The Motor Ombudsman’s poll revealed that rising operational costs, taxes and utility bills will pose the biggest challenge for 89% vehicle repairers this year.
Businesses may encounter greater financial strains in 2025 when compared to the previous 12 months, says The Motor Ombudsman.
Bill Fennell, chief Ombudsman and MD of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “Our latest survey of businesses in the service and repair sector shows an interesting juxtaposition of rising costs to operate on the one hand, and less revenue due to consumers delaying repairs and maintenance on the other, thereby setting the scene for a more challenging trading environment.
“This of course may be amplified by continued difficulties recruiting qualified staff to meet customer demand, meaning some significant headwinds persist this year for the nation’s garages and workshops.”
“However, amongst the possible hurdles set to be faced by businesses this year, there are positives to take away from the study in that there is still an appetite to invest to provide an even better customer experience.”
With the cost-of-living crisis and the continued rise of the energy price cap, 56% of repairers are expecting motorists to cut back on essential repairs while 48% say they expect vehicle owners to avoid maintenance and routine maintenance, such as servicing, to cut running costs in the shorter term.
The price of parts to repair vehicles will increase due to component shortages and inflation.
Four in ten (42%) of repairers questioned will try to avoid passing on these expenses to consumers in 2025.
