GSF Car Parts’ annual TechFest event has evolved from a bold experiment into one of the aftermarket’s most talked-about gatherings. Speaking to AutoScene at TechFest North in Newcastle, CEO Steve Horne reflected on the event’s growth, the importance of local relationships, and why the future of the aftermarket remains bright.
When GSF Car Parts launched the first TechFest at Wembley just two years ago, there was no guarantee anyone would turn up.
“It was a cold, rainy Wednesday night and we genuinely didn’t know if anybody would walk through the door,” recalls Steve Horne. “When over 3,000 people attended, we knew we’d hit on something.”
Fast forward to 2026 and TechFest has become a cornerstone of GSF’s customer engagement strategy. What began as a single event in London has expanded across the country, with Newcastle hosting the latest regional edition.
For Horne, the success of TechFest comes down to a simple principle: giving something back.
“We wanted to create an event that customers would genuinely enjoy attending. It’s not about putting on a traditional trade show. It’s about creating an experience where customers, suppliers and our own teams can interact in a different environment.”
More Than a Trade Show
Walking around the exhibition hall in Newcastle, it is immediately clear that TechFest is designed differently.
Alongside supplier stands and technical demonstrations are family attractions, entertainment, competitions and hospitality areas. The result is an atmosphere that feels closer to a festival than a conventional industry event.
“We’ve seen more and more garage owners bringing their families along,” says Horne. “These people work incredibly hard. Why wouldn’t they bring their family, enjoy some food and make a day of it?”
That family focus has become an increasingly important part of the event.
“It’s one of the things I’m most proud of. The number of children who come along and get to see engines, gearboxes and all the technology we have on display is fantastic. They’re the future of our industry.”
With ongoing concerns about skills shortages across the aftermarket, Horne believes events like TechFest can play a small but valuable role in inspiring the next generation.
Why Newcastle?
GSF has traditionally enjoyed a strong presence in the North East, making Newcastle a natural choice for the first regional TechFest format.
“Newcastle is a strong area for us, but that’s really down to the relationships our branches have built with local garages over many years,” explains Horne.
“The people here are incredibly loyal. If you look after them and provide good service, they support you in return.”
The Newcastle event also serves as a testbed for a more regional approach to TechFest. “If this format works, it opens up opportunities to take TechFest to several more locations around the country. We want as many customers as possible to have the opportunity to experience it.”
Thinking Like a Local Motor Factor
Despite GSF’s continued expansion and a network now exceeding 200 branches, Horne remains adamant that success depends on maintaining the mindset of a local motor factor. Asked how GSF preserves that local feel while operating at national scale, his answer is immediate.
“I am absolutely focused on making sure this business competes and operates like a local factor, not a national business.”
According to Horne, the key lies in empowering branch teams to make decisions within their local markets.
“Our branch managers understand their customers better than anybody sitting in a head office ever could. They need the autonomy to make decisions and respond to the needs of their area.”
That philosophy extends throughout the business. Twice a year, GSF’s senior leadership team visits branches and customers across the network, ensuring decision-makers remain closely connected to the realities of day-to-day trading.
“You have to understand what’s happening at branch level and what customers are experiencing. That’s how you stay relevant.”
Supporting Garages Through Change
As vehicle technology continues to evolve, independent workshops face new challenges ranging from electrification to increasingly sophisticated diagnostics.
Horne believes the role of the motor factor is to help garages navigate those changes rather than fear them.
“Our job is to take away the fear factor.”
While some garages remain cautious about emerging technologies, others are actively investing in new capabilities.
“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Some businesses want to specialise and embrace every new development, while others are taking a more gradual approach. Our role is to support both.”
TechFest provides an ideal platform for that support, bringing together suppliers, technical experts and workshop owners in one place.
“It’s about giving customers access to information, products and expertise that can help them make decisions for their own businesses.”
Growth With Purpose
GSF’s branch network continues to expand, but Horne is keen to stress that growth isn’t simply about opening new locations.
“New branches are important because customers expect fast service and local availability, but sustainable growth comes from existing branches growing as well.”
Investment in stock availability, technology, people and customer service remains central to the company’s strategy.
“We’re focused on making it easier for customers to trade with us while continuing to improve what we do every day.”
For Horne, maintaining close customer relationships remains the foundation of long-term success.
“Everything comes back to understanding what customers want and making sure we’re delivering value.”
Looking Ahead
As TechFest North drew thousands of visitors through its doors, it was clear that the concept has evolved far beyond its original ambitions.
What started as an experiment has become a major fixture on the aftermarket calendar, and if Newcastle proves successful, it may soon be coming to even more regions across the UK. For Horne, however, the objective remains unchanged.
“TechFest is about giving something back. If customers leave having enjoyed themselves, learned something new and strengthened relationships within the industry, then we’ve achieved exactly what we set out to do.”
