The Prime Minister announced yesterday that non-essential premises must now close to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has therefore released official guidance relating to which businesses are and are not able to continue trading. The document, which can be accessed here, confirms that all car showrooms must now close, but garages and dealer workshops (i.e. authorised repairers) providing vehicle repairs (including servicing and MOTs) are able to stay open.

The document released by the government also includes information about the financial and business support available to businesses (please refer to page 5).

We will be arranging a webinar with a legal expert to discuss the legal implications of the lockdown in the automotive industry. More details will follow soon. We would like to commend all the hard work and commitment shown by our network of accredited businesses during these challenging times and your help with keeping motorists on the move.