The IAAF Annual Conference & Awards 2023

The IAAF Annual Conference & Awards 2023

‘The Brilliance of Resilience’

Glen Callum Associates were delighted to be attending the IAAF (Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation) Conference and Awards Evening for 2023.  The established Automotive Aftermarket Recruitment Specialists were eager to showcase the business, and network with fellow industry professionals.  The GCA team were also celebrating being nominated for ‘Supplier of the Year’ for the second year running.

The one-day event was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Milton Keynes on 7^th December 2023.

The Conference was attended by approximately 300 IAAF members and aftermarket professionals.

The conference hosted a ‘service village’ allowing IAAF service members the opportunity to showcase and promote their businesses.  GCA had lots to celebrate in 2023.  One of the highlights was commemorating their 25th anniversary.  25 years serving the Automotive Aftermarket!  This became the theme of their stand in the service village – no one could fail to notice the huge silver 25 balloons, not to mention the free mints and the celebratory chocolate bouquet – the centre piece to the table.  All attendees were invited to place business cards into the bowl to be in with a chance to win the chocolate bouquet.

The IAAF Conference 2023, ‘The Brilliance of Resilience’ was a full day of informative speakers, panel discussions, market updates and two keynote speeches delivered by Claire Lomas and Nick Leeson.

It would be impossible not to give a special mention to the exceptional Claire Lomas.  Truly inspirational!  The sheer resilience Claire shows in everyday life is commendable, not to mention her extreme challenges and charity work.

One of the first industry specific speakers was Neil Pattemore talking about Block Exemption and how the IAAF are lobbying for the future. Then as ever the informative Quentin Le Hetet, discussing the Market Trends Index, giving an insight into IAAF stats and to follow, and a joy to listen to, was Tina Drayson giving hints and tips on what has and hasn’t worked within her successful chain of garages.

Following the informative conference, the GCA team put on their glad rags ready to attend the much-anticipated IAAF Awards.  Turns out they all scrub up quite well!

What an evening it was!

There were 8 awards –

• Service Supplier of the Year – sponsored by GSF Car Parts
• Outstanding Garage Contribution of the Year – sponsored by Automechanika
• CV Supplier of the Year – sponsored by Boswell Insurance
• Car Distributor of the Year – sponsored by WAI
• Product of the Year – sponsored by Arnold Clark Autoparts
• CV Distributor of the Year – sponsored by Fras-Le
• Car Supplier of the Year – sponsored by Elcome
• Outstanding Achievement Award – sponsored by Glen Callum Associates

Everyone at GCA was immensely proud to have been nominated for ‘Service Supplier of the Year’.  The competition was tough, with 11 nominees in the category, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be this year.  Nonetheless the team were honoured to have been nominated and recognised for their hard work and will continue to drive the business forward and support the Automotive Aftermarket – there’s always next year!

GCA proudly sponsored the Outstanding Achievement Award.  Senior Recruitment Consultant, Kayleigh Bradley, presented the award to a very deserving recipient – Mr Nick Hayes of TMD Friction UK.  Well done Nick!

The evening’s entertainment was superb – from the event host, Stephen Whitton, to the singing waiters and the special guest, comedian, Tom Allen. 

The GCA team had a productive day meeting with lots of clients, potential clients and previously placed candidates.  GCA Director, Kerrie Richards, said “Without doubt the IAAF Conference and Awards 2023 were a huge success.  Proving what an amazing, forward thinking, vibrant sector we are all so proud to work in!  The IAAF Conference continues to be a highlight for the GCA team, who are all looking forward to returning next year!”

Contact jobs@glencallum.co.uk or www.glencallum.co.uk or call 01384 485274 to meet with any of our staff at future industry events.