INDEPENDENT garages are being helped to launch a drive for fleet business with a new initiative from the Independent Garage Association, part of the Retail Motor Industry Federation. The association has launched Independent Plus, which will partly act as a buying group, offering members lower prices and a better range of products to attract fleet customers.

It will also offer a branded corporate identity, which, the RMI says, will allow garages to be 'independent, but not on their own'. It has teamed up with factoring company FSG to provide the service, launched at the end of last month, and is now promoting it with independent garages throughout the country.

The programme includes business management services, marketing and promotions services, a national transferable warranty and an approved supply agreement.