ITIA launches ground breaking licensing scheme

Tyre retailers came out in a united show of force at the Mullingar Park Hotel, on Saturday September 7,  to support the launch of the ITIA Licensing scheme. Both ITIA members and non-members converged to have a strong voice from the retail sector, to show how committed the reputable trade is to improve service and safety for consumers. ITIA President Kevin Farrell, himself a retailer, was joined at the top table by the ITIA Retail Council Members.

Details of the License criteria wwere outlined, with a key stipulation being a declaration that licensees are not involved in the buying and distributing of second hand or part worn passenger vehicle tyres. Other criteria covered the safe repair of tyres, which will be carried out to British standard BS AU 159. Accreditation of staff is also a stipulation to ensure that standards are upheld in retail tyre outlets.

The issuing of ITIA licenses will give the consumer more clarity to see reputable tyre retailers stand out from what is becoming an ever more crowded market place. New outlets are emerging all the time in the tyre market, while established businesses are being pushed to the wall by those trading in the black economy, according to the ITIA. Licensing, the ITIA says,  will enable those operating legitimate businesses to differentiate themselves clearly from the cowboys.

Check out the full article in the Tyre Trade Journal, out next week.