Expats from the UK Motor Industry have been working in the Middle East for well over 30 years. Whilst the initial requirement was for motor trade service and parts personnel, demand has now spread across all disciplines, especially since 2000.

Increasingly sophisticated vehicles need staff with the latest diagnostic skills for roles from master technician to supervisors. Whilst workshop controllers, service advisors and team leaders are regularly recruited, Modern DMS systems including Kerridge are in use, therefore IT CRM and marketing vacancies have become more common. A feature of the last 7-8 years has been the requirement for Retail Motor Trade Sales Personnel and not just at Management level.

Car Sales Executives and business Managers with sound track records in a process and procedure driven dealer environment are now seen as important to the efficiency of sales operations.

Language is no longer a barrier, since the business language in the Motor Trade is English and with expats from all over the world now a substantial part of the customer base, it’s use is more prevalent than ever.

In the short term is seems likely that the demand for UK Motor Trade personnel will, despite the recent economic turmoil, remain strong. However the Middle East is an increasingly competitive environment for skills and expats from Britain although highly regarded because of the professionalism of UK Car retailing, need to be aware that they will be judged against capable applicants from the rest of the world.

In the long term it is likely that improved education and training will result in better qualified local candidates being recruited into the Motor Trade and the region’s aim will be to reduce the heavy reliance on expat labour.