Hi Andy

There was a Q&A about Garage Licencing at the recent Top Tech 2013 hosted by Mike Owen, Brian Spratt and Stuart White (former top tech winner) I did get the impression that the audience was not really up to a drawn out debate but a few point did come out

One of them suggested that an ATA accreditation was the way to go and have a database of those who have it so the public can find one at a garage, but if the public find an ATA tech at a garage how will they know that tech is going to work on their vehicle, they will only see the receptionist

Stuart was the one that seemed to have his feet on the ground and knows exactly how things work in our industry. Stuart has a good tech who knows his stuff but has no interest in applying for the ATA and Stuart cannot force him, this probably applies to thousands of techs all over the country, they are all employed an more than capable of doing their job so why apply for ATA? Many in the audience who have ATA have let it lapse. Stuarts view on Motor Codes and Good Garage Scheme is that they may give the customer some confidence but most garages view them as great marketing tool and probably the main reason they sign up

Brian focused on the recent poll of complaints against the motor trade which in his opinion is unjust and I agree. The complaints are probably not against the quality of workmanship but a lack of communication between the reception (or owner)and customer. Most complaints could probably have been avoided if the customer is kept in the loop.

PS:
It's not always the workshops fault, some customers need educating that modern cars are now VERY expensive to maintain due to ever increasing complexity and VERY expensive parts. The Independent Garages should not take stick or the blame for Manufactures follies of over design, engineering and poor quality replacement parts........when it gets old (usually 3 years ) and breaks it's going to get expensive. This should be included in the information Motor Codes puts out in public info an videos