PTW sector support
Five key issues and where to find out more
22nd October 2020 | 3 minute read
COVID-19 has been particularly challenging for motorcycle dealerships, with significant disruption to manufacturing and supply chains and the introduction of Euro5-compliant models. The good news is government and industry bodies are working hard to make a wealth of useful information available to support Powered Two Wheeler (PTW) dealers.
To help you access the advice and support you need, here are links to helpful resources based around five key topics affecting the PTW sector.
1. COVID-related safety measures
Compliance with the latest government regulations is essential, not just to keep your staff and customers safe but to keep your dealership operational.
The Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) provides regularly updated resources, including:
- Protection – links to the latest government advice on running businesses safely.
- ATB Best Practice – best practice guidelines for approved training bodies (ATBs), plus updates to COVID-related changes for DVSA motorcycle theory and practical tests.
- Templates – useful documents including a self-isolation letter for staff returning from holiday.
2. Government business support
With a wide range of Government financial support available, it’s worth checking whether you are eligible.
The MCIA provides regular updates to members on what’s available via its News & Press pages, with links to relevant Government websites:
- Employment support – information on the ‘Job Support Scheme’, which replaces the furlough scheme and will run for six months from 1 November 2020.
- Business finance – provision of loans and grants via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), which has been extended until 30 November 2020.
- Funded work placements – funding for 6-month work placements for eligible young people via the recently launched Kickstart scheme.
3. Finance-related issues
With the financial impacts of COVID-19 still developing, and many customers buying on finance, it’s helpful to get an expert perspective.
The Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) offers a wealth of advice, some of which is relevant to dealers, including:
- Intergenerational differences in financial impact – a summary of Financial Conduct Authority research highlighting the impact of the pandemic on young earners.
- Finance forbearance best practice – covering clear communication, information on the status of debts, referral to debt advice firms, forbearance options, assessing and confirming the affordability of payment plans.
NMDA home page
4. Business advice and support
In a constantly changing and uncertain market, keeping on top of every aspect of your business is more important than ever.
The NMDA offers members a wealth of advice and support including:
- Business advice – assistance for dealers with day-to-day issues.
- HR & Employment advice – including HR documentation resources.
- Legal services – free legal advice from in-house lawyers.
- Trading standards – guidance on complying with legislation.
- Monthly newsletter – updates on issues, trends and results affecting the industry
5. Promoting PTW uptake
With social distancing likely to remain an issue for some time, commuter bikes in
particular represent an attractive alternative to packed trains and buses. At the same time, PTWs offer a cleaner alternative to car use as part of a green economic recovery.
The MCIA is lobbying the UK Government to get PTWs included in transport policy as a key element of making streets cleaner and clearer. At the same time it is promoting the benefits of PTWs to consumers, including pushing them as a COVID-safe commuting option, through its ‘Unlock Your Freedom’ campaign.
Unlock Your Freedom campaign page
We hope you found this article useful. If you have any questions or concerns that are not covered here or would like any additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Account Manager.
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