Industry backing for UK Garage and Bodyshop Event grows
8 February 2022 
The new UK Garage and Bodyshop Event, presented by Automechanika is taking place from 8-9 June at the NEC Birmingham, and the list of companies supporting the event continues to grow.
Recent additions include newly announced Platinum Partners, LKQ Euro Car Parts, Bilstein Group (Blue Print & febi Bilstein) and Castrol with their ambassador partner, The Race Group. Other event partners include 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, and more.
ZF[pro]Tech, one of the first sponsors for the event explained : “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.”
The event is also being backed by major sector associations such as the GEA, HEVRA, IAAF, IGA, IMI, NBRA, School of Thought, SMMT and The Motor Ombudsman.
Steve Scofield, Head of Business Development at the Institute of the Motor Industry, commented: “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. 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 TechSafe 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.”
Project Director at Messe Frankfurt UK, Kristan Johnstone, added: “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.”
Visitors will have free access to three technical hubs delivering more than training 60 sessions, as well as interactive feature areas including a Collision Repair Demonstration Zone, Modern Workshop Showcase and a Garage Equipment Showcase, and a further three networking areas.
For more information, visit: www.ukgaragebodyshopevent.com