As CEO of the IMI, and a key figurehead of the automotive industry, Steve shares his views and fears on the future of the sector, the need for greater employee engagement, industry consolidation, and a strong, sensible trade deal.

Autotech Talks with...Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)

In the latest of our 'Autotech Talks' series, CEO Gavin White speaks to Prashant Chopra, Co-Owner at Autogem Invicta on the impact events are having on the tyre industry and the automotive sector as a whole.

As a supplier of tyre technology products and general workshop consumables to dealerships and garages, Prashant, who was formerly chairman of the NTDA, discussed the impact COVID 19 has had on the supply chain.

With exports making up to 50% of Autogem’s business, Prashant highlighted the effect on the global supply chain as the virus moved from east to west, the rationing of products to ensure the industry is equipped with vital supplies, and his ‘COVID equation’ on future supply and demand.

Autotech Talks With... Prashant Chopra

Autotech Recruit CEO Gavin White speaks to Colin Gleghorn, director at Fourmative. Recognised for delivering coaching and training to businesses within the automotive aftermarket, Colin provides his take on the impact the 6 months MOT extension will have on the market, and the need to closely follow guidelines.

Around 3 million vehicles in the UK which should have been MOT’d by now so there will be a definite spike in testing as the lockdown continues to ease. However, while garages will still need to continue to meet specific MOT guidelines, they will also be under scrutiny from the HSE to deliver on the 5-point plan and face random spot checks to ensure compliance.

Autotech Talks With... Colin Gleghorn

Autotech Recruit CEO Gavin White speaks to Stephen Whitton, from SSW Automotive.

Steve discusses how adaptability is now key within the automotive industry and argues that training shouldn’t be put on the back burner. In a progressive industry that has a reputation for being reactive in regard to training, the need to ensure technicians are sufficiently skilled has never been more vital, particularly as sales of Electric Vehicles have still been comparably high over the last couple of months. “The industry can’t afford to take their eye off the ball.” While admitting that traditional styles of training with groups of people will likely see a demise in the near future, there are many new, innovative online training tools available and Steve urges industry bosses to become more ‘learner-centred’ and employers of choice, renowned for developing great people.