Happy Christmas

ELVs not Elvis....

When you read this it is important to not make the same mistake I did! Important message that may be of value though....

http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-wlabel-dti.nsf/wfArticle?ReadForm&unid=5663AB8EFDF27E1680257523005ABCF7

All the best
Chris

2008 - quite a year

A short note to all.

All the best
Chris

Aftermarket magazine

The team at Aftermarket magazine are keen to do their bit in supporting the Code and raising awareness within the sector. Here's an article they have published in the latest edition which covers some of the important points people may begin to forget. It's important that we all remember the reason why we are doing this, and Aftermarket understand the importance of this - looking forward to working with them more in 2009.

All the best
Chris

ADF - spreading the word

I attended the annual dinner of the Automotive Distribution Federation last week as a guest of Aftermarket magazine - a very well attended do in Birmingham. Being my first ADF dinner I didn't know quite what to expect, pleasantly surprised at how many people were aware of and indeed supportive of what we are doing with the Code.

In his speech to the 500 or so industry representatives in attendance, ADF President Quintin Cornforth made clear reference to the sector taking the initiative and doing the right thing on our own, before civil servants become involved and do it for us.

Quite right, and it's nice to hear the message getting through, we really do have to remember that we are doing this for a reason - to maintain the right to self regulate the service and repair sector and allow reputable garages to continue providing services to their customers free from heavy handed and costly enforced regulation.

We're heading in the right direction but must not get complacent and think the matter is now resolved, the Government and Consumer Focus are still monitoring our progress - we need to continue to increase subscriber numbers and keep proving that there is a significant number of garages prepared to demonstrate their commitment to operating fair and honest businesses and have signed up to the Code to prove it.

Haven't signed up yet? Do it, today. Here's the link

www.motorindustrycodes.co.uk

All the best
Chris

Festive messages

Ferris Bros. in Cardiff have sent in there Christmas newsletter which they're sending to all their customers. Have a look, it's a nice summary of what they are up to, opening times over the festive period etc

Interesting that they have decided to send a copy of the Brief Guide with each one and encourage their customers to feedback on how they feel they have been dealt with this year.

Once again, Ferris Bros. have put some thought into the application of the Code and have come up with a great idea. Why not think about doing the same, remember we'll collate the returns from the surveys, so the more you get sent through, the better we'll be able to promote your services.

All the best
Chris

Online support

I've been discussing the merits of the Code with members of UK Autotalk, the UK's No1 online network of Automotive Technicians and Independent Garage owners (that's what they tell me..).

The Code always generates much debate and opinion, so it's always worth doing but even more so when after seeing the debate they want to back the Code and stick a banner on their site.

Just what's happened here - so thanks UKAT, your support is most welcome.

Likewise, Foxy Choice. The provider of all things automotive in a female friendly way. Promoting those garages that look to treat female consumers fairly can only be a good thing, so their support for the Code is most welcome and appreciated.

Emails

We are receiving an excellent response via email from subscribers, showing us how you are using your subscription to the Code on websites etc. I'm just not able to put them all up on the Blog, it'd take all week! Thanks to you all, and keep on promoting your subscription to the Code - it's clearly providing you with some excellent local opportunities. As ever, keep them coming in to me at cmason@motorcodes.co.uk and where one really sticks out we'll show you off!

All the best
Chris