GSNL UK February 2024

Garage Support Supporting you and your business

2024 Issue 1

What’s inside? • Maximising your profitability • Sustainability – help yourself and the planet • EV and Hybrid – sure you’re ready? • MOTs and how to help your customers. The opportunity for your workshop

Call your local branch now!

Hello and welcome, from Andy Southby And just like that we’re a few months into 2024… I’m excited to be writing to you in my new capacity as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). I firstly wanted to thank you for the warm welcome I’ve received from the industry. Taking the CCO post at the end of 2023 follows a busy five years for me at LKQ. First as divisional director of our Southern Branch Network. Then as managing director at both LKQ Bodyshop and Digraph, separately. So, I’m no stranger to what underpins success in the aftermarket, having worked closely with many garages and workshops over the last few years. Ultimately, we rely on forging long-term partnerships built on mutual support. The partnerships we have with our customers help us each to maximise the potential from routine opportunities, like rising MOT demand set for March; and to meet new challenges, like the transition to electric vehicles. It may be another

year of new beginnings. But we’ll continue to stand by the independent aftermarket, and we’ll carry on investing in our customer relationships to drive mutual success. Looking forward to working more closely with you.

Andy Southby, Chief Commercial Officer LKQ UK & Ireland

Life going off track? We’ve got your back.

We are here for you. We are your charity. We are automotive.

Supporting you through life’s twists and turns. Contact our free & confidential helpline.

08081 311 333 ben.org.uk

supportservices@ben.org.uk

text BEN to 85258

Page 2 | Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1

UK finance review Three things garages need to know from November’s Autumn Statement As businesses begin to write their wish lists for Chancellor Jeremy Hunt ahead of March’s Spring Budget, we take a look back at his Autumn Statement. Was it more help or hinderance for garages and workshops?

Did you see?

Here are three things you need to know.

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£

Full expensing became a permanent fixture. In good news for the sector, full expensing became a permanent fixture. Full expensing is a capital allowance tax scheme that lets UK companies deduct 100% of the cost of capital equipment from their profits in the year it is bought. Many garages and workshops are investing in the equipment and infrastructure they need to service electric vehicles (EVs). So, full expensing should allow them to offset at least part of their investment into the equipment needed to handle EVs and ADAS-equipped vehicles.

£50 million was announced for apprenticeships. More funding for apprenticeships is always welcome, with many industries facing skills crises. However, the funding looks set for emerging industries, like AI and technology, which could be a missed opportunity for the aftermarket.

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Business rates will change. In another welcome move, the Chancellor froze the small business multiplier for business rates. This will help garages and bodyshops to keep costs under control in the face of continued, albeit decreasing, inflation. However, some will see this as a missed opportunity to reform a rates system that continues to penalise bricks and mortar-based businesses.

In Summary: The Autumn Statement painted a mixed picture for the independent aftermarket, which will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the Government’s intentions as we continue into 2024.

Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1 | Page 3

Our friends at Garage Hive have updated their Gross Profit Target Calculator for 2024. This tool is free to anyone that wants to use it, and will work with any management system that can produce an accurate Gross Profit figure. Are you set up for success in 2024? How to set a Gross Profit Target and why it’s so important

This invaluable tool provides you with help and assistance to manage your business and maximise profitability.

The calculator is designed to demonstrate the Gross Profit & Efficiency required to cover the day to day running costs of the business. From labour rates, loans to fixed expenses and more – It’s more important now than ever to consider all costs that can affect your business. It’s simple to use, and could be a game changer for your business. Find out more today.

Page 4 | Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1

Are you ready to maximise your 2024 profit? Are you ready to calculate your costs and check your labour rates? Scan the QR code where you will be able to download the spreadsheet and also find a useful video and instructions on how to use it to maximise your success in 2024. Are you set up for success in 2024?

