UK Garage and Bodyshop Event kickstarts new year with unrivalled backing from aftermarket

Date: Tuesday 08 February 2022

---

The new UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, presented by Automechanika, has kickstarted 2022 on a high, with a host of renowned automotive companies committing to exhibit at this year’s national launch event.

The latest additions to the already impressive line-up include newly announced Platinum Partners, LKQ Euro Car Parts, Bilstein Group (Blue Print & febi Bilstein) and Castrol with their ambassador partner, The Race Group. They join other event partners Autogem, Automotive Alliance Group (Group Auto), Bosch Automotive Aftermarket UK, Bosch Car Service, Dayco Europe, Liqui Moly UK, Snap-on Diagnostics, Thatcham Research, The Tool Connection and ZF [pro]Tech, along with a growing exhibitor list of 50+ leading suppliers to the UK garage and bodyshop sectors.

ZF[pro]Tech, one of the first sponsors for the event explains:

‘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.’

Backed by the leading industry associations including GEA, HEVRA, IAAF, IGA, IMI, NBRA, School of Thought, SMMT & The Motor Ombudsman, with more to be announced, the event has the full weight of the industry behind it and is set to be the event for the aftermarket in 2022.

“With industry skills at the top of the IMI’s agenda, we are delighted to be supporting a national event dedicated to the garage and bodyshop sector,” explained Steve Scofield, Head of Business Development at the Institute of the Motor Industry. “We are planning a strong presence, supporting the expert-led training programmes and addressing the widening skills gap. In particular, we are excited to have the opportunity to talk to those working in garages and bodyshops about the immense career opportunities that electric vehicles, ADAS and other automotive innovations offer for those with the right skills, with IMI TechSafeTM providing the industry standard. The event presents an important opportunity for the aftermarket to come together and take our industry forward and we are proud to be supporting it.”

Taking place 8-9 June at the NEC Birmingham, the event is designed for visitors to engage directly with the latest training, technology and tools for the garage and bodyshop sector. In a highly interactive format visitors will have free access to three technical hubs delivering 60+ sessions on expert training and advice, as well as interactive feature areas including a Collision Repair Demonstration Zone, Modern Workshop Showcase and a Garage Equipment Showcase. A further three networking areas will provide visitors access to leading industry experts and business advice to ensure the event is a one-stop shop for every business need, from both a technical and business management perspective.

Project Director at Messe Frankfurt UK, Kristan Johnstone, said:

“The UK Garage and Bodyshop Event brings a unique and tailored offering to the aftermarket after extensive consultation with the industry. The focus on showcasing practical demonstrations of new technologies, products and training initiatives is what our captive audience of garage and bodyshop customers has asked for, especially as this will be the first major opportunity to do so since the return of face-to-face events. Since the announcement, the event has proven incredibly popular, and we’re delighted to kickstart the year with the further support of some of the industry’s key players.”

Regular announcements will be made in the coming weeks to provide updates on latest signings and further details on the many initiatives taking place at the event. Visitor registration for free tickets will open in late February, but professionals are being encouraged to stay up to date by following @AutomechanikaUK social media and visiting the website at www.ukgaragebodyshopevent.com 

---