Messe Frankfurt launches UK Garage and Bodyshop Event for 2022 in response to market demand

Date: Wednesday 08 September 2021

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Messe Frankfurt, organisers of Automechanika Birmingham and auto:resource welcomes the return of face-to-face events with the launch of The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, the UK's dedicated event for training, technology and tools for the garage and bodyshop sector.

The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event will provide a focused opportunity for suppliers and their garage and bodyshop customers to engage, learn and facilitate progress, as we seek to adapt to the rapidly changing nature of the industry.

The event has been designed to meet market demand, after the organisers surveyed over 300 garages and consulted with suppliers. They identified the need for an event where suppliers can deliver training, product and technology expertise to a captivated, core audience through live demonstrations, technical seminars and high-value training.

Taking place on 8th and 9th June 2022 at the NEC Birmingham, the event will offer the exhibition of leading suppliers, three training hubs and three feature areas.

There will be live demonstrations and accredited training across three key areas: EV Hybrid, Workshop and Collision Repair, each offering technical seminars from industry experts covering ADAS, MOT, safety/service and repair, collision repair, diagnostics, plus more.

Feedback in the survey showed 78 percent of garages wanted to return to face-to-face events, and participants overwhelmingly supported the concept of a dedicated garage and bodyshop event to run in 2022.

The event has seen huge industry support with associations already supporting the event, including the Institute of Motoring Industry (IMI), Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), Society of Motoring Manufacturers (SMMT), Independent Garage Association (IGA), National Bodyshop Repair Association (NBRA), Hybrid Electric Vehicle Repair Association (HEVRA), and Automotive Bodyshop Professionals Club (ABP Club), to name a few.

Mark Field, CEO of IAAF said:

“With arguably the biggest shift for the UK aftermarket happening here and now with the presence of ADAS and hybrid and EV technology, increased cybersecurity and access to in-vehicle data, a UK focused exhibition for garages and bodyshops is essential to keeping the industry connected and up to date.”

Adam Griffiths, Marketing Country Lead UK & Ireland of ZF, commented:

“This event gives us a great opportunity to engage directly with our end customers at a time where such support is much needed. With so much change and development taking place in our industry, it is imperative we take a proactive approach in regards to delivering training, advice and support to our networks, ensuring our industry is equipped to face the future.”

Simon Albert, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt UK, added:

“The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event will be the first national trade event for the aftermarket since 2019, offering the opportunity to engage with thousands of UK garages and bodyshops. We’re looking forward to bringing the aftermarket together again.”

Other features for visitors to benefit from include a best-in-class, modern garage workshop to showcase the latest infrastructure and equipment and tools, to inform business planning and investment priorities.
There will also be a take-home training guide folder for visitors to collate their training library and options from each training hub, stand and feature.

If you’d like to find out more about The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, please contact grant.elrick@uk.messefrankfurt.com or call +44 (0) 1483 483984. Tickets will be available at www.garage-and-bodyshop-event.uk.messefrankfurt.com/

What the industry is saying:
David Cresswell, Chairman of ABP Club:

“With the pace of change in the industry, the rate in which workshops and bodyshops must invest to be competitive is increasing, as is the constant training and development required to ensure they are fully equipped to repair vehicles. A national trade event to bring the bodyshop industry together is needed and we’re glad it’s coming!”

Peter Melville, HEVRA:

“We’re delighted! A focused national event for owners and technicians from both garages and bodyshops will highlight the rapid change towards electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as the challenges and opportunities this brings for the aftermarket. We look forward to seeing you there, meeting face-to-face at last again!”

Hayley Pells, Owner of Avia Autos:

“The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event is a must for my diary as a workshop owner. Digital resources have helped enormously during lockdown, but I am looking forward to experiencing first-hand the training and products that are going to drive my business forward.”

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