TyreTalk seminar speakers confirmed for Brityrex International 2014

Brityrex International has confirmed a full line-up of expert speakers for the series of free TyreTalk seminars that will form a key point of interest at the tyre industry’s leading exhibition in Manchester this October.

Organised and presented in association with show sponsor the NTDA, the free seminars will cover topical subjects including the business opportunities provided by TPMS servicing and repair; an update on the EU tyre Labelling regulation; the NTDA’s campaigning work with Trading Standards on illegal part worn tyres, the environmental impact of illegal tyre dumping and disposal, and tyre ageing.

NTDA Director Stefan Hay commented: “This year’s TyreTalk programme will deliver sharp, focussed and informative seminars on the subjects we know will be of interest and value to show visitors. We have assembled a high-quality line-up of speakers who are experts in their subject areas. I’m very confident that everyone who attends will learn something to their advantage that will be of direct value to their business.”

Stefan will tackle the high profile issue of combatting illegal part worn tyres when he opens the TyreTalk programme on Tuesday, 7th October. He will be followed by Eric Smith, MoT Scheme Manager for Kwik-Fit, who will provide an update on changes to the MoT, which is a mainstay of many retailers’ businesses.

Speakers for Wednesday 8th October include Frances Molloy, the prominent tyre legislation campaigner who is lobbying the government to change the law on the sale and fitting of over-age tyres. Mrs Molloy’s 18-year old son Michael was killed in a coach crash in Surrey caused by a blowout of a second-hand tyre that was almost 20-years old.

There is currently no law preventing the fitting of tyres because of their age, which is a loophole she is determined to close by raising the profile of the issue with politicians, ministers, motoring authorities and the tyre industry.

“I’m grateful that many people in the tyre industry, including the NTDA, have supported my calls to change the law on over-age tyres, so it will be a great opportunity to spread the word further at Brityrex,” she says. “I will not rest until the law is changed to make sure no other family has to go through the truly awful experience of those of us affected by this tragic but avoidable accident.”

Prashant Chopra, managing director of leading industry supplier Autogem, will explain how tyre and fast-fit retailers can identify and take advantage of the rapidly developing market for TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems) servicing and repair. In particular, he will emphasise the benefits of establishing constructive dialogue with end user customers, many of whom will be unfamiliar with the technology.

“Educating motorists about TPMS is vital so that they understand the importance of having their vehicles checked and serviced, where necessary. As more and more cars are fitted with systems that become subject to MoT inspection, the work and revenue opportunities will increase for retailers. But as with every other product and service, the most successful businesses will be those that earn the trust and loyalty of their customers,” he explains.

Prevention and enforcement of illegal waste tyre dumping is one of the most pressing environmental issues faced by the tyre industry and will be the subject of a presentation by Paul Keay, the Environment Agency’s Waste Enforcement Campaign Manager.

“Up to the end of March last year, the Environment Agency investigated and stopped 62 illegal waste tyre sites, removing many thousands of tyres from unauthorised locations across the country and improving the environment,” says Paul.

“Enforcement is a crucial part of our role in combating illegal tyre disposal, but we also place a great deal of importance on preventing the problem from arising in the first place. Educating the trade is very important to us, so that people involved in the disposal of waste tyres understand the rules and the consequences to them and the environment of not complying with the law.”

The National Measurement Office is the Government agency responsible for the enforcement and compliance of the EU Tyre Labelling legislation. Matt Eglinton from the NMO says: “The NMO has been appointed as the Enforcement Authority for the EU Tyre Label regulations. We have an ongoing programme of engagements with manufacturers and distributors as agreed with the Department for Transport. This programme focuses on establishing effective partnerships with the UK tyre industry, with specific projects targeting areas perceived to be of higher risk.”

Dr Andrew Pryce, managing director of Sigmavision, will cover the latest developments for Tyre Measurement and Management. New technologies such as laser devices are now becoming available for tyre measurement; improving accuracy and completely automating the previously manual task of tyre tread measurement. Andrew will introduce the new technology and explain the financial and operational benefits available to garages, dealerships, compliance testing and fleet management applications. cja