If we had the right premises we would go for an ATL now. Can reduce the time of a typical test from approx 40-45 minutes to 20-25 and that's according to VOSA.

Of course they are approximately twice as much. We purchased a new Tecalemit class IV setup about 18months ago and it was about £9.5K (+VAT) I think the ATLs start around £18K. You will also need a Gas Analyser on top of this, approx £4-5K.

One other thing, don't get into doing trade MOTs if you can help it. You have to discount too much and they expect you to drop everything to squeeze them in. If your not careful you will become to dependent on them like us.

Also, if the market in your area will stand it, always charge for retests. Unfortunately the local competition for us don't charge, so we can't afford to at the moment - even though we ALL lose out! It will be better when they bring in the 3 stage retests in August this year, which will make charging more acceptable.....we hope!

We currently do about 10-12 tests a day (two bays, 3 testers). Main part of our business.....