Time the independent aftermarket got its house in order

By now you should have received your new look CAT mag – cunningly timed to get you in the mood for attacking 2011 with renewed vigour.

I hope you’ll agree that we’ve managed to cram in more insight, more strategy and more power to the aftermarket.

That’s why we’re here, to keep you informed, connected and armed to make tough business decisions, hopefully bring you a little light relief from time to time – and kick some proverbial backside when needed.

And I’m afraid this month it is. On the back of a year in which the aftermarket won its hardest battle, Right to Repair, instead of regrouping, it seems everyone has gone back to their own camps and forgotten the happy (though just a little Simpsonesque) family unit.

D’oh! The effort to pull together and prove that the repair industry can put its own house in order is in all but meltdown; and the reborn IAAF is having what the neighbours would in hushed tones call “a wobble”.

The IAAF is in the process of pulling off an ambitious move, welcoming garages, promising a new world of togetherness.

But this month half the board was threatening to walk before new members had wiped their feet on the mat.

Why? Domestic strife – isn’t it always? I don’t want to do the IAAF’s dirty washing for it, but I do know that a man who has given many years of loyal service felt compelled to resign his job.

Trade bodies exist for one reason – the trade. When they work, they work wonderfully. But there is always a risk that they become inward looking.

And in my experience, politicking and personal agenda rarely puts dinner on the table.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got a huge amount of respect for those who wear the trousers at the IAAF. They are industry leaders, shrewd business people, committed to the cause.

But come on guys, get it together, put the handbags away. The aftermarket needs you. And it’s almost Christmas – let’s crack open the sherry and share some good will.