In this issue of Products & Services Review, we are pleased to feature Garage Equipment Association as our Garage Equipment Company of the Month.
Established in 1945, Garage Equipment Association (GEA) was originally made up of a consortium of garage equipment companies with an aim improve standards in equipment and sales.
The Garage Equipment Association (GEA) today exists to support its members in delivering the highest quality garage equipment and services to the UK automotive aftermarket. GEA is committed to keeping its members informed about the latest vehicle technologies, legislation, and industry standards – helping them stay competitive in the supply, servicing, and calibration of garage and test equipment.
As the only industry’s membership association for Garage Equipment, the GEA’s primary mission is to assist businesses involved in the supply and maintenance of garage equipment. The GEA places particular emphasis on MOT testing, ensuring our members have the latest guidance and regulatory updates. In addition, the GEA manages all equipment approvals on behalf of the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and maintains the official list of DVSA-approved equipment for MOT testing, available on its website. (DVSA Acceptable Equipment Lists–GEA)
Based in Daventry, the GEA prides itself on its high standards, quality, and safety of all its members. Acting as a support service to this great industry, one service worth noting is its independent assessments & Training Courses for its members, to ensure engineers who visit workshops are competent to perform the work they are on-site to do.
GEA Accredited Assessments covers, engineers, sales staff, and safety inspectors, and are designed to ensure professionals working with garage equipment are fully competent in: MOT Equipment, Lift equipment and Sales Consulting, the Wire Rope Inspection is specifically designed to cover HSE regulation on thorough examination (LOLER)
The GEA believes that all MOT engineers should have an in-depth knowledge of the DVSA regulations, guidelines and calibration requirements, therefore, the MOT Assessment measures the knowledge of engineers who service, install and calibrate MOT equipment. This knowledge combined with the appropriate product training (as supplied by the OEM) creates a competent and confident engineer.
There GEA also believes that a good understanding of the UK’s HSE and Product Regulations together with good product knowledge makes for a competent vehicle Lift Engineer. Technical training on products is to be provided by the member company or an equipment OEM supplier, and can include as many products that are specific to them. Please note, the assessment of an engineer’s technical knowledge and competency needs to be assessed and confirmed by the member company before they are able to site the GEA assessment.
Having good sales people is vital to businesses because they can directly impact revenue, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth. The GEA Accredited Assessments for sales consultants is not on specific product features and benefits but focuses on specific regulations, best working practices and generic Health & Safety requirements, including regulations around vehicle lift positioning and installation regulation BS 7980, which was recently updated in December 2024.
The purpose of the Wire Rope and load bearing chain Inspection course is to supply guidance to engineers and competent persons for routine maintenance and LOLER examinations. Focusing on identification of potential weakness and criteria on when it should be removed from service if required.
Each assessment evaluates both technical training (from OEMs or employers) and practical knowledge of UK standards/regulations. Successful candidates earn a GEA Garage Equipment Specialist Card virtual or physical (Virtual is on a smart phone/tablet/PC device and can they can also opt for a CSCS card so simplified access to registered construction sites. Assessments are delivered flexibly – online, at GEA’s centre in Daventry, or on-site
GEA’s Assessments & Training isn’t just about meeting standards – it’s about building trust, reducing risk, and enhancing operational excellence. By having GEA certification, it shows customers and regulators that your staff and your business are both fully trained and compliant, especially on health & safety (LOLER, PUWER), DVSA/MOT requirements, and equipment specs.
By having a mix of online self-paced modules and classroom or on-site options makes training affordable, effective, and scalable across teams. The certification lasts three years, and during this time, GEA continue to support ongoing continuous professional development (CPD) to ensure staffs skills are current and recognised.
The GEA are active members of the European Garage equipment association (EGEA) keeping the UK industry abreast of any changes or proposals from Europe such as the EU roadworthiness regulation currently going through the EU parlement.
GEA has proudly served the UK automotive service and collision repair industries for over 80 years, ensuring its members provide high-quality equipment, services, and support with professionalism and dedication. The GEA continues to be the central voice for its members – representing their interests across the automotive sector and engaging closely with professional bodies and government organisations.
Looking to the future, GEA is focused on expanding its training and education programmes to reach even more members. A key priority is to attract and develop new engineering talent, helping to strengthen the garage equipment industry and ensure its long-term success.
For more information, please see below:
T +44 (0)1327 312616
info@gea.co.uk
https://gea.co.uk