Trade associations must build on recent progress

The two trade associations that campaign on behalf refinishers, the VBRS and the VRA must continue to lobby at national level for changes to the regulatory system that governs the refinish sector.

Both bodies held high level meetings with officials from the Department of Environment and Local Government (DECLG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during the year.

Writing in the Irish Bodyshop Journal, out now, Editor, John Loughran commented: “Both trade associations must now build on the progress made during the year and continue to lobby at a high level on behalf of their members.”

“Having spoken to officials from the DECLG and EPA on numerous occasions this year, I get the disctinct feeling that these officials fully understand the plight of the licensed refinish sector.”

“It is to be hoped that both the DECLG and EPA will be able to support compliant repairers through some form of consumer focused advertising next year.”

“The trade associations must also play their part in raising public awareness and the importance of supporting the licensed trade.”