Reviews: See what other workshops have to say

When an outgoing changes or a new one starts it gets added to it, thinking about taking new staff on, you just change the figures and you know straight away if it will work financially. It took us just a Sunday afternoon to fill it in. And now it takes minutes to make any adjustments. Every business should use this. It makes you feel that you are in charge of your business not the business in charge of you!

Game changer – you THINK you have everything covered, you know exactly what your business is paying out each month right? WRONG! Having such detail in the GP spreadsheet I found many “small” things we didn’t factor into monthly costs.

Before I would just look at the bank account daily, weekly monthly, and as long as it was going up I was happy, but how do you then plan for a big spend like expensive equipment or in my case expanding into a bigger workshop, I was running blind. Now we can look at the figures and make decisions based on raw financial data. Absolute game changer!

The staff wages calculator is invaluable, a slight tweak to a salary gives you an immediate new daily target to hit, and a pay rise request can be sorted within minutes. The equipment needs in any garage are never-ending, a loan or a lease cost can be added again allowing an instant decision, no need to ring the accountant or have sleepless nights about can we afford it?

* GH Launch take no responsibility for the accuracy of this spreadsheet, all figures produced are an estimate.

Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1 | Page 5

Unlock the power of EVs

2024 Predictions – The importance of EV skills in the aftermarket Kevan Wooden, our newly appointed Chief Executive believes more garages in the independent aftermarket sector ought to invest in their equipment and skills to service EVs. Though the government has moved the end date for the sales ban of new ICE engine vehicles to 2035, the ZEV mandate states that vehicle manufacturers must target 22% of their sales to be battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in 2024, a figure that will rise in increments to 100% by 2035. Component manufacturers, motor factors and independent garages and chains must all increase their focus on EVs to be able to support an ever-growing part of the car parc.

Kevan Wooden, Chief Executive Officer LKQ UK & Ireland

Scan to read the full article.

Sustainability As the EV transition accelerates, Kevan expects to see greater ingenuity from garages in fixing and maintaining batteries, which would otherwise be fully replaced at a high cost to customers and the environment.

Only 18% of technicians are trained to work on Hybrid and EV’s.

Go to www.lkqacademy.co.uk to find out more Don’t lose out on this crucial business and get left behind. With a range of training courses available – you can find one to suit you and your garage. Dive into the world of EVs and unlock new opportunities for your garage. Are you helping to bridge the gap?

Scan for our 2024 Training Prospectus and discover the Hybrid/EV courses available.

Page 6 | Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1

Unlock the power of EVs Safety best practice All electric vehicles boast unique features, but they share one

common thread – a HV electrical system with currents exceeding 30 volts AC or 60 volts DC.

Whenever electric vehicles are being repaired, special protective workwear and equipment must be used to disable or isolate the battery and perform work on these systems safely.

Other specialty tools required are electrical testers and meters, designed to read the power of the battery and the system in volts and amps. Just like the hand tools, these electrical testers and meters need to be handled with care – not only to ensure proper functionality but to minimise the risk of compromising the tool and more importantly, the technician.

In addition to workwear, specialised tools that are insulated for high- voltage are also required. Grabbing any off-the-shelf screwdriver or wrench is not going to cut it when performing work on a HV system. These specialised tools are typically rated for up to 1,000 volts and are either made out of a non- conductive material, such as plastic, or coated to insulate electricity. Care must be taken with these tools to ensure that their insulative properties are not damaged and compromised.

Having the proper tools for testing and repairing electric and hybrid cars is important not only for safety but for accurate electrical measurements as well. Having the right tools is the first step when working with HV systems; knowing how to properly use them is the next, which LKQ Academy can support with.

Supporting you and your business Scan here to read our special edition ULEZ newsletter where you can find out what low emission zones mean for you and your business.

Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1 | Page 7

MOT Don’t miss out on MOT advisory work this year

In 2023 the stories that dominated news programmes, websites and papers were all around inflation, higher interest rates and the cost of living. All three of these factors had some bearing on disposable income, and more importantly where it was spent. In general, the consumer voted with their wallet and made the necessary cuts to get by and survive.

