THE CANDIDATES: PERSON OF THE YEAR

PERSON OF THE YEAR: sponsored by Nulon

Andy Buttfield, general manager, Jayar and chairman, IFA
Andy is set to retire at the end of 2009 after a lifetime of work in the aftermarket. He is general manager of Jayar Components and has been looking after distributors’ interests as chairman of the IFA buying group for 3 years. “Andy freely gives his time to anyone who asks for help,” says one of his peers.

Peter Cox, national sales manager, Motaquip
Peter is an advocate of training and standards in the aftermarket. He championed the Motor Codes Code of Practice from the very start and recently has channeled Motaquip’s efforts into a new apprenticeship scheme providing employees of any business working with the supplier the chance to gain NVQs in subjects including parts supply and customer service.

Jim Mazza, MD, GAU and chair, R2RC
Head of the influential GAU buying group and chairman of the UK’s Right to Repair Campaign, Jim has achieved what many would have thought impossible: bringing together all sectors of the aftermarket to campaign for a level playing field and helping to turn decision-making heads in the UK and Europe.

Brian Spratt, chief executive, ADF
Brian has been an active and vocal campaigner for the independent aftermarket since he joined the ADF in 1992. A vociferous supporter of Right to Repair, he is renowned for campaigning against anti-competitive behaviour by VMs. He was also responsible for pushing through the new ATA accreditation for parts operatives.

Grant Taylor-Smith, training manager, Bosch
A self-confessed technical anorak, Grant is head of technical training development for gasoline, chassis and body systems. An auto electrician by trade, he joined the company in 2001 and is a champion of training. “He has an awesome knowledge and a great way of transferring that to others,” says one technician.