Epyx is adding further independent garages to its 1link Service Network, meeting growing customer demand and a backlog of MOT work following the pandemic.

Independents account for 46% of the SMR suppliers listed on the 1link platform

The network currently has nearly 9,000 franchise, independent and fast-fits; non-franchise garages account for 46% of the SMR suppliers listed on the platform and have long been widely valued by fleet customers, according to epyx.

But the firm’s increased targeting of SME fleets has seen new as well as existing customers on the network express demand for increased use of independents.

Newly appointed commercial director Debbie Fox explained: “Many of these businesses tend to want to still use their local independent with which they have a longstanding relationship while embracing our technology.

“We are also seeing increased demand for SMR services in places where geographically, no local franchise option exists and in these places, we are looking for high-quality independents.

“Finally, the coronavirus crisis has had an obvious impact on SMR, especially with the six-month MOT deferrals creating the potential for a glut of demand for testing from the end of September, alongside widespread delays in maintenance creating a backlog.”