No question, we will have felt this belt tightening in our Industry. Many customers will have tried DIY maintenance where they can, others will have looked at how they can save on parts and shopped around. Some customers will have made do, especially when it comes to an MOT. How? If it passed, then great, if it passed with advisories, then many will have skipped getting the work done this time where they can. However, the likelihood is, that when it comes round to it’s next MOT, those advisories will probably need fixing before passing the vehicle for another year.

Helping your customers and your workshop? With this in mind, how do you make sure that you are getting the follow up advisory work this year? One way is to go back through your customer database and contact them via phone to discuss previous advisories, and book the work in before the MOT deadline.

Page 8 | Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1

MOT

Using a GMS If you have a GMS, use it to send out customer emails and texts advising on their next MOT date, advising to call back to book in. When they call to book a slot, you can have the discussion with the customer about previous advisories and maybe advise them to come in for a pre MOT check up. This type of action can make sure that you have an even flow of work on the ramps, and hopefully make space to attract any new work that you can fit in.

Offering the right product

Interest rates and inflation do not look like they are changing anytime soon, so again, finances will be tight for many. If a customer needs repairs on their vehicle, having the right product solution is also key. Being able to offer a quality range of aftermarket product and OE, will be essential to suit a customers wallet.

Knowing that you can get the right blend of product instantly is key. Take a typical MOT failure, braking for example, we can offer Eicher, this is our aftermarket range. We are so confident in the quality of the product that we offer a comprehensive 24 months/24,000 miles warranty guarantee that also covers wear and tear. If you require OE solutions we have that with Pagid and Brembo. These have OE identical part numbers in the range and all the quality control measures that you would expect from leading manufacturers.

Being able to offer aftermarket and OE products means you can give your customer options, putting them in control of their wallet, whilst your workshop offers the best customer service experience. A win, win for you both, with customer satisfaction and retention guaranteed.

Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1 | Page 9

MOT CPD Courses MOT CPD – Knowledge Refresh

As the MOT CPD deadline approaches, have you completed your MOT CPD?

If not, here’s a friendly reminder to complete it before 31st March 2024, ensuring compliance and readiness for the upcoming MOT season. Don’t get struck off, refresh your knowledge today. Complete by 31st March 2024

Personal development Enabling you to progress your career, adopt best practices and become more efficient. Learn from industry professionals and enhance your reputation.

Customer service Develop your

Already completed? Then continue to stay ahead of the curve once we step into the new CPD year from 1st April 2024.

It’s mandatory In order to safely inspect vehicles a valid CPD certificate is required. Don’t get left behind.

communication skills to provide customers with a positive experience, leading to repeat custom in the future.

Complete your MOT CPD today.

Light Vehicle MOT Assessment Only 2023/24 263230010

Light Vehicle MOT CPD Online Training and Assessment 2023/24 263230020

Light Vehicle MOT Training Booklet and Assessment 2023/24 263230060

Motorcycle MOT CPD Online Training and Assessment 2023/24 263230040

2 Assessment Attempts £ 29 .00 Per Candidate Free IMI Affiliate Membership worth £47

2 Assessment Attempts £ 54 .00 Per Candidate Free IMI Affiliate Membership worth £47

2 Assessment Attempts £ 49 .00 Per Candidate Free IMI Affiliate Membership worth £47

2 Assessment Attempts £ 54 .00 Per Candidate Free IMI Affiliate Membership worth £47

Not an MOT tester yet? It’s not too late to get in on the action, you can qualify to become an MOT tester through LKQ Academy. And now, with more study locations than ever before, it couldn’t be simpler to upgrade your skillset.

Page 10 | Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1

Sustainability Helping garages and workshops make a positive difference

At LKQ Euro Car Parts, we are committed to making a positive difference in the world. We’re holding ourselves accountable for our progress by making a series of commitments and setting challenging targets across three key pillars – planet, people and communities.

