Not too long ago, customers would drive from dealership to dealership to find their perfect car. But the internet has largely put an end to this, with dealer visits now reduced to one or two following research online.

With the long, hot summer here, thoughts of young people up and down the UK naturally turn to … driving. The school and college holidays normally see a spike in driving school applications with first-time drivers wanting to get out on the open roads.

With wedding season at peak, and a burgeoning trend for stretch limousine hire at school prom celebrations, there is a growing need for regular valeting beyond the already established tourist car-hire season.

It's both an exciting and challenging time to be an auto electrician in the motor trade sector. As in-vehicle electronics grow ever more sophisticated, auto electricians are becoming an indispensable part of the motor trade.

In our 24-hour mobile service culture, it's no surprise that the motor trade sector should be any different. Customers now expect assistance and repair solutions around the clock, wherever they are located, making it a prosperous time for mobile mechanics.

British firms have come a long way since the UK government first started officially recording accident at work statistics. In 1974 there were a recorded 651 workplace accident deaths in the UK.

For anyone involved in the motor trade industry, be it sales or repair, the subject of insurance excess always rears its head when discussing policies, premiums and claims.

According to a report by data firm HPI in February, more than £10m worth of cars were saved from being auctioned off or sent to the crusher after being apprehended by police for no insurance coverage.