In an interview with IAAF Chief Executive, Mark Field, he summarises his first few months in charge, unveils the trade association’s plans for motor factors and assesses the current state of the market.
Q. Mark, you’ve racked up a century of days in-charge of the IAAF, how would you sum up your first 100?
Mark Field (MF): “It’s been incredibly varied, typifying the work the IAAF does on behalf of its members. The IAAF has held over 70 meetings in the past 100 days with members, fellow associations and government departments and participated in a number of discussions around issues affecting our trade.
“We’ve also been very active, launching new initiatives, such as our new products and services ebulletin to 7,500 garages, holding our first hybrid industry briefing network meeting, and also participating in numerous consultations on the connected car and Northern Ireland MOT test frequency.
“We have significantly increased our digital reach and used these platforms to provide clarity on the numerous issues affecting automotive businesses, particularly those of the global supply chain.”
Q. What have you enjoyed most?
MF: “There are three things: firstly, the people! I am always in awe of the efforts the IAAF team, board, council and wider membership undertake to support the Federation and the automotive aftermarket. It is always appreciated.
“I’ve also enjoyed expanding my knowledge of member businesses and understanding the issues they face on a daily basis. Thirdly, having been in this industry well over 20 years, I’ve enjoyed being in a position to take the excellent work the automotive aftermarket does to a wider audience, in particular, government departments.”
Q. What has surprised you?
MF: “The IAAF has been in existence for more than 90 years, and I’ve been pleased to see it enjoys a high standing within UK government, and that it’s keen to hear what the Federation and its members have to say.
“In a pro-Brexit era, it’s important we continue to promote the amazing work and value the automotive aftermarket provides to hard-pressed motorists.”
Q. Motor factors reading this are likely to be intrigued about your plans, especially now you’ve got your feet under the desk – can you reveal what you and the IAAF has in store for distributors?
MF: “The IAAF is a protector of our trade and fights day and night to secure its future prosperity. It is imperative that motor factors engage with the Federation. The IAAF should – and will – reach into the heart of every motor factor business, providing tangible benefits. We are looking at numerous ways to significantly enhance our support to motor factors, particularly in the area of skills and training.
“The career path in our trade should not be confined to a particular sector – how do we get more people into parts distribution? What is the career path for the distribution aftermarket? How do we stimulate new ideas and innovation? Motor factors need support across many areas of their business, and IAAF will work tirelessly to provide clarity and pathways to future growth and development.
“Plus, in 2022, we’ll have a new networking programme that offers more meetings and opportunities to engage with IAAF and fellow members in both a leisure and business environment.”
Q. Sticking with distributors, how would you assess the market at present?
MF: “It’s very busy right now, particularly with the additional number of vehicles requiring an MOT test following the extension in 2020. This can, however, create its own issues with regards to availability and supply, but I know suppliers are working extremely hard to ensure the supply chain runs smoothly – IAAF has produced a number of articles titled The Perfect Storm, to add clarity on global supply chain issues, such as raw material prices, container prices and skills shortages.”
Q. The 2021 Virtual Conference was an opportunity to get to grips with all that’s happening in the automotive aftermarket – what stood out?
MF: “The conference took place on 2nd December and was incredibly well received, having attracted more sponsorship support than ever before. We looked at the present challenges and opportunities but also the future for the aftermarket, as we count down to a number of notable dates, such as Block Exemption renewal in 2023 and also the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2030.”
Q. Businesses looking at the future may wonder what’s in-store for them – why should they be excited?
MF: “The current vehicle market is growing in size and age, and this benefits the automotive aftermarket. If we can embrace change, invest in people, skills and technology, we will be best equipped to meet the needs of an evolving vehicle parc in the decades to come. Through this evolution, the IAAF’s role will be to promote positive change and ensure our membership of suppliers, motor factors and garages are not locked out from providing a quality choice in vehicle service and repair.”