As part of this, we’re working hard to make our operations as environmentally sustainable as possible, reducing our carbon emissions, energy usage and waste. But, more than that, we’re focused on boosting equality, diversity and inclusion, improving health and safety, and supporting our communities at home and abroad through fundraising and volunteering.

Having a positive impact isn’t just a priority for our business, we know it’s important to our customers too. However, whether it’s operating more sustainably or hiring, retaining and training talent, we know there are many challenges facing garages and workshops. That’s why we’re committed to helping in all these important areas.

Some of the ways we can help you include guidance on: • Improving energy efficiency and making cost savings • How to switch off and save • Great value, sustainable tooling.

Through LKQ Academy, we also provide a range of industry-leading training courses that can help you protect and grow your business by upskilling teams in key areas such EV and Hybrid.

When you’re facing a complex challenge, it can be easy to forget that lots of smaller steps can add up to a big impact. If you want to do something differently in 2024, we can help.

Look out for more sustainability advice and guidance in future editions, or get in touch for support.

Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1 | Page 11

Air con machine maintenance You’ve invested in an Air Con machine – so how do you maximise performance?

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Off-peak servicing Getting your machine properly serviced during the quieter periods allows for a more in-depth review of performance and fast diagnosis of any issues. Not to mention how quickly you’ll be seen.

Calibrate your machine It is recommended to calibrate all air conditioning machines once every 12 months to ensure precise charging and minimising the risk issues arising with end-user’s vehicles.

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Failure to prepare, prepare to fail… Gain advance notice of potential issues arising from the machine aging or usage-related factors. This proactive information can aid in budgeting for repair costs or making informed decisions about investing in a newmachine.

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Limit machine downtime Detecting faults out of season ensures that machines remain operational when they are needed the most, with scheduled maintenance avoiding any impact on both revenue and customer service levels.

Page 12 | Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1

Right oil The importance of having the right oil…

Is your workshop becoming increasingly full of oil that is half used? Too many grades and not enough of the right vehicles coming in to move this stock? Becoming over stocked with the wrong oil can be a real issue not only for space but also tying up capital in stock.

Having the right grades in stock for the vehicle car parc you are servicing can be tricky, and continually having to order more grades time consuming. This is where MPM can help, they have designed a Fleet Analysis tool that can help you get what you need, when you need it. MPM Fleet Analysis enables garages to enhance efficiency, cut down on waste and realise cost savings. By providing a comprehensive evaluation of lubricant and oil needs tailored to each garage’s specific fleet, the analysis offers a personalised approach that is unmatched in the industry.

How Does it Work? All you need to do is provide MPM the vehicles that have been serviced in the past 12 months. You can do this by extracting data directly from your garage’s management system. Once this data is collected and sent to support@mpmoil.co.uk along with necessary LKQ Euro Car Parts customer details, our unique algorithm creates a fully customised analysis based on the specific data provided (number of technicians, number of vehicles, storage capacity, etc.). The analysis is completed within 10 working days and is then presented back to the workshop by your local Branch Manager or Account Manager, along with an MPM specialist.

Benefits for the Workshop • Increased operational efficiency by ensuring you stock only what is needed • Create a better and more economical way of purchasing the goods • Enhanced customer satisfaction by using the correct and approved

recommended oil for your customers vehicle • Significant cost savings for the workshop • Monetary benefits.

How can a customer get a Fleet Analysis? It’s easy, just speak to your local Account Manager who can arrange a visit to discuss the benefits of this brilliant tool.

Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1 | Page 13

The Mini Repair Shop Know your garage

Name: Steve

Number of sites:

Number of employees: Three techs,

Time as LKQ Euro Car Parts customer: Since day one

Quantity of ramps/MOT bays: Three lifts

Company: The Mini Repair Shop

Time in business: Two years

One site Looking for another at time of writing

Chambers Co-owner and manager alongside Kyle Berry

two front of house

What do you tend to buy from LKQ Euro Car Parts and why? Our brand is very important to us, and we’ve set ourselves high standards to uphold. We’ve got more than 25 years’ experience as senior technicians within the dealer network, and when we decided to set up on our own, we wanted to deliver a similar quality of work and customer experience… but without the dealer prices. LKQ Euro Car Parts stocks the quality brands we want to fit on our customers’ vehicles, like Mann, Pagid and Mahle. And critically, they have a massive amount of stock that’s ready to be delivered quickly. We’re buying the exact same parts now as we were when we worked in the dealer network – but with two key differences. They’re not co-branded with the OEM logos – and they don’t come with the OEM price tag.

Why do you choose to spend with LKQ Euro Car Parts instead of our competitors? There is another motor factor with a branch just around the corner from us, but they can’t match LKQ Euro Car Parts on availability. Where we can, we order up to seven days in advance, but we can never be 100% sure what we’ll need – something unexpected might crop up, or we might spot an opportunity to upsell. Between the two LKQ Euro Car Parts branches near us, we have total confidence that everything we might need is in stock and can be here within the hour.

What’s your relationship like with your local LKQ Euro Car Parts branch? It’s great to have a single point of contact – we have a direct number to our dedicated rep, who understands our business and is always on hand to help and advise.

How do you tend to place most of your orders i.e. online or by phone? We place a lot of orders online through TechMan, which builds estimates for us and links into Omnipart so we can buy in what we need for every job. It’s seamless, it’s accurate and it saves us lots of time. We tend to go through the diary and order seven days ahead. It’s easy to cross reference from the dealer parts catalogue to the LKQ Euro Car Parts range on Omnipart, and there’s no need to pick up the phone. The phone is there for customer service instead.

Page 14 | Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1

Know your garage

How long have you used a garage management software solution and what are the benefits for your garage? We did our homework before we opened the business and identified TechMan as the best solution for us at the time, based on our size and what we needed it for. The convenience of its integration with Omnipart is a massive plus from an estimating and ordering point of view. As is the case for many people in our industry, we wear various hats – we’re technicians at heart, but we’re also now business owners and we turn our hand to front of house at times. We’ve never had any training on the management side of things, and having a GMS solution makes a lot of that more straightforward – making the whole experience easier and more enjoyable for us, and ensuring our customers feel the same.

How did you hear about 1TEC Auto Hub and why did you join? Our LKQ Euro Car Parts rep suggested that becoming part of 1TEC Auto Hub could add real value to our business. If you’re buying a lot of parts, it makes good sense from a rebate and rewards point of view – and means that you can then invest back into your business. It’s easy to see that 1TEC Auto Hub is a unique garage concept because of the backing it has from LKQ Euro Car Parts, as well as brands like Varta and Shell. The Haynes Pro package is another big benefit we make use of daily, and the training that’s included encourages us to keep topping up our knowledge. We’re experienced and we know our stuff, but it’s vital we don’t become complacent, and that we stay on top of the latest trends, tech and tools.

Can you tell me about your plans to invest in training next year? Kyle and I have done lots of technical training – especially during our 25 years in the dealer network. But we’ve had no management or marketing training. Our existing knowledge has got us this far, but we’re keen develop our softer skills to help grow the business. And the same is true in reverse for our front of house team – they’re fantastic with customers, but they’ve never worked in the motor trade before. I’m sure they’d benefit from a basic level of technical knowledge to increase their confidence when discussing customers’ requirements and getting them booked in.

What are your plans for the future more broadly?

We’ve got enough work for another three or four lifts and another two technicians. The key for us is finding modern, clean premises that work for our brand so that we can maintain the high standards we’ve become known for locally.

Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1 | Page 15

Life coaching Set your goals, stick to them, and maximise your potential with BEN!

