On Friday 9 May Trident Garages Managing Director, Richard Roberts hosted a meeting with Dr. Ben Spencer MP. The meeting was attended by the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) Chief Executive Sue Robinson. This visit continues NFDA’s parliamentary engagement programme. Discussions focused on: Zero-Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate – The ZEV mandate featured prominently in discussions, and the need to introduce more fiscal incentives, to counter the introduction of recent tax changes such as the Expensive Car Supplement. Additionally, the Government should consider re-introducing the Plug-In Car Grant as an incentive. This is to entice consumers rather than dissuading them from electrification. The UK currently has strict targets, with a 2030 deadline compared to the EU’s 2035, yet provides no upfront fiscal incentives. As well as lacking incentives, it was relayed to the MP that the Government needs to consider improving charging infrastructure, so it is feasible for a larger volume of electric cars to be road ready. Additional information shared: National Insurance – Under the recent changes to National Insurance, announced in the Autumn Budget, an example was given where businesses employing someone on an annual salary of £40,000, the salary of a franchised dealer technician, will pay £985.80 more each year to keep them on the books and is set to be even higher for EV technicians. Business rates – Inconsistencies between online/high street retailers need to be assessed without destabilising the industry were also discussed. It was noted that in 2026-27, the Exchequer is enacting 0% relief and asking large commercial properties with a Rateable Value of over £500,000 to pay for a lower rate (up to 20% lower) for RHL properties with a value of less than £500,000. This measure is effectively a tax of £1.3 bn on commercial property. Dr. Ben Spencer MP thanked NFDA and Richard Roberts for a highly productive and informative visit on these key issues. Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of NFDA, commented : “NFDA plans to meet with Dr. Ben Spencer MP later in the year at the Conservative Party Conference. “NFDA remains committed to engaging with MPs to ensure the concerns of dealers and consumers are heard and addressed.” From left to right: Richard Roberts, Managing Director Trident Garages Ltd, Dr. Ben Spencer MP (2025)