Magazine

Find out what's in the latest issue of Aftermarket!

The November 2008 issue of Aftermarket is out now

For all editorial queries and questions about Aftermarket, please contact
editor Tom Mallens on +44 (0)1634 261262 or email tom@aftermarket.co.uk

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INSTEAD of beginning this month's issue with a gloomy warning about the state of the world's economy, I thought I'd pass on some inspiring words of wisdom insead.

I was at the Retail Motor Industry Federation's annual dinner in London this month where former Tory MP Michael Portillo had been asked to give an after dinner speech.

After a few jokes about his famous televised humiliation when he lost his Enfield Southgate seat in the 1997 general election, he reminded everyone just why cars matter - and why your work is not just important to our economy but to our quality of life too.

"Cars are one of the great symbols of freedom," he told an audience of automotive staff in his distinctive, regal voice. What you do is not only fundamentally important to the economy but it is vital to people's lives and liberty."

Remember that next time you or your staff repair a car. You're not just getting a vehicle back on the road, you're helping people enjoy the freedom of movement and travel.

You're helping them get work, earn money and enjoy a better quality of life as a result. The aftermarket really is poised to help drive the country's economy forward again.

Happy reading!