The news that ATS Euromaster is set to close a significant number of UK service centres, placing more than 700 roles at risk, has brought the realities of industry change into sharp focus. For the technicians and MOT testers directly affected, the priority is understandably immediate. For others across the aftermarket, it serves as a reminder that the sector continues to evolve.
Consolidation, restructuring and network realignment have become part of the modern automotive landscape. Rising operational costs, shifts in service models and the increasing complexity of vehicles are all reshaping how businesses operate. While headlines often focus on corporate decisions, it is the skilled professionals on the workshop floor who feel the impact most directly.
At the same time, the broader demand for technical expertise has not diminished. Workshops across the country continue to experience high activity levels driven by recalls, warranty work and seasonal servicing peaks. MOT testers and experienced technicians remain central to keeping vehicles on the road, and in many regions, the availability of skilled labour remains tight.
Periods of change often prompt reflection. Technicians who have built their careers within one network may now be reassessing what stability looks like in 2026. For some, that may mean seeking reassurance within a new ownership structure. For others, it may involve exploring alternative routes within the industry.
What has shifted over the past decade is the range of pathways available. Contracting, once viewed as a short-term option, has developed into a more established and professionally managed route for experienced technicians seeking continuity and control. Equally, independent workshops and dealer groups continue to recruit permanent staff to strengthen core teams. The key difference today is that career progression is no longer limited to one format or one employer.
Darren Leppard, Head of Revenue and Operations at Autotech Recruit, believes moments like this underline the resilience of the sector’s skilled workforce: “Change in the aftermarket isn’t new, but it can feel personal when it affects your own workshop,” he said. “The important thing for technicians to remember is that their skills remain in demand. We speak to businesses across the UK every day who are looking for experienced technicians and MOT testers. There are options available, and understanding those options can provide clarity at a time when headlines may feel unsettling.”
He added: “Over the years, we’ve supported technicians through different phases of industry change, from consolidation to economic downturns and the shift towards new vehicle technologies. What remains consistent is the value of technical expertise. Whether someone chooses a permanent role or a more flexible model, the industry still needs those skills.”
For newly qualified technicians entering the sector, developments like this may feel concerning. However, long-term workforce pressures across the aftermarket mean that structured entry routes and progression pathways remain essential. The demand for capable, well-trained professionals has not disappeared; it continues to evolve alongside the businesses that employ them.
The closure of a major network inevitably creates uncertainty. Yet it also highlights a broader truth about the automotive sector: while businesses may restructure, the need for skilled technicians endures. For those navigating change, taking time to understand the full range of opportunities available across the industry may prove to be the most constructive next step.