The 2025, SIMI Aftermarket Conference, took place at the Iveagh Gardens Hotel in Dublin and attracted attendees from various areas of the Irish independent aftermarket, including garages, bodyshops, parts suppliers and other motor trade businesses. 

The aim of the event was to provide an insight into the key trends and opportunities that are currently happening in Ireland’s vibrant aftermarket sector, as well as to explore challenges that may lie ahead and what needs to be done to ensure aftermarket businesses are prepared. It also provided an important networking opportunity for those in attendance. 

The event MC was broadcaster Mark Noble and the opening address was given by SIMI President Joanthan Meade. 

Two very interesting presentations were provided by Quentin Le Hetet, Country Director of GiPA UK and Matt Cleeverly, Managing Director of EV specialist, the Cleevely Group.

Quentin, who is a regular at these events, spoke about a survey that GIPA had undertaken about the attitudes of Irish drivers on subjects such as switching to electric vehicles, repair and maintenance choices, knowledge of parts and accessories and the NCT. 

Matt Cleeverly then shared his story about how he has developed one of the UK’s leading independent EV workshops, from a third generation family owned garage. He explained how the business had developed, the type of work its does during EV service and repair and how he has promoted it to the growing number of EV owners. 

Both presentations were followed by question and answer sessions. The presenters were then joined by other key guests to partake in a lively panel discussion on topics affecting the industry. Joining Matt and Quentin on the panel were; Nadia Adan, Founder of Ashford Motors, who has enjoyed high profile success promoting her business on social media, Brian Cooke, Director General of the SIMI, well known economist Jim Power, Anne Marie Murtagh, Director M F Auto Services in Dublin and Álvaro de la Cruz, Head of Communications at European aftermarket body FIGIEFA. 

In a wide ranging discussion many topics were covered, with a number of common themes emerging. These included the fact that although aftermarket businesses are very busy at present, they cannot afford to ignore the future and must be prepared to make investments, especially in terms of training. It was also recognised that while petrol and diesel engines remain the bread and butter of the market at present, the switch to EV and other alternatives is inevitable in the long term and businesses need to plan accordingly. It was also emphasised that aftermarket businesses need to come together and work with the SIMI, to address issues within the industry, such as the skills shortage, access to technical information and the image of the sector. 

After the panel discussion, Jonathan Meade and SIMI Wholesaler Committee Chairperson Gillian Fanning thanked everyone for their attendance.