The start of the year is typically a time when we consider making lifestyle changes and setting goals for the year ahead. Whether it’s getting into physical, lifestyle or financial shape we set targets and mainly forget them by the end of February.

Ben is here to help you to jump-start and achieve your goals for 2024 and beyond! Their qualified life coaches can help you to set, maintain and reach your desired goals. It’s free for everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry. Ben’s life coaching service can help you to look at ‘where you are now’ and ‘where you want to be’. A qualified life coaching professional will be your motivator and your mentor – empowering you to stay focused and create the life you want to live.

What is life coaching? Life coaching gives you the opportunity to set and reach your desired goals. It will help you identify areas that you’d like to change or improve. Life coaching can help you both personally and professionally. Ben offers up to 8 sessions which can be either once a week or once a fortnight. This will help you stay on track, explore your options and implement positive changes to keep you motivated.

Will life coaching make a difference? 80% of respondents who have received life coaching say that it has improved their self-esteem/self-confidence, relationships (73%),

communication skills (72%), interpersonal skills (71%), work performance (70%) and work/life balance (67%) (ICF Global Coaching Client Study 2009).

How to start? All you need is the time, commitment, and energy to participate in the coaching sessions. If you are motivated and willing to start making positive changes then life coaching could be the start of your exciting, personal journey!

Scan the QR code for more information and to sign up

Page 16 | Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1

New for 2024! Have your say! This GSNL has been devised to support your business. We would like to signpost you to organisations to add benefit your garage. We would really like to hear your comments on any of the articles featured or if there are any subjects that you would like us feature more of, or fewer? Our reward to you… …The best feedback or suggestion selected will be awarded with a £50.00 Lifestyle voucher

We will share your views in future editions of the Garage Support Newsletter

Send your comments to marketing@eurocarparts.com We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Branch Manager Conference

Approximately 800 LKQ colleagues, garage owners and suppliers gathered at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole for LKQ UK and Ireland annual two-day Branch Managers Conference in February. Here’s the key takeaways that you need to know… • NewChief Executive outlines vision for a sustainable future: Kevan Wooden outlined his commitment to long-term supplier-customer partnerships as key to driving sustainable growth across the aftermarket. He said sales excellence will be achieved through management and adviser training underpinned by new customer service technology. • Ambitions to be first to market: In a talk to delegates, Anthony McAteer, Group Commercial Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts, committed to being the first to market on key products launching in the next few years to help customers keep pace with evolving vehicle technologies. Kevan Wooden also spoke of the business working hard to get the crucial electric vehicle parts that garages need to retain and win new customers. • Suppliers showcased their innovations: The Supplier Zone at the conference featured activations and demonstrations from leading brands like Shell, Varta, Pagid, Brembo, Valeo, Mann, Bosch and Schaeffler – many of which work closely with LKQ on the 1TEC Auto Hub garage concept network launched last year, and which share LKQ’s commitment to innovation and customer support.

Speaking about the show, Kevan Wooden said: “We can never rest on our laurels in a dynamic market like the aftermarket. At the heart of the show was the principle of how we can continue to deliver excellence for customers by investing in our people and products, and by fighting industry issues on their behalf to secure our mutual success.”

Follow our LinkedIn page to find out more!

Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1 | Page 17

Air Con Gas

Get certified or risk a hefty fine!

Nobody likes to read another “do this or run the risk of…” story, but this will affect most garages and workshops who service or repair air conditioning units.

