursday 22 October 2020
Nominations can still be made for the IAAF 'Pride of the Aftermarket' awards. These have been introduced in order to reflect the impact that the pandemic has had on people and the employment sector du…
Andrew Nash is the latest team member to join Ad Bell Group
Date: Tuesday 20 October 2020
During these uncertain times, Ad Bell continues to strengthen and develop the team as we build back stronger! The appointment of Andrew was key in for our growth plans within the installation team. We…
Ad Bell Group Welcomes Vehicle Wrap Technician, Olivia Cope to the growing team!
Date: Tuesday 20 October 2020
Olivia brings with her experience in vehicle wrapping, window tinting and customer service. When Olivia came for her interview, I was impressed with the bespoke colour of her VW Polo, a pearlescent gr…
Ben extends its services to support automotive people who face job losses
Date: Tuesday 20 October 2020
Automotive charity, Ben, is now providing support to industry people who have lost their jobs and who are at risk of losing their jobs. Ben has seen a 52% increase in requests for support from April-S…
IAAF & PACT team up to tackle warranty and returns process
Date: Friday 16 October 2020
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and PACT have teamed up to launch the new TecAlliance Warranty and Returns service as a free to access, easy-to-use online portal. Recognising …
Are you ready for 1 January 2021: urgent message from Alok Sharma, Business Secretary
Date: Tuesday 13 October 2020
There will be guaranteed changes from 1 January for businesses as we start our new relationship with the EU, and there are many actions you can take today to prepare. Find out what you need to do by v…
Accelerating the recovery of the aftermarket brought to you by Automechanika.’
Date: Tuesday 13 October 2020
Sponsored by ecommotors, the webinar gave stage to a panel of highly experienced industry professionals, including Dr Julia Saini, Associate Partner at Frost and Sullivan, Andrew Rowson, co-founder an…
Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation – Launch of the public consultation
Date: Tuesday 13 October 2020
Following on from the previous announcement, the European Commission has finally launched the public consultation to evaluate the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation. This is a very important exe…
Job Retention Bonus: clarification of the scheme from Lawgistics
Date: Tuesday 13 October 2020
Back in July 2020 the government announced that, for every employee who was on furlough at some point and was in continuous employment until the end of January 2021, a bonus of £1,000 would be paid. T…
Job Support Scheme: Lawgistics explain the sheme
Date: Tuesday 13 October 2020
A successor to the furlough scheme was much anticipated by many. It has been announced that the Job Support Scheme will come into effect immediately after the current flexible furlough scheme ends. Th…
Virtual IAAF conference welcomes Sunday Times’ Economic Editor as keynote speaker
Date: Monday 12 October 2020
The IAAF will once again welcome a top list of industry speakers to its annual conference this year, being hosted virtually on Thursday 3rd December to bring the event to as many people in the industr…
Next Industry Briefing Bitesize session announced
Date: Friday 09 October 2020
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has announced that its next Industry Briefing Bitesize session will take place virtually on Thursday 29th October, starting at 10.00am. The fin…
Advice from Ben on mental health
Date: Friday 09 October 2020
Health is made up of two parts, physical health (our body) and mental health (our mind - how we think and feel). They’re linked, so if something changes in one, it affects the other. Our wellbeing - h…
ICO: Responding to the challenges of COVID-19
Date: Friday 09 October 2020
Throughout COVID-19, the ICO has been offering practical support on new data protection questions that the pandemic has asked of organisations. Whether you are a local business or a government departm…
AB Dynamics and VW Group complete eight-vehicle swarm test
Date: Thursday 08 October 2020
AB Dynamics, a leading automotive test systems supplier, has collaborated with VW, Audi and Porsche to demonstrate what AB Dynamics says is the greatest number of vehicles to be successfully synchroni…
New Sales Manager for Corteco UK and Ireland
Date: Thursday 08 October 2020
An outstanding addition joined Corteco who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him. We are very pleased to announce that Nick Racklyeft joined Corteco, as sales and profit growth responsi…
Signage & Graphics Installer, Sam joins the Ad Bell team
Date: Thursday 08 October 2020
Ad Bell Group are pleased to announce the appointment of Sam, previously production manager/ installer with over 13 years’ experience in the field of signage design, fabrication and installation. Work…
12% of drivers with an MOT due in October “beat the rush”
Date: Friday 02 October 2020
During the last week of September, the DVSA released its estimated volume of passenger cars MOT tests due to expire in October and November. This estimate is an update of the volumes shared in August …
What to do if an employee has symptoms or a confirmed case of Covid-19: advice from Lawgistics
Date: Thursday 01 October 2020
With the Test and Trace service having been heavily criticised, and large numbers of people self isolating for different reasons, Lawgistics have received many enquiries on how to keep the workplace s…
LKQ Euro Car Parts appoints new HR Director to implement customer-focused people strategy
Date: Thursday 01 October 2020
Her focus for the next 12 months will be on implementing LKQ Euro Car Parts’ People Strategy, that will see its values of embracing and driving change embedded at all levels throughout the almost 11,0…
UK engine production down -35.1% in August as sector braces for Coronavirus second wave
Date: Thursday 01 October 2020
106,398 UK engines produced in August as output falls -35.1%. Production for domestic and overseas markets declines -36.9% and -34.1% respectively. Year-to-date engine production now down -35.2% as c…