Independent garage owners and technicians heading to the north of England next month will have direct access to DVSA officials, live technical demonstrations, and electrified vehicle guidance at the latest Independent Garage Association (IGA) Insider Live event.
Taking place on Wednesday 21st October 2026 at the RMI Academy of Automotive Skills in Runcorn, the free-to-attend day runs from 10:00 to 16:00.
Open to both IGA members and non-members, the programme focuses on shop-floor technical problem-solving and key regulatory updates affecting independent workshops.
Following positive workshop feedback from the new live-demonstration format introduced at the Coventry event earlier this year, the Runcorn leg features practical workshop demonstrations from tier-one manufacturers HELLA and VARTA.
Attendees will gain first-hand technical insight into modern battery management, diagnostic workflows, and OE component testing directly on the tools.
A core draw for MOT testers and garage proprietors will be an open session with the DVSA.
Representatives from the agency will deliver the latest testing service updates and take questions directly from attendees in a dedicated Q&A, giving workshops a rare chance to address compliance, operational pain points, and enforcement queries directly with the regulator.
The event will also spotlight the operational switch to electrified drivetrains, highlighting commercial opportunities and technical backup available through the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Alliance (HEVR-A).
Specialists will be on hand to walk garage owners through the safety, tooling, and diagnostic investments required to capture emerging EV and hybrid market share without overstretching workshop capital.
“The previous Insider Live event in Coventry was well received by our members and we were extremely pleased with how the new format worked, including the live demos from all of our contributors,” said Jon Douglas, Director of the Independent Garage Association.
“We’re looking forward to the event at the RMI Academy in Runcorn on the 21st of October, which will give an opportunity for independent garage owners from the north of England to experience the live demos.
“The event will also provide valuable industry insights around new technologies and the chance to hear updates and ask any questions garages have for the DVSA.”
With space limited, the IGA advises independent garage owners, workshop managers, and technicians to register in advance to secure entry.
