Will Rimell

Businesses need to get up to speed with the soon to be compulsory Real Time Information (RTI) that will overhaul the way PAYE works in the UK, says Jason Piper. Having been with us since 1944, PAYE was originally set up to aid collection of taxes during the Second World War. Changes in work patterns, payments and the sheer volume of information handled by the system have left it straining to cope, however.

Truck and Trailer Components is opening new business in Australia. Current Head of Marketing Darren Miller will be moving to the warmer climate to head up the new operation, which will be based in Sydney. The move is set to take place in September, with TTC confirming it will look to partner with key brands and suppliers already in the country.

Facom has found a new route to market after partnering with tool loan site, Rent2Repair. The tool supplier has signed up to the service, which allows garages and technicians to hire tools for a specific job at 24 hours notice.

A number of aftermarket personalities have hit back at claims that a recent rise in BMW thefts is down to independent garages. Brian Spratt of the IAAF and Stuart Carr of fast fit chain HiQ have both expressed concern over a series of articles claiming that block exemption legislation is behind the rise.

Halfords Group boss “has agreed to leave the Board of Halfords and will cease to be employed with immediate effect." Halfords Chairman Dennis Millard will head the company during the search for a new CEO and said: “It is felt that now is the right time for a change of leadership in the Group."

This month the CAT Council has been debating oil and lubricants giant Shell's decision to launch its own online garage finder tool, which excludes independent garages. Shell's marketing material for the new tool has made a number of claims against independent garages, and the CAT Council is only too happy to set Shell straight.

When times are hard the temptation to take on work that is outside your capabilities and muddle-through can be overwhelming. The simple fact is that customers deserve better. Ability is close to the top of my list of must-haves for a garage. A simple analysis of job cards and invoices, together with shared anecdotes from technicians, quickly highlight shortfalls.

What is BEN? It’s your industry charity. What does BEN do? It offers care, support and welfare to the motor trade. Who is BEN for? You, your family, and your dependants. No less than 15,000 people are helped by BEN every year, but that figure is quickly dwarfed when Head of Marketing Ray Diggins explains the scope of BEN’s remit.

Parts Alliance Chairman Steve Fulford has expressed his 'disappointment' over the sale of Camberley Auto Factors to Andrew Page. Fulford founded PA in 1999, when he was also Managing Director of Allparts Automotive.