Garages and workshops across the UK are being encouraged to share their experiences of 2026, with The Motor Ombudsman seeking industry feedback on business challenges, staffing pressures and the outlook for 2027.
The Motor Ombudsman has launched its latest service and repair sector survey, inviting businesses to reflect on the past year and outline the opportunities and challenges they expect to face in the year ahead.
The survey explores a wide range of issues affecting the automotive aftermarket, from rising operating costs and the affordability of vehicle repairs to technician recruitment, parts availability and investment in new technology.
Among the operational challenges highlighted are customers delaying routine servicing and essential repairs because of financial pressures, rising energy bills and parts prices, and the difficulty of maintaining profitability without passing additional costs on to motorists.
The survey also examines the changing technical landscape facing workshops, including the cost of investing in electric vehicle servicing equipment, access to vehicle repair information and the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on how motorists diagnose problems with their cars.
Staffing is another key area of focus, with businesses asked about the availability of qualified technicians, apprenticeship recruitment, staff training and the pressures created by increasing workloads.
Looking ahead to 2027
As well as identifying the difficulties faced during 2026, The Motor Ombudsman wants to understand what has gone well for businesses over the past year.
The survey asks about positive customer relationships, staff retention, investment in workshop facilities, the adoption of new technology and opportunities created by motorists keeping their existing vehicles for longer.
Businesses are also invited to outline their plans for 2027, including potential investment in electric vehicle training, additional workshop capacity, improved IT security, recruitment and more flexible payment options for customers.
The questionnaire also asks respondents to identify their main concerns for 2027, with potential issues including further increases in operating costs, customers putting off essential repairs, difficulties attracting new business and the continued recruitment of qualified staff.
The findings will help provide insight into the experiences and expectations of businesses operating across the UK service and repair sector.
How to take part
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and provides garages and workshops with an opportunity to share their experiences and views on the future of the industry.
Those completing the questionnaire can also choose to enter a prize draw to win £100 in Amazon vouchers.
The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday, 20 November 2026.
To complete the survey, visit:
https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/91277701/SRC-2026
Garages, workshop operators and other relevant automotive businesses are encouraged to participate and share their perspectives on the issues shaping the sector.