SHOP TALK
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By its very nature, the aftermarket is composed of small workshops, paintshops and suppliers with diverse interests and little cohesion. But however small the individual suppliers are, they are playing in a market dominated by the big boys such as manufacturers and insurance companies.
The recession means that all companies, from major groups to one-man operations, are trying to to maximise their market share. But there have to be controls on how they do this, and the big boys are coming unstuck.
For example, the MMC's investigation of maintenance and calibration contracts for gas anaiysers, the OFT's study of insurance companies' approved repairers schemes, the VI's decision on windscreen repairs and MercedesBenz' OE spare parts ad.
For those of you running small businesses, it could be time to join—or form—a trade association to fight your corner.