Servicing Stop has hit back at what it sees as a continuation of big brand garages monopolising the market and called on independents to raise their standards.

The monopolising of servicing by main dealers was supposedly dashed by the EU’s block exemption legislation passed in 2003, making it a “monumental year for independent garages across Europe”.

However, Servicing Stop has claimed that “big brands are still monopolising the market using colossal budgets and advanced technology to their advantage, making sure only their garages can service their cars”, folowing a recent survey.

The survey of 1,100 motorists revealed what they think independents could do to match the dealership standard.

Staff training was top on the list of motorists’ priorities with 37% calling for a higher level of knowledge. 

Customer service was a close second with 35%  saying it was a “priority in bridging the gap between independent and main dealer garages”, alongside 21% calling for aesthetically pleasing, presentable premises.

An additional 7% said a courtesy tea or coffee would improve the entire customer experience.

Servicing Stop’s chief executive and founder Oly Richmond (pictured) said: “There’s apparently four things motorists want from independents.

“Skilled staff, better customer service, clean premises and a friendly cuppa! Work your magic on these four things and you’ll retain more customers.

“We’re all about helping independent garages, which is why since founding we’ve provided more than £60 million worth of work to our garage network. We have kept hundreds of garages in business and aim to help even more over the coming years.”