What does that mean to you? There are a significant number of garages that have not received formal air conditioning training. It is advisable that the relevant technician in the workshop is trained and holds the F-gas certificate. Please note, the certificate is applicable to the individual and not the business. Your local authority can check to ascertain if your garage has the applicable paperwork. When you work with R134A, skills are not enough, these must be reinforced with the right certification. F-Gas training and certification ensures you stay qualified and able to work. R134a is being phased out globally due to its high global warming potential. Why do you need to know? More and more vehicles now have air conditioning and climate control as standard, with this viewed as an important comfort system by vehicle owners. Your garage already sees a variety of vehicle makes and models that roll into your workshop. No doubt you have the experience and equipment to work on air con systems of all ages. Did you know… Already this year there has been a high-profile case brought before the courts on behalf of the UK Environment Agency. An online wholesaler was fined £37,500 for selling air con gas, without ensuring that their customers held certification to manage refrigerants.

We must keep records of: • Our customer’s certificate number

• Quantities of F gases our customer purchase • We must keep these records for at least 5 years and show them to the regulator when asked.

Our responsibilities… We can only sell R134A gas to customers that: • Hold relevant certificates and qualifications • Employ people that hold the relevant certificates and qualifications. When receiving your order for air con gas, if you haven’t already provided it, our advisors will request your certificate number. We will have to ask you for this information at every purchase of gas.

For more information, scan the QR code or follow the link bellow: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ qualifications-required-to-work-on- equipment-containing-f-gas .

Please note: all responsible suppliers will have to undertake these actions.

No matter who supplies your technical training, get certified or you could risk a hefty fine.

Page 18 | Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1

Insights by the Garage Inspector The Crucial Role of Leadership in Small Business Success In the latter part of my automotive career, one of the greatest assets I gained was the knack of asking piercing questions that got to the heart of the issue on the table. Understanding the facts and details, whether it be workshop performance or how we manage expectations of our customers by our front of house, helps to create a culture where people were prepared and thorough. In the dynamic landscape of business, the significance of effective leadership cannot be overstated, especially for small businesses like our fast-paced independent repair garages. Here’s a closer look at why leadership is paramount for the success of a small business. The differentiation you’ll find in any successful business is an emphasis on talent engagement and motivation.

Employee Motivation and Engagement: A strong leader inspires and motivates the team. In a smaller setting, personal connections between leaders and employees are often more tangible.

Vision and Direction: A well-defined vision serves as a roadmap, helping employees understand the company’s goals and how their contributions contribute.

Strategic Decision-Making: Leaders make critical decisions that impact the course of the business. In a small business environment, where resources may be limited, strategic decision-making is crucial.

Building a Strong Company Culture:

Effective Communication: Clear communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, minimising misunderstandings and enhancing collaboration. Leaders articulate expectations, provide constructive feedback, and maintain transparency.

Adaptability and Innovation: Small businesses operate in a rapidly changing market. Leaders must be adaptable and encourage a culture of innovation, embrace change and be open to new ideas.

Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the company culture. A positive culture attracts top talent, retains employees, and establishes a sense of identity for the business and contributes to building a resilient team.

Customer Relations: Leaders set the tone for customer service standards, emphasising the importance of building lasting relationships. A satisfied customer base ensures repeat business and positive word-of-mouth, crucial for a business’s reputation.

Financial Management: Leaders must make sound financial decisions, manage resources smartly, and ensure the financial health of the business. This is particularly crucial for small enterprises.

So for me, leadership is the linchpin that holds together the various facets of a small business. From providing direction and fostering a positive work environment to making strategic decisions and adapting to change, effective leadership is indispensable for achieving sustained success and growth in the competitive world of small business. I want you to ask yourself an honest question. Are you prepared for leading your team in 2024?

Garage Support | 2024 Issue 1 | Page 19

Make ordering parts simple.

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Open an account in 3 easy steps Opening an account could not be easier, follow the steps below to sign up and we’ll get you started in no time!

Visit omnipart.eurocarparts.com/ register

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Track my order You can now easily track your orders on Omnipart! Simply select ‘Order Tracking’ which is available at the top of the webpage. Then enter the vehicle registration or order reference number to get live tracking information.

Already have an account? Simply go to the omnipart.eurocrparts.com and sign in or click on 'Forgot password?' to reset your login details.

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