People mean profit: Find out how to best invest

97% of employers within the sector agree that the ability to use diagnostic IT equipment is becoming the absolute minimum requirement in all after-sales operations. Employers must step up to this challenge in a number of ways, say industry experts.

Nowadays, even five year old cars, vans and trucks have advanced electronics to contend with. And one thing you can be sure of – vehicles are not going to get any simpler to repair. This means that school leavers will need far better literacy, numeracy and life skills if they are to be considered for a career in the service and repair industry.

In research conducted by Automotive Skills, 93% of employers agree that pay and conditions will need to catch up with other sectors to attract and retain the right people. Encouragingly, 89% of employers also believe that spending more money on training will lead to a noticeable increase in profitability.

So, how do you turn people into profit and grow your business success, in the midst of what is essentially a technical revolution within the service and repair trade?

For three days in April, the answer will be clear. The UK's leading suppliers of components, diagnostics equipment, garage and bodyshop service tools and equipment will be at the NEC, ready to answer your questions, demonstrate equipment and discuss what’s new in service, equipment, parts and training.

The Commercial Vehicle Show and Automotive Trade Show will take place from April 24-26 at the NEC, Birmingham, alongside the Skills Zone 2007, which will deliver careers advisors and HR professionals from outside of our industry, as well as employees and employers from within the sector who are looking for training and recruitment opportunities.

Entry to all three events is FREE and visitors will also receive a FREE Show Guide in advance, to help them make the most of their visit, simply by registering online at atshow.com or skillszone.net.