Getting a roadmap ready

With the Prime Minister’s address yesterday evening we have the first outline of an end to lockdown. Much of Boris Johnson’s plan is conditional, and clarity needs to be brought to a number of issues surrounding the restarting of the country. IMI members will have many specific questions about whether or not to open up, if it’s safe to go back to work, workplace risk assessments, social distancing policies, how employees can travel to work and many other things. 

I and my team will be looking at all of these in detail, consulting with other industry bodies, talking to government. As soon as we get any clarity, we’ll share it with you. Our job is to support you so that, when the time comes, we’re ready to start fire the industry back up.

Our next webinar

With that in mind, IMI’s next ‘Ask the IMI’ webinar is taking place on Tuesday and you can sign up for the Your business survival guide: a webinar for independent garages, bodyshops and MOT centres here . It should be a thoroughly useful event with the IMI’s Steve Scofield, Garage Inspector Andy Savva, Thatcham’s Dean Lander and myself on hand to answer all your questions. 

This follows on from last week’s webinar, Learning in the lockdown: Innovative ways to maintain development and training. If you were unable to attend it’s now available to view on the IMI COVID-19 page, the home for all the webinars we produce and all the help and resources we’re providing.

How to…

Through the MotorPro online pages we continue to publish regular ‘how to guides’, giving tips and advice on a range of topics to help you through the lockdown period, whether it’s to improve your mental health or update your skills. The latest article is an absolute cracker, written by IMI member Andrew Livesey FIMI who, with nearly 60 years of experience, gives his take on the challenges we face.

VE Day

As difficult as things are, it’s important to look for the positives, and through the VE Day celebrations last week we met a number of people from within our industry who show how diverse, dynamic and adaptable we can be. We’ve picked just three individuals stories, showcasing a move from military to the motor industry, the challenges these people faced, the success they’ve had and the advice they have for others.

At times of crisis, communication is key, so if you have any questions that you need answering or want to discuss how the IMI can help you, please contact us on +44 (0)1992 519025, or email us.
 
We’re still here to help and guide you.
 
Look after yourselves and your families.
 
With my very best wishes,
 
Steve