This episode is sponsored by Castrol and The Race Group. To learn more about Castrol Service, please visit: https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kingdom/home.html
In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Field, Chief Executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the independent garage sector.
We explore the real-world impacts of international trade tariffs, the challenge of attracting and retaining young talent, and why it’s time to shift the perception of the trade from within. Mark talks about the IAAF’s evolving role—bridging the gap between suppliers, distributors and garages—and how they're pushing for stronger representation, improved access to data, and meaningful change on key legislation like Right to Repair.
Whether you’re on the tools, running a business, or somewhere in between, this episode is a clear look at where the trade is going, and why now is the time to get involved.
00:00 – Intro
06:10 – Tariffs and Trade: How International Politics Are Hitting the Aftermarket
15:14 – Growing the IAAF: What’s Being Done to Bring More Members In?
19:38 – Sponsor Break
20:52 – Changing Perceptions: Reframing What It Means to Work in the Trade
30:42 – Getting Colleges on Board: Fixing the Industry's Talent Pipeline
43:50 – Automechanika & Motivate: Giving the Next Generation a Front Row Seat
52:00 – Who’s Actually Engaged? The Reality of IAAF Membership Numbers
1:02:10 – Access, Data, and the Right to Repair: The Ongoing Fight for Independent Garages
1:13:40 – Outro
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