LKQ Euro Car Parts marked National Apprenticeship Week with the launch of a new initiative designed to help independent workshops recruit, train and retain the next generation of automotive talent. The LKQ Young Talent Programme, delivered in partnership with Apprenticeship Central, aims to remove barriers that can prevent workshops from taking on apprentices – from the administrative burden and difficulty ...

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AI continues to make headlines, often framed as a threat to jobs. In the automotive aftermarket, that narrative has gathered pace, according to Glen Callum Associates, as electrification, connected vehicles, data-driven platforms and automation reshape the industry. However, for many businesses – particularly manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and motor factors – the reality is far more ...

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After Value Car Parts was launched in 2021, it has since expanded into a four-branch motor factor – but Ishtiaq Malik isn’t done just yet with more store openings planned. PMF sat down with the managing director inside the Perivale branch to find out how the team go about their business. Ish dabbled in several ...

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Clarios expands footprint in Europe with acquisition of recycling facilities Clarios, the manufacturer who produces VARTA automotive batteries, has completed the acquisition of three battery recycling centres in Germany and Austria, significantly expanding its recycling footprint in Europe and strengthening its closed‑loop battery supply chain. With all regulatory approvals now finalised, Clarios is integrating recycling operations in Freiberg ...

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Formula One Autocentres on the road to expansion after completing acquisition of 35 ATS sites.  More than 130 jobs have been saved after Formula One Autocentres completed the acquisition of 35 sites from ATS Euromaster. The family-run business has expanded its network of centres to 170 as part of the deal, rapidly increasing its national ...

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PMF introduces this month’s movers and shakers as they begin a new stage of their career in the UK aftermarket. LKQ SYNETIQ LKQ SYNETIQ, a dismantling and recycling specialist, has appointed Justin Elliot as sales director to “drive forward the business’ sales strategy and market development”. Justin steps into the role at the joint venture ...

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European Exhaust and Catalyst offers training to factor staff to increase their confidence and knowledge – ultimately, help grow their emissions business. Stuart Still, the company’s technical trainer, has recently carried out an “intensive” two-day session for one of its distributors.  EEC supports its customers with technical advice, fitting assistance, data analysis, stock guidance and ...

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Hakan Inal is the new branch manager at Car Spares Factors’ Welwyn Garden City branch. With long-standing experience in the area and a hands-on approach to customer service, he has already implemented early-morning deliveries and reinstated direct branch phone lines to strengthen relationships and drive growth. Responsible for a team of six, it is a ...

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Since joining ALLDATA Europe as UK Sales Director in September 2025, Damian Milling has worked closely with colleagues across sales, marketing, training and support to accelerate growth across the UK and Ireland. With more than 30 years’ experience in the automotive aftermarket, Damian’s journey from cutting cardboard boxes in a Devon motor factor to leading ...

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GSF Car Parts plans to open 20 new branches in 2026 after delivering more than 20% annual growth for three consecutive years. Despite industry challenges, the company says strong legacy branch performance, supply chain investment and a customer-first approach are driving profitable expansion, as it works toward its ambition of becoming the UK’s number one aftermarket ...

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