The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) will bring its pioneering Garage Den initiative to life at the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event 2026, showcasing the results of a first-of-its-kind collaboration between aftermarket suppliers and independent garages.
Taking place on Wednesday 3 June at 13.35 in the Business Management Theatre, the live session will reveal a series of commercially focused concepts developed over six months through close supplier–garage partnerships. The initiative offers a unique insight into how innovation can be shaped and refined through real-world workshop experience.
Originally launched at the IAAF Conference in December 2025, Garage Den pairs leading suppliers with respected independent garages, the “Dragons”, to co-develop new products and solutions designed to address genuine industry challenges.
The programme has brought together an impressive line-up of partnerships, each combining technical expertise with frontline operational knowledge. Tina Drayson of CCM Garages is working with Greg Johns of TechMan, while Matt Cleevely of Cleevely Group has partnered with Marc Roder of WAI Europe. Randeep Reehal of Courtwood Car Services is collaborating with Will Jones of Cataclean, and Gary Wood of Intelligent Auto has teamed up with Riccardo Sorano of Hella Gutmann. Tim Guidotti of Ferdotti Motor Services and The Fleet Guy is working alongside Milwaukee, while Michael Shaikly of Shaikly Motor Company has partnered with Aliya Lam of Delphi.
Over the past six months, each partnership has worked closely together, including on-site visits to garages, to refine their ideas, ensuring each concept is grounded in real workshop needs.
Ahead of the live session, content captured during these visits will be showcased, followed by on-stage interviews with each supplier, hosted by Steve Whitton.
Mark Field, Chief Executive of the IAAF, said: “Garage Den represents a real shift in how we approach innovation in the aftermarket. By bringing suppliers and garages together from the very start of the process, we’re ensuring that new ideas are shaped by real-world experience and genuine need. The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event provides the perfect platform to showcase what can be achieved when the industry collaborates in this way.”
The initiative forms part of a wider focus on collaboration, skills and future development across the sector, aligning with the UK Garage & Bodyshop Event’s commitment to delivering engaging, forward-thinking content for the aftermarket community.
The UK Garage & Bodyshop Event returns to the NEC, Birmingham, on 3rd and 4th June 2026, bringing together leading brands, suppliers and professionals from across the aftermarket for two days of networking, learning and innovation.
