TechFest helps inspire the next generation
As GSF wraps up its third and final TechFest of the year, PMF chats to the national distributor’s CEO, Steve Horne, about the event’s impact and future. There was also talk of what the motor factor wants to achieve in the final months of the year and what 2027 might have in store.
Q. How does GSF reflect on TechFest in 2026?
A. The numbers are staggering – over 14,000 visitors in 2026! We are delighted with how all three events have gone – what started out as a concept a few years back has fast become the most talked-about event in the aftermarket! We have seen the gap it fills – free, family-orientated, future-facing and best of all, fun!
Now in our third year of TechFest, we see it’s an event the industry wants to be part of. The atmosphere created by Sam Hard, Ciro Ciampi, other influencers like Mark McCann and all our brilliant suppliers is electric.
TechFest is a real source of pride for colleagues, suppliers, and customers.
Q. The Wembley event generated over £1 million in sales – what impact did the suppliers play in this milestone for GSF?
A. It was over £1.5 million in the end!
Honestly, we cannot do any of this without our suppliers. There are over 80 who have supported us, and their stands, activations, and customer engagement are unparalleled. There is a group of VIP suppliers too who have gone even further – above and beyond. Working in genuine partnership together with suppliers beyond transactional parts sales is really exciting.
Q. Fast forward from three years ago when TechFest launched, what has surprised GSF most about the event?
A. For me, the most surprising element of TechFest is also the most satisfying, and that’s how it’s introduced so many young people to the aftermarket. I love to see kids with their families soaking up the atmosphere, learning something new, and getting excited by all the activity taking place at the show.
The next generation of technicians, garage owners, and branch managers are getting excited about the industry because of TechFest, which is crucial if we want to continue to thrive in the decades to come.
Q. Can GSF reveal any news about what the 2027 TechFest schedule looks like?
A. Bigger and better! Three more dates (potentially new locations), so watch this space. Get ready for the bar to be raised once again.
Q. TechFest welcomes, not just professionals, but enthusiasts and fans too – how does GSF strike the correct balance to ensure this remains, primarily, a trade event?
A. We wanted TechFest to be more than just a trade event, so we absolutely welcome enthusiasts and fans of the car scene. Our e-commerce site is enjoying record sales off the back of the exceptional work we’ve been doing to increase brand recognition, and those sales ultimately benefit branches the same as trade customers.
Q. Hot Streak has been labelled as the “biggest promotion the aftermarket has ever seen” with a prize pot of £3 million – what has the impact of this campaign been?
A. Our Hot Streak promotion is ongoing. It’s the second time we’ve run a promotion in this format, which was a huge success last year, with 5,205 customers receiving a reward.
As you mentioned, £3 million prize fund, which includes a stunning Range Rover Sport S. I look forward to handing the keys over to one lucky customer before Christmas.
Customers have been so engaged in the campaign; we keep hearing about how they want to win X in time for Christmas or Y for their team staff room, etc. It has been great fun to watch the excitement.
Q. As we head towards the end of 2026, the trade is bracing itself for another busy winter – what is GSF doing to ensure its branches and their customers are prepared for the next few months?
A. We’ve just launched our new brand and cultural identity, ‘Do Yourself Proud’, which encompasses not a shift for GSF, but a recognition of what is behind our relentless growth.
It begins with a strong culture that helps build strong relationships with customers. Throughout the network, you’ll see our ‘Customer is King’ mindset in action every day, and that’s what builds customer loyalty and trust.
This sets us up for success regardless of the market because of the strength of our relationships.
Q. With more branches opening, including a new regional distribution centre in Birmingham, can we expect more of the same through the rest of 2026 and into 2027?
A. This year, we’ve opened 13 new branches, relocated three teams into much better facilities, and invested in extending two branches. Next year will see a continuation of our Greenfield programme, and long-term, there’s potential for 80 new branches to be added, which will see us not just achieve our goal of being the UK’s biggest aftermarket supplier, but go way ahead of competitors. Being the easiest motor factor to trade with is what will keep us growing to number one.
